We saw some interesting performances and some misfires this Sunday in the NFL. In dynasty, we’re in it for the long haul. That doesn’t mean we can ignore the day-to-day fluctuations. That’s what the Stock Watch is all about. Each week I look at one player whose stock is on the rise and one whose stock is on the decline at each of the key fantasy positions. Let’s look at some of the big swings from Week 10.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Josh Dobbs, Minnesota Vikings
About: Look, I’m not saying Dobbs is the future in Minnesota. I don’t even know if he’ll be in Minnesota in 2024. The thing is, we’ve seen enough over the last two seasons to know that Dobbs is the player you go to when you have a hole at quarterback and need to compete. He did it for the Tennessee Titans. He did it for the Arizona Cardinals. And now for his greatest feat, he appears on pace to lead the Vikings to the playoffs. Dobbs will be on a roster in 2024 and he should be on your dynasty roster, too.
Stock Down: Mac Jones, New England Patriots
About: The Patriots are 2-8. It’s one of the worst records in the league and we’ve already reached the point of discussing sweeping changes. Among them is probably a change at quarterback. Jones hasn’t progressed in season three and he’s been pulled three times already in games, including on Sunday. That’s a bad sign. For those hoping Jones would be a franchise quarterback at least at a QB2 level, it’s time to make alternate plans.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: I still like Najee Harris as a potential franchise running back, but it’s impossible to ignore the contributions of Warren. The undrafted running back continues to shine in his second year, helping drive a mediocre Steelers’ offense as the team moved to 6-3 on the season. Harris is still there, but Warren is making it work and maximizing touches. Sunday that included 101 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Whether with the Steelers or elsewhere, he’s a player that figures to make a difference.
Stock Down: Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
About: He was a fun player last year, leading the Texans backfield after being just a Fourth-Round pick. This season, with little competition, he seemed like a safe starting option, too. But his production has been marginal at best, and he’s missed the past two weeks. He’s not on the list for missing time with injury, but for having an under-whelming season while we’ve seen veteran Devin Singletary have more success in his stead. Pierce isn’t the long-term answer for the Texans.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: Evans is great and has been since he came into the league. So, why is he on the list? Because he’s having a great season with Baker Mayfield despite not getting a long-term deal. Now, Evans is poised to hit the open market off yet another 1,000-yard season. If you’ve been holding him in dynasty, his value is strong in 2023 and should remain strong this off-season.
Stock Down: Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: Sunday was a bad day for the Jaguars but it’s more than a one-week funk for Ridley. After a great Week 1, Ridley has been uneven at best despite being on a good Jacksonville roster. Those who’ve held him in dynasty have waited nearly two seasons for his return and we’ve got just a middling WR3 season. It’s looking likely that Ridley’s days as a top receiver in the league and in fantasy are behind him.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
About: I was excited about Njoku coming into the season, but it has been a rough go. Well, as Deshaun Watson is getting healthy and settling into the lineup, we’re seeing Njoku’s production and opportunities increase. Sunday, he tied for the team lead with nine targets, catching six passes for 58 yards. It’s a great sign that as the Browns look to make a run down the stretch, Njoku will be a big part of what the team is doing.
Stock Down: Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
About: No Mike Williams and no Josh Palmer on a good offense. Everett should be thriving. Instead, he’s a TE3 for fantasy. We’ve even seen fellow tight end Donald Parham as a better option in the Red Zone. Those hoping Everett could be a solid start at a tough position need to look elsewhere.
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.
