We are approaching the fantasy playoffs in most dynasty leagues. We will focus on waivers and trades for a few more weeks, then we will transition to players to stash, buy, and sell for the offseason. In today's "Dynasty News," we examine some of the week's larger happenings from a dynasty perspective.
Dynasty News: QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
When Joe Burrow was put on injured reserve, most dynasty managers did not know if they would see him again this season. After the trade for Joe Flacco, doubt arose further about whether he would return for the 2025 season. Well, Burrow has started practicing and could play very soon.
A potential return date for Joe Burrow could be Week 14 at Buffalo.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2025
This and more with @DanStanczyk:
🎧 https://t.co/Gl2WBjuKsG pic.twitter.com/TzO4EwFmUD
Jordan Schultz opined that the star passer could return as early as next week.
Joe Burrow is targeting a Week 13 or Week 14 return, which has given the Bengals some real juice and excitement inside the building — and helps explain why they chose not to trade Trey Hendrickson. pic.twitter.com/0ZxsZTp3sJ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 12, 2025
With the AFC North division up in the air, Burrow is pressing to return as quickly as possible. Flacco played very well before laying an egg against Pittsburgh. With a one-year contract - and likely playing elsewhere next season - Flacco makes for a great dynasty target in SuperFlex or two-quarterback teams seeking a sound quarterback option for 2026. The key will be the timing of a trade. Managers are encouraged to wait until Burrow is back, deflating Flacco's value. Sure, there is uncertainty as to where - or if - he plays next year, but the price should be pennies and the upside is strong as a high-end QB2 in twelve-team leagues.
Dynasty News: QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
After his trade from Houston, Cleveland doled out a massive contract to Deshaun Watson. On March 18, 2022, the Browns gave Watson a 5-year, $230,000,000 fully guaranteed contract, comprising an average annual salary of $46,000,000. Now that he is healthy and the Browns will have a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, eyes will focus on Watson's future.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if QB Deshaun Watson will be designated to return to practice from PUP this week.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 10, 2025
“I'm not sure if that's what we're doing.”
According to Spotrac, the Browns will have $131,163,378 in dead cap space if the team releases or trades Watson next offseason. Sure, they could designate him a post-June-1 cut and spread the cap hit over two years, but that will impact the Browns' cap situation for years to come. The good news is that his contract can be voided after 2026. This is a team that will likely have a new regime in 2026, so it will be interesting who is chosen to "right the ship."
Dynasty News: QB Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers
Mac Jones played well while filling in for Brock Purdy, completing 70% of his passes, leading the injury-riddled 49ers to a 6-4 record. He is playing better than at any time while in Jacksonville. This past offseason, San Francisco signed Jones to a 2-year, $8,410,000 contract. What a great deal for the 49ers front office. Jones' strong play has led to speculation that the team might trade him this coming offseason:
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: With his starting stint coming to an end, #49ers QB Mac Jones emerged as a prime trade candidate for 2026 for league full of teams that need one. pic.twitter.com/4TH08ubiNz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2025
Given the low salary for 2026, the team does not have much incentive to trade their backup passer, especially given Brock Purdy's injury history. General Manager John Lynch has had great success with backup quarterback reclamation projects in recent years. For example, Sam Darnold got his career back on track in 2023 in a similar situation. San Francisco only has a short window for the Super Bowl and will want continuity in the quarterback room through 2026.
Dynasty News: QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. reinjured his knee in Sunday's loss to Carolina. The Falcons are now 3-7 and have no incentive to rush Penix back to the field.
#Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is believed to have aggravated the same knee injury as earlier in the season, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025
That bone bruise in the same knee kept him out one game. More tests coming, but there is concern he'll miss some time. pic.twitter.com/1fMpX7MxIP
Monday morning, Adam Schefter gave the prognosis:
ESPN sources: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Panthers. Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging. pic.twitter.com/GiWa64ofSN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
Ian Rapoport gave more information on Penix's immediate future:
#Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is headed to Injured Reserve after aggravating a bone bruise and knee sprain from earlier in the season, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025
Additionally, there has been damage to the ACL, which could mean a full reconstruction. Kirk Cousins is up. pic.twitter.com/6rbwQCXDWN
Kirk Cousins replaced Penix and did not play well against the Panthers, completing only 6 of his 14 passes for 48 yards. Maybe a full week of practice will help him get more acclimated. Lastly, Adam Schefter notes the frequency Penix has endured season-ending injuries:
This is expected to be the fifth season-ending injury for Michael Penix Jr. in his eight college and pro seasons. https://t.co/wt0vseW4PM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
There is a distinct possibility that the Falcons have a new coach next year. It will be a big season for Penix to assert himself.
Dynasty News: RB J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos
There were whispers early last week that Broncos tailback J.K. Dobbins would miss extended time with a foot injury. He missed practice all week, and then word spread about the injury:
#Broncos RB JK Dobbins will be out on Sunday vs the #Chiefs with a significant foot injury and is believed to be out for the foreseeable future, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 14, 2025
Dobbins is still working through options, and while there's no final determination, IR remains a… pic.twitter.com/73n2LEvA8N
Here is more on the injury:
Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins will be placed on injured reserve with a foot injury that requires surgery and likely end his season, per ESPN sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2025
Dobbins sustained the injury on a hip-drop tackle during the Broncos' Thursday night win against the Raiders. Set to become a free… pic.twitter.com/DhuqTNZirx
And ...
One source said JK Dobbins “will be ready in February if the Broncos make the Super Bowl.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2025
But Dobbins foot injury will require surgery and likely end his season.
More: https://t.co/9A9yOlOzxX
Rookie RJ Harvey was the prime beneficiary against the Chiefs, but Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin still had sizable roles, limiting Harvey's upside. The rookie has talent. Dobbins' extended absence might force coach Payton to rely on him more. As for Dobbins, he will be a free agent after the season and is a likely candidate to return to Denver in 2026. Dobbins already had his surgery, according to Tracy Wolfson:
I was told JK Dobbins had surgery already on a Lisfranc injury suffered against the Raiders. He is expected to be out for the season. Huge loss for the #Broncos on and off the field. Dobbins was putting together a tremendous season in a contract year.
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) November 15, 2025
Given Payton's propensity for using multiple backs, dynasty managers are encouraged to roster Badie and McLaughlin if possible.
Dynasty News: RB Bucky Irving and WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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