As the fantasy season draws to a close, it is time to purge your dynasty roster of some of those veteran handcuffs and spare kickers and defenses, and in their place add some high-upside prospects for 2021. There are a number of excellent recommendations posted here. Obviously, many of them are reaches and won't stick on your roster next season, but survey your own league and keep a list assembled.
Here are some of the factors I always consider as I mine for some fantasy gold nuggets:
1. Consider not only the targeted player's contract situation, but the contracts of other key components of the team.
Here are some key 2021 free agents to take into consideration: QB Dak Prescott, QB Mitchell Trubisky, QB Cam Newton, QB Philip Rivers, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Aaron Jones, RB Chris Carson, RB Kenyan Drake, RB Phillip Lindsay, RB Leonard Fournette, RB Todd Gurley, RB Mike Davis, RB Gus Edwards, RB James White, RB Jamaal Williams, RB Marlon Mack, RB Le'veon Bell, RB Matt Breida, WR Chris Godwin, WR Allen Robinson, WR Kenny Golladay, WR Will Fuller, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, WR Corey Davis, WR Marvin Jones, Jr., WR Curtis Samuel, WR Nelson Agholor, WR TY Hilton, WR Sammy Watkins, WR John Ross, TE Hunter Henry, TE Jonnu Smith, TE Gerald Everett, TE Jared Cook, TE Rob Gronkowski, OT Trent Williams, OT Alejandro Villanueva, OT Taylor Moton, OT Russell Okung, G Brandon Scherff, G Joe Thuney, C Corey Linsley
2. Is there likely to be a coaching or management change on the horizon?
We have already seen Bill O'Brien, Dan Quinn and Matt Patricia released in-season. What other coaches are on the hot seat, and how will that affect the fantasy values of those teams' players? Jets' HC Adam Gase could be the next to hit the unemployment ranks, and Anthony Lynn may be hot on his tail. Was the Bengals' win over Pittsburgh enough to save Zac Taylor's job? Will Doug Pederson be back in Philly? How about Doug Marrone in Jacksonville? Mike McCarthy had a lot of bad luck this season, but will that save his job in Dallas? Is Matt Nagy’s job safe in Chicago? How about Vic Fangio in Denver?
Also watch what teams do at General Manager and assistant coaching staffs. Which assistants are rumored to be candidates for head coaching jobs?
3. What changes may be coming to the surrounding cast? Were there players out injured (or who opted out due to COVID) in 2020 who are scheduled to return? Are there any key players rumored to be considering retirement? Is the team expected to draft a rookie or sign a veteran player or players who will impact the offense?
As you survey the free agent list, consider likely destinations for players on the move. Which players were out for 2020, and how will their returns impact other elements of the offense? Look at some mock NFL drafts, and consider rumors from key NFL insiders who really have their fingers on the pulses of NFL teams.
4. I also like to look at a player's career trajectory as well as historical trends. Did a player emerge down the stretch in 2020?
The rule used to be that wide receivers often did not bloom until year 3, although they often tend to emerge sooner now. Even so, I am slow to write off a talented wideout coming off a poor rookie campaign. Tight Ends historically take several years to develop, so don't write them off too early.
While your league mates are out making merry, fill your dynasty Christmas stockings with some potential 2021 breakout prospects! (Leave them coal!)
Merry Christmas friends!