Fantasy: Dynasty League Viewer’s Guide to Super Bowl XLVI

The Super Bowl provides dynasty league owners one last shot to scout prospective players before the next season begins. While your family and friends are talking about the commercials or rooting for their favorite team in the game – take careful note of some of the under-the-radar players. Last year I told you to keep an eye on WR Antonio Brown of the Steelers. Who will rise from relative obscurity this year to become another star?
 
 
 
 
 
 
New York Giants

You already know: QB Eli Manning, WR Hakeem Nicks, HB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Victor Cruz, WR Mario Manningham, HB Brandon Jacobs

You should know:

TE Travis Beckum

To say Travis Beckum has been underutilized in his three-year career would be an understatement – his seven receptions in the 2011 postseason represent 21% of his career receptions. Beckum has struggled with various minor injuries that have led to inconsistent playing time. With Kevin Boss leaving in free agency to Oakland, this was supposed to be his year. Beckum was in line to be the Giants’ main option at tight end. Ultimately, Jake Ballard took the job and only recently did Beckum begin playing significant snaps.

Beckum, a semi-finalist for the John Mackey Award while at Wisconsin, was drafted to be a hybrid tight end – a player the Giants could use to create mismatches on the field. Only now are we seeing that come to fruition. As Beckum’s playing time has gradually increased with each playoff win, his versatility is becoming more apparent:

As you watch the game, pay close attention to how the Giants use Beckum. You will not find him blocking much – his pass routes to snap ratio is a very high 76% compared to his teammate Jake Ballard, who only runs a pass route 44% of the time. This is not to say Beckum (who just turned 25 years old) is a sure-fire future TE1 for your dynasty team, however, his best football is clearly still ahead of him.

HB Da’Rel Scott

Da’Rel Scott is a long shot to see any offensive snaps during the Super Bowl, but is worth mentioning regardless. Scott has not seen any playing time on offense since Week 12 at New Orleans and only played 16 snaps all year as a rookie. Scott, who recorded the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine (4.34 seconds), will be in for an increase in playing time sooner than later. Both Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware are free agents after the 2012 season. Jacobs has a high cap number due to restructuring his contract this past summer and Ware has yet to distinguish himself as a feature back. Depending on your league size, Scott makes a great stash on your bench because of his big-play ability.
 
 
New England Patriots

You already know: QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis

You should know:

WR Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman has gotten plenty of talk recently because of his split duty between wide receiver and slot cornerback. While it seems Edelman is spending more time on defense, the majority of his playing time is still coming as a receiver this postseason:

Edelman is being used as the third wide receiver when Aaron Hernandez is not in the slot or lined out wide. Edelman’s role has not produced much in the way of fantasy points, with just six receptions for 51 yards including the postseason. The impending free agency status of Wes Welker is reason enough to watch Edelman closely. Welker by all accounts will resign with the Patriots. If he does not, Edleman’s value could increase exponentially. At the very least, for those of you in deep dynasty leagues that utilize IDP’s and award return yardage, Edelman would make an interesting sleeper because of his dual role.

RB Stevan Ridley

Stevan Ridley was supposed to be the other rookie running back to Shane Vereen this year, but ultimately had more success than his teammate. Ridley’s status for the Super Bowl will be determined by head coach Bill Belichick, the same person who sat him as a healthy scratch in the AFC Championship game because of his fumbles in consecutive games (Week 17, Divisional Round). After BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ridley is the next most logical feature back on the roster. In a smaller sample size, Ridley exceeded Green-Ellis in every rushing metric with the exception of touchdowns (12 to 1). Adding intrigue to Ridley’s dynasty value is the impending free agency status of Green-Ellis.

Ridley’s spot on the active roster for the Super Bowl will likely come down to him or Kevin Faulk. Belichick will need to forgive Ridley’s fumbles; otherwise, it will be the 13-year veteran who gets the nod.

RB Shane Vereen

Like Da’Rel Scott, Shane Vereen is also an unlikely candidate to receive any playing time during the Super Bowl. Vereen was only active for three games this year, but made the most of his limited opportunity with 57 rushing yards and his first touchdown. Vereen is an exciting dynasty prospect to monitor because of his rushing yardage after contact. His 4.3 rushing yards after contact per attempt led the NFL, albeit in a small sample size.

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Ask Bryan Fontaine for dynasty league advice on Twitter: @Bryan_Fontaine

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