Throughout each week of the season, I will highlight players who elevate their game or sink to new lows. We’ll navigate the dynasty fantasy football streets and the market that coincides with it. I will analyze the games the highlighted players played the previous week to see how they won or lost to help you decide whether they are legit or a one-week wonder.
Week Two Recap
After each week, I plan on recapping who I discussed during the week before checking back to see if they continued their dominance, bounced back, or remained the same. Last week, I spoke about Bijan Robinson and Justin Fields. You can find it here if you want to read the whole article.
Darling: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Through the first three weeks of the season, it is safe to say the Detroit Lions are a defense to avoid playing your running backs against. During the team’s week two matchup, the Lions held Bijan Robinson to a very pedestrian stat line. Robinson had ten rushes for 33 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. He was still involved in the passing game, earning six targets. He converted four of those targets into receptions for 27 receiving yards.
If you are a Robinson manager, stay the course. It was a tough matchup, and looking ahead, the Falcons face the following teams over the next four weeks: Jaguars, Texans, Commanders, Buccaneers. You can continue to start Robinson with confidence.
Dud: Justin Fields, QB Chicago Bears
Another week, alongside another underwhelming Justin Fields performance. Fields faced a tough matchup against the Chiefs’ defense, but the Bears’ offense looked broken. I don’t blame Fields entirely, but watching their offense struggle week in and week out is tough. Fields’ value in dynasty fantasy football is dwindling.
Fields completed 11 out of 22 passes for 99 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He saved his fantasy day by having 47 rushing yards on 11 carries. More importantly, he took three more sacks last weekend.
It will be interesting to see what he does against the Broncos’ defense in week 4 – the same defense that gave up 70 points to the red-hot Miami Dolphins last week. It’s either a get-right game for Fields or his future could be less bright than initially thought.
Week Three
Darling: De’Von Achane
Out of all the superstar performances in week 3, De’Von Achane shined the brightest, scoring 53.2 PPR points and finished as the RB1 on the week. Achane had 18 rushes for 203 yards with two touchdowns. That alone is an incredible day for an NFL running back. Now add the four receptions for 30 yards and two touchdowns through the air. His stat line most likely won you your weekly matchup – if you played him.
It was an incredible performance by the entire Dolphins offense. Achane was unstoppable, but we can’t expect him to score 50 points weekly in fantasy. Plenty of managers might see this as a sell-high moment, fearing Raheem Mostert’s involvement and the inevitable return of Jeff Wilson.
I am not selling based on one performance. Achane got 18 carries last week, but we all assumed going into the season that he would thrive on 10-12 carries a game, focusing on efficiency with each touch. This range is more realistic when everyone is healthy in the Miami backfield. Achane’s skillset, size, and speed are ideal for the Mike McDaniels offensive scheme giving Achane a boost in dynasty fantasy football.
De'Von Achane Every Run and Catch Week 3 Miami Dolphins vs Denver Broncos NFL 2023
Achane ran 18 times for 203 yards and 2 TDs. He also caught 4 balls for 30 yards and 2 TD's
Watch full video 📽️ https://t.co/MPLVRLIPBS#Football #nflfootball #fantasyfootball #highlights #devon pic.twitter.com/CHdGgdE6ra
— NFL Study (@NFLStudy) September 25, 2023
No matter what, you love that Achane has the upside to win you a week, but the Dolphins should have a more competitive matchup in week four against the Bills. This week should help us figure out what realistic expectations we should have when Achane is on the field.
The jury is still out to see if Achane is premier trade bait for teams or a perennial league winner – especially in redraft leagues. I will watch closely to see which side of the spectrum he starts leaning towards and then act accordingly based on my opinions.
Honorable Mentions: Chris Olave, Michael Pittman, C.J. Stroud, Sam LePorta
Dud: Antonio Gibson
My week three dud is Antonio Gibson. Writing this is disappointing, as I was exceptionally optimistic about Gibson’s seasonal outlook. He has been disappointing thus far in the 2023 season. In week 3, Gibson rushed twice for 17 yards and caught three of five targets for seven yards. In addition to the unappealing stat line, he fumbled for the second time this season.
Antonio Gibson understands he can't fumble anymore.
His teammates are supportive, keeping his head right.
AG told me, "Nobody is bashing me, but at the end of the day you can't have that. It's kind of understood, I can't let it keep happening or I won't be playing at all." pic.twitter.com/uRZkHe8UPU
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) September 27, 2023
Gibson’s upside and big play ability are still there. Looking at the bright side, Gibson has secured the passing down role in the Commanders’ offense, which was why I was so optimistic about him going into the season. Hopefully, production will follow, but only time will tell.
It has yet to be determined if things will work out with Gibson in Washington. Alternatively, he is in the last year of his rookie deal with the Commanders, but we all know how the running back market has treated free agents recently. As dynasty managers, we hope Gibson signs with another team that will utilize his skill sets properly.
Depending on your risk tolerance and if you still believe in the talent, I could see Gibson as a buy-low if the price is right. You can stash him in redraft, but unless his situation changes, you might need to temper your expectations with him.
Honorable Mentions: Desmond Ridder, David Njoku, Sam Howell, Darren Waller
That wraps up this week’s edition of Dynasty Duds and Darlings. Be sure to follow me on X for all other fantasy-related content. More importantly, follow The League Winners for updates and all other content throughout the fantasy season.
Joe Arledge
Writer for The League Winners Fantasy Football and Faceoff Sports Network. University of Cincinnati Alumni.