The NFL Season is here, but we’ve been in it all year long. As Dynasty players, the season never really ends. But keeping up with the fluctuations week-to-week can help provide you with an advantage. That’s the point of the stock watch—to process what we see on the field and apply it to players whose value is rising and whose value is taking a hit. Those fluctuations can help guide your management decisions as you shape your Dynasty roster for the long haul. The first full week of pre-season is in the books. Let’s look at what we learned. We’ll look at one player at QB, RB, WR, and TE whose value improved, and one whose value took a hit. Let’s dive in.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
About: It’s been a rollercoaster for Sanders since the draft in April. His fall to the Fifth Round was much-discussed, as was his role on the Browns. The Browns currently have six quarterbacks on the roster, and Sanders was listed as QB4 on the first depth chart. But he got the start in the first pre-season game and looked solid, going 14-for-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns. It wasn’t perfect, but it was promising. Those who took him later in rookie drafts owing to his draft fall might have a hidden gem, especially as his first game built on the positive buzz coming out of training camp. The Browns’ quarterback situation is wide open, and Sanders looks like a contender.
Stock Down: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
About: The competition for the starting spot for the Colts isn’t going great. Richardson was hurt this off-season, putting him behind. But he rallied and was healthy enough to start Week 1 of the pre-season. He went 2-for-3 for 21 yards, but missed pressure early in the game and took a huge hit. He ended up dislocating a pinkie and being pulled from the game. It’s yet another injury and yet another setback for the former third overall pick. It’s a grim sign as fantasy players hope to recoup some of the draft value sunk into Richardson. Barring a good showing the next two weeks, he could well end up losing his starting spot to Daniel Jones.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
About: Mitchell flashed during his rookie year in 2023. He was a trendy pick-up during the season, but a late injury sapped his value in 2024. That injury kept him unavailable, while the Ravens seemed to find magic in Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Back healthy, Mitchell reminded people of why he was an attractive stash, going for 68 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Henry and Hill are still there, but Mitchell’s potential and explosiveness could earn him some regular-season touches. He’s worth a stash.
Stock Down: Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
About: This is another case of an athlete with promise who is just too fragile. Spears struggled to stay on the field and be a solid complement to Tony Pollard in 2024. He didn’t start his 2025 campaign strong, either. He rolled an ankle and is now out for the rest of the pre-season. The hope is he’ll be healthy enough for Week 1, but it’s far from a certainty. Those who roster Spears believe in his upside and potential. But this injury is another worrying sign that you won’t be able to count on him week-to-week.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Tet McMillan, Carolina Panthers
About: Was his stock ever down? No, not really. He was either the first or second receiver taken in most rookie drafts. We thought he’d be good, especially with his landing spot. But you never truly know. The first pre-season game saw the Panthers play their starters, and McMillan made an impression. He saw five targets, catching two passes for 43 yards. It feels like a positive sign of things to come for a player who figures to be a focal point in an improving pass offense.
Stock Down: Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings
About: I’m not picking on people, but injury situations cost you opportunities. No one was sure what to make of Moore when the Cardinals took him. He showed some skill as a receiver and gadget player with the Cardinals, but he’s struggled to stay on the field. Injuries limited him with the Cardinals, then a right knee injury in the pre-season cost him his entire season for the Falcons in 2024. He moved on to the Vikings this offseason, signing a one-year contract to join the receiving and return group. But on his first play of the first pre-season game, he suffered a major injury to his left knee. He’s reported to be out for the season again. There’s no longer a compelling reason to roster him in dynasty because it’s hard to imagine him making a meaningful contribution to a team.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: We know Arthur Smith likes tight ends. He traded for Jonnu Smith, a player who did well for him in Atlanta. But he hasn’t forgotten about Washington, who made his presence felt again in the first pre-season game. That included a big, 19-yard touchdown strike. I suspect Washington, with his size, will be a part of the offense, particularly around the goal line, as he was in 2024.
Stock Down: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: Freiermuth didn’t have a bad game this week, nor have there been bad reports on his play out of camp. But, then again, not much at all has been said. Freiermuth has been a solid contributor for the Steelers during his tenure, but the continued growth of opportunities for Washington and the trade for Smith are likely to eat into his upside. For those who hoped to see a low-end TE1 performance, this is a blow. It’s also fair to wonder if Freiermuth’s time with the Steelers is nearing an end.
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.
