👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


RotoBaller Experts League - Dynasty League Recap (Rounds 11-17)

Last month, 12 RotoBaller writers came together to do a live dynasty league startup on the internet. This article is the next in a series that will evaluate draft results in order to give readers a look into current dynasty values, and discuss the best and worst values in the draft.

Today we take a look at rounds 11-17, and provide some draft analysis.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Dynasty Draft Analysis - Rounds 11-17

The crucial middle rounds of a draft can make or break a team. This is especially true in dynasty formats, where you are committing to players long-term and may leave your team bereft of depth if you choose unwisely. This is also the time to take calculated risks in order to glean value from rookies or unproven players. Speaking of rookies, they were plentiful throughout this segment of the draft. The rookies started flying in round 10 and continued from that point on until the conclusion. A total of 21 rookies were selected in the 84 picks throughout these rounds.

In addition, quarterbacks began to fly off the board in much greater numbers. Whereas only five QB were taken in the first seven rounds, there were a total of 17 QB in rounds 11-17. I personally have been advocating for waiting on a signal caller in standard leagues, but found myself pulling the trigger on Cam Newton early on because of the dynasty format and a lack of more appealing options at my draft spot in rounds 3-4. Although only two of the writers appeared to truly embrace the Zero RB strategy, most teams padded their RB numbers equally in these rounds. 26 RB were picked in the first seven rounds, 29 RB came off the board in rounds 11-17. It will be interesting to see which group winds up being the higher performing one this season given the recent fluctuation in running back performance.

 

Best Pick - Charles Sims (RB, TB), 11.08 Overall

(Nathan Powell, @NPowellFF)

After waiting until the 10th round to take his first running back, Nathan Powell grabbed Sims next as part of a Zero RB strategy. He wisely grabbed this Gio Bernard clone three rounds later than the real thing and wound up with a player who totaled 1,090 yards from scrimmage and four TD in a part time role. His greatest asset is as a pass-catcher in a PPR format, as he tallied 51 receptions on 70 targets. Sims will deliver solid RB2-type value in a deep league such as this even if his role doesn't grow significantly.

Sims also makes a wise pick because of Doug Martin's injury history. If Martin should go down, Sims immediately vaults into a top-ten RB value. The Bucs will continue to help Jameis Winston along by keeping the short passing game a priority. Sims is entering his third year as a pro and could prove useful for many years to come. It doesn't hurt if you're a Tampa Bay fan either, right Nathan?

 

Worst Pick - Mike Wallace (WR, BAL), 12.12 Overall

(Chris Durell, @Jager_Bombs9)

Taking a 30 year-old receiver in a dynasty draft is questionable enough if you're not talking about a star player. Taking one that couldn't manage more than 473 yards and two TD last season and has seen his Y/R drop almost every year since 2010 is even more questionable. Taking a WR who is joining his third team in three years and failed his conditioning test less than a month ago is just baffling. For a player whose greatest asset was his downfield speed, it makes you wonder if Wallace even belongs on an NFL roster at this point.

In all likelihood, Wallace will have a role on the Ravens this season. After all, they are writing his paychecks at the moment. He may match his numbers from last season, but how much good will that really do? With Steve Smith due back, Breshad Perriman primed to become a primary target and Kamar Aiken returning as the most productive Ravens WR last year, Wallace figures to be fourth in line at best. Wallace didn't play in the first pre-season game and wasn't even targeted in the second game. This pick could have been better spent on a rookie like Tajae Sharpe or a young receiver due to actually improve, like Robert Woods.

 

Riskiest Pick - Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT), 14.02 Overall

(Justin Bales, @BalesSJustin)

Despite never being more than a WR2 on his own team and never playing for a full season, Bryant has the talent to be a dominant NFL receiver. Bryant has scored 14 TD in 21 games and posted a 17.3 AVG in his two seasons. That said, he continues to get in his own way and could become another casualty of the league's substance abuse policy. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said it best, "He is at a crossroads of his professional life, and he needs to understand significant changes need to occur in his personal life if he wants to regain his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler."

A 14th round pick isn't too early to take a risk like this, but it remains a huge roll of the dice. For a player who is already guaranteed to miss the entire season, Bryant could become an empty WR spot on this team permanently if he doesn't conquer his personal demons first. Otherwise, every other owner will be jealous when Bryant is making big plays in 2017 as a 14th round pick the year before.

