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 14.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots
About: I know, it was one week. I’m not saying you sell the farm to get Zappe. But while we’ve seen him come in this season to relieve Mac Jones, this was only his second actual start of 2023. And he looks like he might be ready to showcase his skills. He came out hot on Thursday night, throwing for three first-half touchdowns in getting a huge win. Zappe likely isn’t the long-term answer, but he might be an answer in a grim quarterback landscape as we enter the home stretch of the playoff season.
Stock Down: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
About: Frank Reich and most of the offensive coaches are gone in Carolina, but still, we’re not seeing much from Young. On Sunday, while the running game seems to have found its feet as Chuba Hubbard is taking off and Miles Sanders sprung to life, the rookie quarterback continues to sputter. Sure, he doesn’t have a lot of weapons. But Young has looked like the weakest of the big four rookie quarterbacks to start this season which isn’t a good sign for the first overall pick. That’s especially true as the Panthers don’t have much draft capital moving forward. Perhaps a new coach will help, but it’s fair to be concerned if you swung on Young in rookie drafts.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
About: For the second week in a row, Brown showed some pop for the suddenly surging Bengals. The rookie, who dealt with injuries, only had six yards on two carries prior to Week 13. Then, on Monday night, he saw nine carries and turned them into 61 yards. In Week 14, he caught three passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, adding 25 more on the ground to give him more than 100 total yards. Brown is a player to keep an eye on, particularly in future seasons.
Stock Down: Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts
About: Earlier this season, Moss was a darling. He put up huge numbers while the Colts waited for Jonathan Taylor to return. Even after Taylor first returned, Moss continued to be a huge contributor. When Taylor went down with an injury, most figured Moss would step in and have another huge stretch. It hasn’t happened. Moss had 19 carries for just 51 yards in Week 13 and followed up with 13 carries for 28 yards. His four receptions for 28 yards helped, but Moss has come up small in two crucial weeks for fantasy players and isn’t the future for the Colts. He looks like a career depth back at this point.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Odell Beckham, Jr., Baltimore Ravens
About: OBJ missed all of the 2022 season and signed a one-year deal with the Ravens in 2023. He’s now looking at a long-term extension, and it’s because he’s stepped up for the 10-3 Ravens, especially down the stretch. OBJ caught four passes for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Rams on Sunday. He now has 35 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdowns and looks like a solid contributor. That gives him some interesting dynasty value moving forward.
Stock Down: Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
About: As they say in Mean Girls, stop trying to make Jeudy happen. OK, that’s not exactly the line, but you get the idea. Jeudy was a First-Round pick that seemed to offer a lot of potential. Now nearing the end of his fourth season, all he still offers is potential. Whether it’s Russell Wilson not finding him or Jeudy not making plays when the ball is thrown his way, it’s not happening. Jeudy isn’t a reliable play on a weekly basis and it’s hard to tell if he ever will be.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: When the chips were down, and Christian Kirk was on injured reserve, it was Engram who stepped up large for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s been doing it all season. Sunday, he has 11 receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns. For the season he has 84 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns. He’s found a home with the Jaguars and in your fantasy lineup.
Stock Down: Mike Gesicki, New England Patriots
About: I thought this season in New England would be a rebirth for Gesicki after a down year in 2022 in Miami. I was wrong. He has just 21 receptions for 182 yards and a touchdown this season. He hasn’t had a reception in three weeks and hasn’t had a target in the last two games. There’s not even a reason to roster him anymore.
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.
