Welcome to the Dynasty Watch. For those of you playing in deep dynasty leagues, this is where we’ll help you keep track of some bench stashes. These are players who have a small chance of becoming regular contributors, but for the few that do, we’ll try and help you beat your league-mates to the punch.
We’ll chronicle any upticks in usage or production each week, so be sure to read the previous Dynasty Watch articles to get a season-long picture.
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
A.J. Dillon (GB) — With Jamaal Williams out and the Packers clearly taking it easy with Aaron Jones as they prepare for a deep playoff run, the rookie Dillon saw significant usage for the first time all season. He didn’t disappoint. Dillon racked up 124 yards on 12 rushes and scored 2 TDs. Looking every bit the Thunder to Jones’ Lightning, the 2020 62nd-overall pick certainly showed why he’s more than just a backup in Matt LaFleur’s future offense. If Jones returns, our John Hansen thinks they will be rolling with a backfield duo similar to what the Saints had for a couple of seasons with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Dillon, of course, would be Ingram.
Samaje Perine (Cin) — It’s been a whirlwind of running back usage over the last three weeks for the Cincinnati running backs. Perine saw lots of action in Week 14, then was ignored in Week 15, then logged tons of snaps in Week 16. Perine operated as the 2 in the 1-2 punch with Gio Bernard, rushing for 13/95 and 2 TDs, while catching 4/41. Perine may supplant Bernard as Joe Mixon’s direct handcuff for 2021, or may just be flexing his skills for a future team.
Darrel Williams (KC) — Andy Reid is prone to stockpiling running backs that he can fire up at a moment’s notice, and with rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire out last week, Williams got the nod. Even with Le’Veon Bell involved, Williams posted 10/46 and caught 4 passes for 27. This is a 2021 CEH handcuff tweet.
Wide Receivers
DaeSean Hamilton (Den) — Operating mostly out of the slot, Hamilton filled in for K.J. Hamler, catching 5 balls for 77 yards on 9 targets. Hamilton has been productive in the three games he’s started this year with either Hamler or Tim Patrick missing time. Hamilton posted 13/275/2 in those three games.
Braxton Berrios (NYJ) — Berrios has been the 4th wideout for much of the season, seeing more action when a receiver (or two) went down. He tends to be a big-play threat, with six games of over 13 YPC this season. Berrios caught all three of his passes in Week 16 for 60 yards and a TD. My best ball steal has a first name, it’s B-r-a-x-t-o-n.
Ja’Marcus Bradley (Cle) — You want deep league stashes? It doesn't get any deeper than this. Bradley - a practice squad resident - was called up last minute as the entire Browns receiving corps was placed on the COVID/Reserve list. The UDFA out of Louisiana did admirably with his opportunity, catching 5 of his 11 targets for 60 yards. Don’t pick up Bradley. Just put the name in your mind’s back pocket and maybe one day he’ll show up again.
Tight Ends
Jacob Hollister (Sea) — Hollister continued to operate as the top receiving tight end with Greg Olsen out. Hollister saw 6 targets (Will Dissly was like the fourth Little Piggy…he had none), and caught 2 balls for 17 yards and a TD. It’s his 2nd TD in as many weeks. Olsen is coming back soon, but Hollister holds future value as a receiving tight end for Seattle.