 

Biggest Upside Pick - Jared Goff (QB, LA), 17.03 Overall

(Matt Terrelle, @supermt)

This has to go to the #1 overall pick of the 2016 draft, QB Jared Goff. How much he plays this season remains to be seen, but this is obviously a long-term selection. This is also a risky pick, as evidenced by the brief careers of Tim Couch, David Carr and JaMarcus Russell (wow, haven't had to dredge up that name in a while). Fortunately, the list of recent QB successes is slightly longer, including Andrew Luck and Cam Newton among others. Goff obviously profiles closer to Luck than Newton, but with slightly less mobility. In three seasons at Cal, Goff completed 62.3% of his passes. In his junior year, he threw for an impressive 4,714 yards and a 43/13 TD/INT rate.

The Rams are still a rebuilding team, and I'm not talking about their stadium either. Todd Gurley is a stud in the backfield, but their top receiver is currently Tavon Austin. The rest of the receiving corps is either young and unproven or too inconsistent to count on. Eventually, fellow draft picks Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Tyler Higbee will give Goff a slew of options on the outside to complement the running game and recall the glory days of the Rams when Eric Dickerson, Jim Everett, Henry Ellard and Willie Anderson were running things. It was shocking to see such an obvious potential star last until the 17th round in a dynasty league where youth rules.

 

General Analysis

The middle of this dynasty draft was a true reflection of the current trends in fantasy football. In past years, nearly every draft-worthy running back would have been long gone by round 11. Instead, there was an equal quantity of runners taken and they may ultimately provide just as much value than those selected earlier. The quarterbacks represented the best value in these rounds by far, with veterans such as Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Matthew Stafford all readily available in the double-digit rounds. Pairing a veteran QB in the middle rounds with a younger prospect later on could give fantasy owners a good balance between short and long term needs.

When the depth at certain positions such as receiver start to become questionable, pulling the trigger on a rookie becomes the norm. With so many changes and injuries year-to-year, last year's champ could easily become this year's chump. Dynasty owners always have to be forward-thinking and flexible. The more I reflect on these draft results, the more I am certain that this RotoBaller dynasty league is sure to be competitive for many years to come.

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Chris Olave

Still a High-Upside Dynasty Swing for the Risk Tolerant
Tom Nolan

Extends Win Streak
Farés Ziam

Fares Ziam Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 118
Jayden Higgins

"Going to Have a Great Year"
Jacoby Brissett

Expected to Report to Minicamp
Tarik Skubal

Dominates in Rehab Start; Return Appears Imminent
Mitchell Robinson

Available for Game 3
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Hire Alex Kaufman as Windy City Bulls General Manager
E.J. Liddell

Agrees to Two-Year Deal with Greek Club Aris
Konnor Griffin

is Looking at Extended Absence
Matas Buzelis

Will Play for Lithuania This Summer
Kenley Jansen

to Begin Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Has Concerns About Heat Roster If Traded to Miami
Casey Mize

to Make Rehab Start on Tuesday
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early with Knee Soreness
Mitchell Robinson

Has Technical Foul Rescinded After Game 2 Win
Jarquez Hunter

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Move on From Jarquez Hunter?
Elijah Arroyo

Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?
Tre Tucker

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Jack Bech

Should Dynasty Managers Target Jack Bech as a Buy-Low Candidate?
Jaydon Blue

a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate After Underwhelming Rookie Year?
Saquon Barkley

in Line for Larger Pass-Catching Role in 2026?
Max Fried

Nearing Return to Mound Work?
Karl-Anthony Towns

Eligible for Massive Extension
Isaiah Stewart

Could Draw Trade Interest
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Michigan?
Philadelphia 76ers

Jameer Nelson Promoted to Executive Vice President
Domantas Sabonis

Could be Traded This Summer
Ty Gibbs

Is Ty Gibbs Worth Rostering at Michigan This Week for DFS?
William Byron

Will Start at the Rear at Michigan After Unapproved Adjustments
NASCAR

Should DFS Managers Roster Bubba Wallace at Michigan?
Joey Logano

Is Joey Logano Worth Rostering In DFS Lineups for Michigan
Daniel Suarez

Might Have Tournament Appeal for Michigan DFS Lineups
Jonah Coleman

Is Jonah Coleman the Most Valuable Broncos Running Back in Dynasty Leagues?
William Carrier

