Dynasty News: Offseason Updates

We are just a few weeks away from the season opener, and the news from training camp is beginning to pour in. In today's Dynasty News, we will examine some of the larger happenings of the week from a dynasty perspective.

Dynasty News: QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

The status of Matthew Stafford's back is concerning for dynasty managers, as the Rams are a high-upside offense and Jimmy Garoppolo is the backup. Last week, coach Sean McVay told reporters that the star passer is considered week-to-week after receiving an epidural for an aggravated disc in his back. Last Tuesday, McVay said that Stafford has "been able to kind of increase some things behind the scenes" and that he is making progress. Let's remember that Stafford is 37 years old and not getting any younger. Adam Schefter reported that Stafford's absence from training camp is merely a "maintenance issue." Our concern is not whether Stafford will play Week 1 – because we think he will. It is more that the veteran quarterback will be able to hold up through the rigors of an NFL season. We advise stashing Garoppolo because he has the fantasy upside to be a low-end fantasy starter, especially with McVay calling the plays in this prolific offense. Last Tuesday, Ian Rapoport tweeted, "they (the Rams) love what Jimmy Garoppolo brings as his backup." 

Dynasty News: RB Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last year, Bucky Irving burst on the scene, displacing Rachaad White from the starting gig. A few days ago, Dan Graziano reported that Bucky Irving "is viewed by people in the building as special enough to warrant a high-volume RB1 role." This is great news for the dynasty community as there are few young, workhorse backs. Graziano added that Irving's role "includes pass-catching work." The Buccaneers offense is primed to dominate the NFC South once again, and Irving is primed for another big season. He could be viewed as a top dynasty asset this time next year. Sure, White is a good player, but it is great news to see Irving's role safe for dynasty. Additionally, White was injured in Saturday's preseason game, and his prognosis is not yet fully known.

Dynasty News: RBs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings

Last week, Minnesota head coach said (when asked about the roles of Mason and Jones), "We feel like we've got one of the best combinations of 1a/1b running backs in the National Football League… The goal is to keep both of them fresh. The goal is to keep both of them 10 out of 10, ready to go play the next snap and be a problem for defenses, and I think those guys are gonna do that for us." Let's remember that Jones turns 31 in December and Mason has a long injury history. The Vikings want to keep both backs healthy for the playoff run, which will be painful for the dynasty community. Dynasty managers may not know which, if either, to start in lineups. 

Dynasty News: RB Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

The veteran tailback signed with the Chargers in the offseason on a one-year, $5 million deal. He signed with Los Angeles before the team selected Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. These two backs were expected to compete for touches in coach Harbaugh's running game, but Harris sustained an eye injury from July 4th fireworks. While Harris' agent keeps telling the media that the injury is "superficial", he has not progressed past walking slowly around the practice field with what appears to be tape over his injured eye. Eye injuries are difficult to predict but we will stay on top of the situation for you. Coach Harbaugh had this to say about the injury, "There's a chance [Harris could miss Week 1]. ... I'm talking about what I know, and can he open his eye? Yeah. I've looked into his eye. I can tell you stuff like that. Past that, I don't want to characterize something or put words on something or a diagnosis. Just not qualified to do that." Dynasty managers should plan on Harris missing at least the first part of the season. This feels like a situation where he begins the season on the PUP list or starts slowly as he gets into shape.

Dynasty News: WR Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders

Washington's Terry McLaurin has been in the news a lot this past month. He wants a new contract and has been vocal about the request. The Commanders are in a tough spot as McLaurin turns 30 in September. With the contract demands making headlines, McLaurin's ankle injury has fallen off the news radar.  Last week, head coach Dan Quinn said that he does not have a timetable for McLaurin's return from the injury. The coach added, "We won't rush that,"  when asked about McLaurin's physical rehabilitation once the ankle is healed. We have to wonder if the lack of a new contract is delaying McLaurin's return. He signed a contract extension in the summer of 2022. According to OvertheCap.com, McLaurin signed a three-year, $68.2 million contract extension with $53.154 million in guarantees. His base salary, excluding prorated, workout, and other bonuses, is $15.5 million.

Given his age and the high expectations for the Commanders this season, this may be McLaurin's last opportunity to leverage a big payday. His numbers skyrocketed with Jayden Daniels starting last year. Before the 2024 season, McLaurin attempted to catch passes from the likes of Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy, Alex Smith, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Garrett Gilbert, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz, and Sam Howell. At the end of the day, we recommend dynasty managers to use this "noise" as a buy opportunity for McLaurin. Most will see his WR16 ranking in PPR leagues last year and totally miss the fact that he was WR5 after the first two games. It took him a couple of weeks to gel with the new rookie quarterback and coaching staff.

Dynasty News: WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta receiver Darnell Mooney hurt his shoulder several weeks ago and has been slow to get back on the practice field. Last week, head coach Raheen Morris told reporters that Mooney "is several weeks away from returning to the field." Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. needs the speedy pass-catcher on the field to take coverage away from Drake London. At this point, it would not be surprising to see him start the season on the PUP list. The season is long and Mooney has big week-to-week upside, so he is a player to monitor. Mooney is a "buy" for us as he could be a league-winner down the stretch.