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. Week 12 of the 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: Davis Mills, Houston Texans
About: Mills was once a Third-Round draft pick by the Texans. He was a serviceable starter during a mediocre era. Then the team moved to take C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. Mills has faded into the background as a backup. But in an era where teams are starved for answers at quarterback, could Mills be a target this offseason? He came in and played well against a top Broncos’ defense. He has since won three straight starts, looking strong in doing it. Mills is worth a pickup and stash, especially if you’re thin at quarterback.
Stock Down: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
About: After missing several games with an injury, Jackson returned to the lineup on November 9th. But in the three games since his return, he’s hardly been a boon to the fantasy lineup. He hasn’t thrown for more than 193 in any game, with one passing touchdown and two interceptions. He hasn’t been running, either, with just 57 yards in three games. Jackson has tremendous upside, but right now, he looks like a player who isn’t quite ready to perform.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
About: The Chiefs need a running game. They haven’t gotten that much production on the ground, especially with Isaih Pacheco out. But on Sunday, Hunt showed up when they needed it most. He held up through 30 carries, producing 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. He’s been stepping up all season for a Chiefs team in need of offense. If you’ve got him on the roster, he could be a great asset down the stretch.
Stock Down: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
About: Stevenson started the season as the lead back for the Patriots. Despite a talented rookie on the roster in TreVeyon Henderson, Stevenson was given the benefit of the doubt. Then, an injury cost him some time. Now that he’s back, it’s clear it’s not his backfield anymore. He had just five yards on six carries, catching just one pass. It’s unclear what his long-term future is as well. If you find a good deal, I’d move him.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears
About: It’s been a rough season for Moore, once the Bears’ top and best receiver. He’s faded to the background of late. But on Sunday, Moore stepped up. He caught five passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. It’s a promising sign, but maybe not a sign of things to come. Personally, if this week’s outburst sparked some interest, I might try to move Moore, who likely isn’t the future in Chicago.
Stock Down: Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Seahawks
About: The Seahawks made a move to acquire Shaheed from the Saints at the deadline. It seemed to be a move to improve the passing offense. In his three games with the Seahawks, Shaheed has three receptions for 30 yards on eight targets. This isn’t the production those who roster him in fantasy are looking for, and it doesn’t seem likely to improve.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
About: It’s easy to forget about Henry with the Patriots’ other weapons. But Sunday proved that would be a mistake. He caught seven passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. He now has 11 receptions over the past two weeks. He’s still a solid target for Drake Maye and a vital part of the offense for a team that’s looking to keep rolling down the stretch.
Stock Down: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
About: As a rookie, LaPorta burst onto the scene. He was incredible, finishing as the TE1 in fantasy. It seemed like a sign of things to come. In the two years since, it’s been tough sledding. Now, LaPorta is done for the year after back surgery. Back injuries are the kind of thing that can linger into future seasons. It’s fair to wonder what LaPorta’s ceiling might be. If I found a good deal, I might look to flip him this off-season.
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.
