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 you gain 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 is taking a hit. Those fluctuations can help guide your management decisions as you shape your Dynasty roster for the long haul.
Week 10 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: Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: Wilson’s reputation took a hit in Denver for two years. But if you look at his stats, you will see that he was better than you realized in 2023. Now, he’s on a one-year deal with the Steelers. After starting the season injured—and seeing Justin Fields put up a winning record—the Steelers turned it over to Wilson three weeks ago. People weren’t sure what to think. Now, the Steelers are 7-2, in first place in the AFC North, and coming off a signature win against the Commanders. In that win, Wilson tossed three touchdown passes to lead the comeback. Now, he’s armed with George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Mike Williams. His stock in the NFL and fantasy is on the rise.
Stock Down: Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
About: The Vikings won Sunday in Jacksonville to stop a two-game skid, but it was in spite of Darnold, not because of him. While Darnold was hot to start the season, he’s struggled in the three games since the Vikings’ bye week. Darnold threw three interceptions Sunday without a touchdown as the Vikings used defense and four field goals to get it done. Darnold has been better than some expected, but if this trend continues, he could turn into a pumpkin before the post-season.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
About: Hubbard got paid this week—landing a big, four-year extension. He followed it up with a career day in Germany. He rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown as the Panthers won their second straight game. The Panthers are improving, and Hubbard has been the star on offense. Considering the team hasn’t even yet played Jonathon Brooks and given Hubbard a big extension, it looks like those who bet on him in Dynasty can breathe a little easier.
Stock Down: Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
About: One. That’s how many carries and rush yards Williams provided Sunday. No, he didn’t get hurt. He just found his role greatly diminished as the Broncos turned to rookie Audric Estime as their hammer of choice. Estime wasn’t incredible, rushing for just 53 yards on 14 carries. But Williams hasn’t done enough to seize the job. He’s also in a contract year on a team making a youth movement. Estime is the future, and the future is now in Denver. That doesn’t bode well for those hoping to start Williams in fantasy.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
About: Pearsall missed the first part of his rookie year following a shooting in the off-season. But now that he’s back, he’s getting the ball. He’s seen 15 targets, catching 11 passes in the three games he’s been active. That includes four for 73 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win. Pearsall is stepping up for the 49ers and is a viable option for fantasy players.
Stock Down: Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
About: Johnson wasn’t having a huge season for the Panthers, who traded him to the Ravens before the deadline. It’s the second time Johnson has been traded this year, and despite being in a better offense, he hasn’t been a factor on the field. He has just one reception for six yards in two games with the Ravens. Worse yet, he seems to be chirping about his role on Social Media. For the time being, the only place he belongs for the Ravens and for you is on the bench.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
About: Rumors of Kelce’s fantasy demise turned out to be greatly exaggerated. After a slowish start to the season, Kelce has caught fire of late. He’s caught 32 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. And he’s seen at least 12 targets in each of those games. In other words, Kelce looks like the player who’s long-powered the passing game in Kansas City. And he belongs in your fantasy lineup, too.
Stock Down: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
About: Ferguson was one of the best options at a tough position in 2023. We expected him to be a viable fantasy starter in 2024, too. But it’s been a struggle. He has just 38 receptions for 334 yards and no touchdowns. With the Cowboys’ offense now in freefall, things aren’t looking promising down the stretch. If you roster Ferguson, it’s time to have a backup plan.
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.
