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 17.
Quarterbacks:
Stock Up: Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
About: Flacco is the fourth quarterback to start for the Browns. It’s also been a few years since he was a quality starter in the NFL and in fantasy. And yet, after a 4-1 stretch leading the Browns into the playoffs, you can’t help but wonder if there will be offers in 2024. The Browns have Deshaun Watson, so it won’t be in Cleveland. But given the state of the position and his play, it’s not unreasonable to believe that Flacco will draw interest. He’s worth a stash at least.
Stock Down: Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
About: Howell was a Fifth-Round pick vaulted to a starter for the Commanders. And he started the season hot, as did the Commanders. But whether it’s the disintegration of the team or him not being a fit, neither has worked out. Howell started Sunday, but that was only because veteran Jacoby Brissett, who replaced him in Week 15 and Week 16, was unable to go. The Commanders are 4-12, with a likely house cleaning coming. This might not be the end of Howell’s story, but it’s clear his end in Washington draws near.
Running Backs:
Stock Up: Breece Hall, New York Jets
About: Hall was off to a hot start in 2022 before an injury ended his year. Coming into 2023, he was something of an unknown. So much so that the Jets signed Dalvin Cook as an insurance policy. Turns out, they shouldn’t have bothered. While Cook’s contributions have been nearly non-existent, Hall has been the best part of the Jets’ offense. He’s rushed for 816 yards and four touchdowns, catching 74 passes for 579 yards and four more touchdowns. He looks like a star and a workhorse for the Jets for years to come.
Stock Down: Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders
About: As a rookie, Gibson was something of a break-out star. Now, in the final year of his rookie deal, it’s hard to see what Gibson’s future is. The Commanders are woeful and looking at a major overhaul this off-season. Gibson has 257 yards rushing along with 45 receptions for 361 yards. He could have appeal as some team’s change-of-pace or third down back, but at best his value in dynasty is in flux.
Wide Receivers:
Stock Up: Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
About: Aiyuk has long been in the shadows of others on his team. He probably still is. Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel are the first players that come to mind, but it’s Aiyuk that’s been the big contributor. He has 72 receptions for 1,317 yards and seven touchdowns. He is beginning to feel like one of the best bets in fantasy on a fantasy-rich offense.
Stock Down: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
About: Lockett entered the week still the highest scoring receiver in fantasy for the Seahawks. But a lot of that was early in the season. As Jaxon Smith-Njigba has gotten on track, we’ve seen Lockett slip a bit. In a crucial game Sunday, he had just one reception for 10 years. The Seahawks are a decent team but unlikely to support a multitude of fantasy-relevant receivers. If I could find a good taker, I’d move Lockett this off-season.
Tight Ends:
Stock Up: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
About: The talent has long been there, but it’s seemed that this hot stretch for the Browns has unlocked all that potential. He’s caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Njoku looks like a great bet going forward.
Stock Down: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
About: Kelce has long been the gold standard at tight end, but we’ve seen a decline in his production in 2023. He hasn’t had 100 yards receiving since Week 6 of the NFL Season. He also has just one touchdown and one game with more than six receptions since that time. Sunday, he had just three receptions for 16 yards. There’s even talk Kelce might consider retiring. Either way, if you’re holding him, it’s time to move him for value while you still can.
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.
