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 11.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
About: Purdy was an unlikely hero in 2022. He was the last pick in the draft forced into the starting lineup. He made the most of it, establishing himself as the 49ers’ starting quarterback and franchise guy. But after a 5-0 start, we saw the team stumble. The 49ers lost three straight heading into the bye week, and the bloom seemed to be coming off the Purdy rose a bit. In the two games since, he’s been hot. Purdy tossed three touchdowns in a win over the Jaguars and three more Sunday in a win over the Buccaneers. He’s thrown 15 touchdowns against five interceptions and has the 49ers back on track at 7-3. He looks like a good bet for the 49ers and for fantasy players.
Stock Down: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: The Steelers are 6-4 and in the playoff race, but it’s in spite of their starting quarterback, not because of him. Pickett was the lone first-round selection at quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. He took over as the Steelers’ franchise guy last season, but it wasn’t pretty. It hasn’t been pretty this season, either. Pickett has thrown for just 1,722 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. He doesn’t look like the answer for Pittsburgh or for fantasy players.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Devin Singletary, Houston Texans
About: Singletary had his moments in his first four seasons for the Buffalo Bills. But when he came free this off-season, all he managed was a one-year deal to backup Dameon Pierce for the Texans. But as the Texans have caught fire, Singletary has caught fire in the backfield. He’s rushed for more than 100 yards in back-to-back games, giving the team a spark in the backfield. After an underwhelming performance from Pierce this season, it seems like Singletary is moving to take the job and improve his long-term prospects.
Stock Down: Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
About: For years, alongside Aaron Rodgers, Jones was a rock-solid option at running back. He’s been in the RB1 conversation for years. This year, with a young Green Bay offense, things have changed. He has just 245 yards rushing and two touchdowns, catching just 19 passes. He’s barely a flex option at this point, which could be a sign of things to come. For dynasty players, it might be time to have an exit strategy.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
About: The Bills are looking for weapons. Stefon Diggs is still there doing his thing, but we’ve seen a lot of inconsistency from Gabe Davis. Stepping up into the void recently is Shakir, a Fifth-Round pick from a year ago. Shakir has seen four or more targets in five of the last six games, and he’s making the most of his opportunities. On Sunday, he caught three passes for 115 yards and a touchdown as the Bills got a much-needed win. Shakir looks like a young receiver with promise, rewarding those who’ve stashed him.
Stock Down: Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals
About: Brown is the best receiver for the Cardinals, but the problem is that hasn’t resulted in much production. Brown was just WR27 entering the game and caught just two passes for 18 yards on Sunday. He has just three receptions in two games with Kyler Murray. That’s not the kind of production that fantasy players are looking for out of Brown. They can get things together, but for now, it’s not been a good season for those hoping for consistent production from the Cardinals’ receiver.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
About: Not only has Shakir stepped up for the Bills, but Kincaid is also turning into the kind of weapon some thought he could be when taken in the First Round of the draft. Kincaid has 45 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns and has settled in as a strong second option for the Bills passing game. He’s become a good starting option at a tough position.
Stock Down: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
About: In the off-season, there were high hopes for Okonkwo in Tennessee. Some even thought he had TE1 upside. He only has one game with at least five receptions and no games with more than 35 yards this season. He also has no touchdowns. That doesn’t give him enough volume or upside to be a reliable starting option.
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.
