Dynasty Fantasy Football Notebook: Tetairoa McMillan, Jordan Mason, and More
Sam Wallace highlights trends, takeaways, and question marks in dynasty fantasy football after week 3 of the NFL season.
The first three weeks of the NFL season are officially behind us, which means it's time for my second edition of this season's Dynasty Notebook. You can expect to find my latest takeaways across the dynasty landscape. These could include trade targets, waiver claims, players to keep an eye on, or trends to watch…to name just a few. Let's dive in.
Tetairoa McMillan - Prime Trade Target
It's been an up-and-down ride this season for everyone (me) who bought into the strong finish Bryce Young posted at the end of last year. It was nice to see the Panthers get their first win as they blew out the Falcons in Week 3. It was so bad that even Michael Penix was benched in favor of Kirk Cousins.
Regardless, despite the turbulent nature of the Panthers' offense, one constant remains: Tetairoa McMillan is dominating the targets.
Through his first three NFL games, McMillan has 9, 10, and 8 targets, respectively. He has yet to find the end zone, but the No. 8 overall pick is doing what he can for fantasy managers.
McMillan came in as the No. 2 prospect in our Rookie WR Model. In fact, since 2017, he's the WR6 in our entire model. That puts him in pretty elite company.
Despite being in his third season, it remains to be seen if Young is truly the QB of the future for Carolina. This season is certainly huge for his development as the team will need to start considering either extending him or making alternative plans for the future.
It would obviously be in McMillan's best interest if Young turns into a high-caliber player, but the wideout's talent isn't going anywhere.
Through Week 3, McMillan is one of my biggest dynasty (and redraft) trade targets. With utilization numbers and a talent profile as strong as his, it's only a matter of time before positive regression starts to hit in a big way.
As long as he continues his TD-less streak and the Panthers' offense looks underwhelming, McMillan will remain an under-the-radar trade candidate for savvy dynasty managers.
Jordan Mason - Early League Winner
Even before the season started, there were plenty of reports out of Minnesota that newly-acquired Jordan Mason would be more of a 1B to incumbent Aaron Jones than a prototypical RB2.
We didn't have to wait long to see Mason assert his dominance over this backfield; in Week 1, Mason (15) outcarried Jones (8). With Jones (hamstring) now on Injured Reserve, this backfield is unquestionably Mason's, and he put on a show in Week 3.
Without competition from the veteran, Mason posted a line of 16 rushing attempts for 116 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and two TDs. The Vikings righted the ship a bit with Carson Wentz under center, and we'll see how the team approaches the QB situation in the weeks ahead.
Regardless, without Jones, Mason is in a prime spot to dominate touches for the foreseeable future. If you're a dynasty manager who is not competing, I would be looking to flip Mason to a contender who needs an RB. With injuries to the position already racking up, Mason could net you a nice return.
If you need an RB and already have Mason, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Bears WR Conundrum
For all the Caleb Williams truthers out there, Week 3 had to have been equal parts relieving and exhilarating. He hung almost 300 passing yards and four TDs on the hapless Cowboys as the Bears notched their first win.
We do need to talk about the wide receiver position, though. Here's my quick takeaway:
- Buy - Rome Odunze
- Sell - DJ Moore
- Hold - Luther Burden
Despite seeing over 100 targets in his rookie season (last year), Odunze's inaugural campaign was largely forgettable. However, through three weeks, he has 27 targets, 227 yards, and four TDs. He's clearly the No. 1 option among his fellow wideouts.
Moore has been the biggest disappointment thus far. He's failed to top 50 receiving yards in two of his three games and finally found the end zone in Week 3. He's the oldest of the trio and doesn't appear to be a focal point for this coaching staff.
Burden is the wild card. He was an early Round 2 pick this last spring and came in as the WR6 in our Rookie WR Model. After two very quiet weeks to start the season, he scored a 65-yard TD on a trick play on Sunday afternoon. His final box score looks good, but he needs to be significantly more involved to warrant a spot in your starting lineup.
We'll have to see if Williams's performance in Week 3 is an anomaly or a sign of things to come. Regardless, keep close tabs on the wideouts and don't be afraid to go buy-high on Odunze (or take a flier on Burden if you're feeling dangerous).
Goodbye, Calvin Ridley
I'm not sure how many of us bought into Calvin Ridley this season, but I'm sure there are more than a few of us who have been burned this season.
The belief was that, yes, Cam Ward and this offense would struggle. In fact, the Titans had one of the lowest, if not the lowest, win totals heading into the season. Even so, the case for Ridley was essentially the same as McMillan: high-end target share on a sub-par offense.
It just hasn't quite worked out that way.
Through three games, Ridley is averaging 2.6 receptions and 37 receiving yards per game, and he hasn't scored yet.
At this point, you can't sell him because he's not worth anything. However, at 30 years old, if he pops a good game (or two), feel free to ship him to someone else for whatever you can get. It might be time to finally start thinking about closing the door on Ridley's illustrious career.
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