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 3 Versus Golden Knights
Darius Slayton

Will Darius Slayton Be Phased Out of New-Look Giants Offense?
Sebastian Aho

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Alex Lange

Earns Third Save, Quickly Entering Must-Roster Status
Keaton Mitchell

Can Keaton Mitchell Carve Out a Large Enough Role for a Fantasy Breakout?
Jordan Staal

Scores in Third Consecutive Game
Shea Theodore

Caps Multi-Point Effort With Game-Winning Goal Saturday
Kayshon Boutte

Will Attend Mandatory Minicamp
Denny Hamlin

Puts DFS Managers in Tough Spot for Michigan
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Get Back to His Old Ways at Michigan?
Chris Buescher

Looking for Another Solid Run at Michigan
Tomas Hertl

Collects Two Points in Overtime Win
Jonathon Brooks

to Be Carolina's Lead Back in 2026?
Carson Hocevar

Qualifies Second, Seeking Redemption at Michigan
Ross Chastain

Can DFS Managers Trust Ross Chastain at Michigan?
Mitch Marner

Scores Fastest Hat Trick in Finals History
Brad Keselowski

Has Been Solid at Michigan
Will Smith

Scratched With Neck Stiffness, Expected to Return on Sunday
Kenneth Gainwell

Standing Out at OTAs
Bhayshul Tuten

"Picking Up Steam," More in-Tune With New Scheme
Auston Matthews

Maple Leafs Confident of Keeping Auston Matthews
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Wins Second Vezina Trophy
Brayden McNabb

Uncertain for Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Jadarian Price

Is Jadarian Price Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Isaiah Bond

Is Isaiah Bond Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Michael Pittman Jr.

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term QB Uncertainty
Stefon Diggs

Win-Now Dynasty Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Will Howard?
Hunter Greene

Could Return Before the All-Star Break
Dylan Harper

Remains a Bright Spot for San Antonio
De'Aaron Fox

Shoots Well in a Loss to the Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Scores 29 Points in Game 2 Loss
OG Anunoby

Anchors Knicks' Defense in Finals Game 2
Mikal Bridges

Helps Knicks Secure a Game 2 Victory
Karl-Anthony Towns

Records Another Finals Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Overcomes Cold Night to Seal Game 2
Michael Harris II

Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Byron Buxton

Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Sacramento Kings

Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. Works Out for Bulls
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Could Get Traded
MIN

Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe
Thomas White

Likely to Miss Rest of Season With Shoulder Capsular Sprain
Mitchell Robinson

is Upgraded to Available for Game 2
Cole Caufield

Earns Lady Byng Trophy
Nick Suzuki

Lands Selke Trophy
Jose Altuve

Astros Reinstate Jose Altuve From the Injured List
CFB

Reed Harris Hoping to Fill Void in Arizona State Receiving Room
CFB

Nick Marsh Gearing Up for Breakout
CFB

Drew Mestemaker Looking to Catapult Oklahoma State Offense in 2026
CFB

Rocco Becht Brings Experience to New-Look Nittany Lions
CFB

Can Trey White, Adam Trick Keep Texas Tech's Defensive Front Elite?
CFB

Devon Dampier is Key to Success for Morgan Scalley in Year 1
Aaron Judge

Yankees Officially Place Aaron Judge on Injured List With Fractured Rib
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Return in "About a Couple Weeks"
Corey Seager

Rangers Activate Corey Seager From the Injured List
Gabriel Bonfim

Set For UFC Vegas 118 Main Event
Belal Muhammad

In Dire Need Of Win
Edmen Shahbazyan

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 118
Shayne Gostisbehere

Dishes Out Two Power-Play Assists in Comeback Win
Brendan Allen

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Seth Jarvis

Ties Finals With Power-Play Goal
Mark Stone

Scores Sixth Playoff Goal in Overtime Defeat
Tom Nolan

Searches For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Mitch Marner

Records Two Assists in Game 2 Loss
Farés Ziam

Fares Ziam A Favorite At UFC Vegas 118
Brett Howden

Matches Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing
Brayden McNabb

Hospitalized After Taking Puck to Face
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF