So, you want to try your hand at building a dynasty? Who doesn't? Being able to keep the fantasy football players that you draft from year to year seems like a novel idea. You just need to be aware of a few things.Building a fantasy football team in a Dynasty League is very similar to a regular league. You're going to try to put together the best group of guys to help you win a championship. The main extra ingredient to keep in mind is that you'd like your team to be as young as possible and still have a shot to win. That being said, you're not going to forego all older players. If Peyton Manning is on the board and he's the best available player, you should consider it. The decision making process kicks in when you're trying to decide between two similar players. You're most likely going to take youth over experience in that situation.
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A few other helpful hints would be to select rookies with high upside, and do it earlier then you would in a normal draft. You'll also want to take a look at quarterback situations. When you're looking for bench material, taking a backup quarterback who has an aging veteran in front of him on the depth chart can be a smart move.
For the purposes of this list we're limiting the age of players to 25. No player over 25 can make this Dynasty League list, and we'd prefer younger. Let's take a look at the top ten Dynasty League players.
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings – No matter if it's a single-year league or a keeper league, Peterson is the top choice. He rushed for over 75 yards in all but one game in 2008 and he was healthy all season long; a first. He's got a great combination of size and speed that gives him the ability to alter a game at a moment's notice. He's also only 24 years old so he's going to be gaining yards and scoring touchdowns for many seasons to come.
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars – MJD is finally going to step out of the shadows of another feature back. He's no longer going to split time and that should mean more yards and scoring opportunities for the 24-year-old back. He's also up against a very favorable schedule for running backs. The sky is the limit for Jones-Drew.
3. Matt Forte, Bears – The 23-year-old Forte started every game as a rookie last season and carried the ball 316 times. He's going to get another chance to see those same kinds of numbers this season and the Bears have brought in some help. The addition of Jay Cutler will take some of the focus off of Forte, possibly giving his some extra lanes that weren't available in 2008.4. Chris Johnson, Titans – Johnson was another rookie back last season who exploded onto the scene to gain 1,228 yards. He split time with LenDale White so the 23-year-olds' carries were down at 251. The "Smash and Dash" approach will still be in effect this season, but you shouldn't worry about Johnson's carries. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season. He makes the most of every opportunity.
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals – It just seems like Fitzgerald has been in the NFL forever. In fact, the 25-year-old receiver has only been around since 2004. He didn't push past the 100 reception mark in 2008, but he did up his receiving yards to 1,431. He averages 14.9 yards per reception and he has a host of great receiver around to make doubling Fitzgerald a no-no.
6. Calvin Johnson, Lions – This guy runs a 4.35 40-yard dash, has amazing hands and can jump to the moon. He averaged 17.1 yards per reception last season where he caught 78 balls for 1,331 yards and scored 12 times. He tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions and at 23 years old will probably do so for many more seasons.
7. Aaron Rodgers, Packers - It's not easy following a legend and certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. Aaron Rodgers might disagree. Rodgers threw for 4.134 yards in his first season as the Packers starting quarterback and at 25 years old plays like he's much older. Remember that he sat behind Brett Favre which looks like it was a great learning experience.
8. Matt Ryan, Falcons - Ryan did the impossible last season. He made an entire city and fan base forget about Michael Vick. Ryan also threw for 3,440 yards as he's proving to learn very quickly, should see more opportunities to throw the ball in 2009. He has a new weapon in Tony Gonzalez and the 23-year-old is gaining experience every single day.9. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers - The 22-year-old rusher scored ten touchdowns in 2008; all as a complimentary back to DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers should enter the 2009 season with the same philosphy of dual running backs. But, it's not like Stewart is never going to see game action. The Panthers run the ball frequently and Stewart should see double digit carried week in and week out.
10. Joe Flacco, Ravens - Flacco is the second quarterback on this list to lead his team to the playoffs as a rookie in 2008. While Flacco's numbers aren't quite as impressive as Ryan's, remember that the Ravens offense is run first. Flacco has a strong arm, pin-point accuracy and isn't afraid to shoot for the end zone. It may take him a bit longer to really build on those rookie numbers, but that day will come.
Other Notables
Pierre Thomas, Saints - Thomas hit fantasy radar everywhere when he scored both on the run and receiving in consecutive games in early December of last year. He's going to get a chance to do more in 2009.
Ted Ginn, Jr., Dolphins - Ginn will probably tread statistical water until he gets a stronger-armed quarterback in Miami to throw deep routes. When that happens his numbers will explode.
Chad Henne, Dolphins - Miami already has that strong arm to throw to Ginn. Henne will have to wait until Chad Pennington gives him an opening. But, that day will come soon.
Matthew Stafford, Lions - Stafford has already been called smart beyond his years. He's one of those huge upside rookies we spoke about earlier.
Anthony Gonzalez, Colts - Hands don't get too much softer than this. Gonzalez can catch. And now that Marvin Harrison is gone, he'll get more opportunities to prove it.
Felix Jones, Cowboys - Jones did everything asked of him and did it well before injuries wreaked havoc on his season. He's still not the go-to guy in Dallas, but he'll get ample opportunity to shine.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos - He's already taking reps with the first team on offense in training camp. He may split time to start the season, but the way he runs and catches the ball should land him the starting role sometime in 2009.
John Carlson, Seahawks - Carlson had a five touchdown rookie performance last season and shows signs of doing more. He's a great blocker and receiver and the only thing holding him back may be the addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Greg Olsen, Bears - Olson has good hands, can get open at will and gets targeted in the red zone frequently. Those ingredients combine for a recipe of success. Jay Cutler coming to town is icing on the cake.
Steve Breaston, Cardinals - Breaston caught 77 balls for 1,006 yards in 2008; all that from a guy drafted for special teams help. He may not explode further in 2009, but when the Cardinals do decide they can't keep both Anquan Bolden and Larry Fitzgerald, Breaston will slide in nicely with whoever is left.
