Week 15 of the NFL Season has been interesting to say the least. We saw three games delayed, many of our studs were held in check and more injuries continuing to pile up. To make it to the second round of the fantasy playoffs you need depth and a lot of luck. It might also be a point in the season where you’re looking ahead. That’s what the Stock Watch is all about, taking stock of what we’ve learned and making moves to set up future success.
As will be the case throughout the season, each week I’ll be taking stock of what we’ve learned. I’ll be offering one player per position—QB, RB, WR and TE—who improved their stock, and one who saw their stock slip. For those trying to win now and those playing the long game, it’s important to pounce at the right time. So, without further ado, here’s Week 15 of the Dynasty Stock Watch.
Quarterbacks:
Stock Up: Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
About: No, there isn’t a quarterback controversy in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson has been an NFL MVP and is one of the most electric players in the game. But twice now this season Huntley has stepped in and played well. On Sunday, against the Packers, Huntley threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for 73 yards and two more touchdowns. He currently sits as QB1 for the week. He’s also a free agent at the end of the season. While the Ravens would like to keep Huntley as a backup seeing as how he fits well if Jackson misses time but his performance the past two games could well make him a target for QB-needy NFL teams. That alone makes him worth a roster stash.
Stock Down: Daniel Jones, New York Giants
About: Jones is done for the season and I hope he gets better and is able to come back and play at a high level. This was a crucial third season for the young starter—a make or break time that could well determine the future of Jones and the Giants. In that sense, it hasn’t gone well. The Giants are 4-10 and have already ditched their Offensive Coordinator. It seems like there will be more changes this off-season, especially as the Giants cruise toward another Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft. It’s hard to lay that all at Jones’ feet. He improved on his completion percentage in year three, throwing for 64.3 percent and tossing 10 touchdowns (matching 2020) and only seven interceptions. His offense, his line and his weapons haven’t been solid all season, either. And yet, this feels like a precarious time. For those holding Jones in dynasty, I’d advise having a Plan B.
Running Backs:
Stock Up: D’Onta Foreman, Tennessee Titans
About: Foreman was once a hot pick by the Houston Texans but an Achilles injury derailed those plans. Now, he’s getting another shot as Derrick Henry is out for the Titans. Foreman, who has taken the lead as part of the committee leading the Titans’ backfield. He’s rushed for 348 yards and a touchdown on 77 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He’s done well when called upon and, like Huntley, is a free agent after the season. I suspect he’ll get a shot somewhere, especially in a running back-needy NFL. That makes him another good stash.
Stock Down: Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins
About: Coming into the season it appeared that Gaskin would get his shot to be THE guy in the Miami Backfield. The Dolphins passed on drafting a running back and didn’t make a splashy signing, moves that seemed to indicate faith in Gaskin to carry the load. Except, it hasn’t happened. Through 14 games, 10 starts, he’s rushed for 580 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. On Sunday, journeyman Duke Johnson, a recent signing, got 22 carries and went for more than 100 yards while Gaskin saw 10 carries. Sure, he was coming off the COVID list, but it’s not a promising sign. Gaskin still has a year left on his contract, and he’s likely to stay, but Miami could get out of the deal for less than $22,000 in dead money. Either way, it seems likely the Dolphins make a move at the position this off-season, meaning the dreams of Gaskin as an RB2 are quickly fading.
Wide Receivers:
Stock Up: Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons
About: It hasn’t been a great season for the Falcons. The Mike Davis signing didn’t pan out, Kyle Pitts has been good but not great and there are questions about Calvin Ridley. Yet, Gage has been a bright spot in the offense. Gage has 50 receptions for 555 yards and three touchdowns on 70 targets, averaging a career high 11.1 yards per reception. He’s shown he’s capable of being a solid WR2 for the Falcons and I think next season, presumably when the Falcons have all their weapons back, Gage could provide some sneaky value. That makes him a great stash target down the stretch.
Stock Down: Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: Claypool exploded onto the scene as a rookie, seeing 109 targets, catching 62 for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. He showed some incredible big play ability and looked like a steal. By contrast, this season hasn’t gone as well. Claypool is a big play target in an offense that has had trouble getting going. He’s got 47 receptions for 765 yards and a touchdown. At times, there have been questions about his commitment to team, too. There are plenty of questions about the Steelers’ offense in 2022, and while star receiver Diontae Johnson and star running back Najee Harris still seem like good values, but I’m less confident in Claypool. He’s probably better than what we’ve seen in 2021 but maybe not as explosive as the player we saw in 2020. That makes determining his future value tricky.
Tight Ends:
Stock Up: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
About: Last year, I thought Andrews could be TE1. Turns out, I was just a year too early. So far, Andrews has seen a career high 122 targets, catching 85 passes for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s quickly developing a Travis Kelce-like role for the Ravens, and that doesn’t look to change any time soon. Those that invested in Andrews and have patiently waited appear to be on track to be rewarded. He’s not only the top fantasy tight end this season, but he’s also shaping up to be one of the best for years to come. I’m all in.
Stock Down: O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: It’s a contract year for Howard, who is also trying to recover from a brutal injury. While he flashed a bit pre-injury in 2020 and has flashed at other points during his time with the Buccaneers, it’s not happening. Even on a team that was target-depleted, Howard hasn’t carved out a role. The Buccaneers came into Week 15 leading the league in points scored. Howard has seen 21 targets, catching 14 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Could that pick up the final three weeks? Sure, but not likely. It’s hard to imagine those who have patiently held on to Howard getting a payoff with a free agent deal this off-season based on what we’ve seen. He’s looking more and more like a sunk asset.
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.
