Dynasty is a year-round game. We’re always watching the latest news and tracking player movement, looking to stay ahead of the crowd and gain an edge. While we play the long game, week-to-week performances can drive long-term shifts or offer clues about future value. That’s what the Stock Watch is all about: keeping up with week-to-week value shifts to try and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to moving and acquiring players. Below is one player at each of the key fantasy positions who improved their value and one who saw their value take a hit. Let’s dive in.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Jack Strand, Atlanta Falcons
About: Should you be worried about adding the No. 3 or No. 4 quarterback for the Falcons? If it were a normal team or a normal year, probably not. But it’s not a normal situation in Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr. is still in recovery. Tua Tagovailoa is trying to find his way back to form and has battled injuries. That’s why the Falcons added Cooper Rush, but he’s looked poor in pre-season. Strand, meanwhile, has looked like the Falcons’ best quarterback. He was only 6-for-12 for 50 yards against the Broncos, but he did provide the lone score with his feet. In the win over the Colts, Strand threw for more than 200 yards and a touchdown. I’ve seen people stash him in Dynasty leagues, and I get why. At this point, he’s worth a deep league spot.
Stock Down: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
About: Look, I know he was named the team’s starter. Not sure that’s going to work out for him or the Browns. In fact, it was an odd flex for him to earn the starter job on Monday after throwing the Browns’ fans under the bus, watching Shedeur Sanders look better in pre-season, and seeing Watson go 5-for-12 for 36 yards and an interception. We all still remember what Watson once provided in fantasy. It’s been a long time since that was the case. I’m fading him in Dynasty and, in fact, if you can find someone who is moved by his new starting job, I’m trading him.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Mike Washington, Las Vegas Raiders
About: Washington had about a 12-hour window where his value was through the moon as the rumors of an ACL tear for Ashton Jeanty ran wild. Jeanty just has an ankle injury but could be limited and/or miss some time early in the season. Washington was a prospect who seemed to improve his position during the pre-draft process. The landing spot wasn’t the greatest, but this is an opportunity. If Washington is ever going to show he belongs, he has to seize on the touches with Jeanty dealing with an injury.
Stock Down: Demond Claiborne, Minnesota Vikings
About: The Vikings lack depth and are led by a pair of veterans in Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason who didn’t have an incredible showing in 2025. I thought that made the landing spot in Minnesota intriguing, and combined with great camp reports on Claiborne, it had me thinking possible sleeper. But we haven’t seen it on the field. He had 12 carries for 34 yards in Week 1, then eight carries for 18 yards in Week 2. No one has distinguished themselves for the Vikings this pre-season, but averaging well below three yards per carry isn’t going to cut it.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Will Sheppard, Green Bay Packers
About: No franchise has seemed better at finding an endless supply of receiver prospects in recent years than the Packers. Sheppard appears to be another out-of-nowhere option. On Friday, against the Denver Broncos’ defense no less, Sheppard grabbed six passes for 47 yards and a touchdown near the end of the first half that put the Packers in front. With Christian Watson and Jayden Reed having a checkered injury history, the Packers might need depth. Sheppard appears to be an interesting stash with some potential upside.
Stock Down: Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans
About: You can’t control injuries. But this one still hurts for Higgins, who tore his ACL and will miss the season. After an underwhelming rookie season, it seemed like Higgins had a golden chance to step up opposite Nico Collins in year two. Now, all that is on hold. If you took him in Dynasty last off-season, you were hoping for a strong return on investment. Now, you’ll likely have to hold him another year with an uncertain path to meaningful touches in his third season.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Elijah Arroyo, Seattle Seahawks
About: I was high on Arroyo after last year’s draft. I saw opportunity in Seattle. There still is. A.J. Barner has acquitted himself well, but if Arroyo can consistently make the most of his opportunities, he could push for more targets. He had a strong Week 2 of pre-season, catching two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. If you’re stashing Arroyo, you have to hope it’s a sign of things to come.
Stock Down: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
About: Let’s not go crazy; Warren is still a great receiver with great Dynasty upside. But he’s dealing with a groin injury. While no timetable has been announced, and there are reports he’ll be available for Week 1, these are the types of injuries that can linger. With the Colts’ passing game a work in progress, this is an inauspicious sign for those hoping for a big lineup boost early in the season. You need to monitor the injury report and have a Plan B just in case.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
