Another week of the 2022 season is in the books and another wild week of finishes. You’re probably taking stock of all the performances, looking at your rosters, and thinking about what might make the difference. If you play Dynasty, you’re in it for the long haul. Still, it’s a weekly game and you have to ride the ebbs-and-flows and see what it can mean for the trajectory of a player. That’s what the Stock Watch is all about. We watch the games, process the information, and try to forecast where players are headed. After all, getting ahead of the curve is the way to succeed. So, below you’ll find one player that improved their position and one that’s going the wrong way from each position. Use this as a guide as you’re trying to make moves and evaluate your team this week!
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
About: One of the better games in Week 2 came in Baltimore as Lamar Jackson and Tua dueled to the finish. In the end, a 199-yard, four-touchdown fourth quarter helped Tua and the Dolphins slip past the Ravens. It also answered some questions about the Dolphins’ quarterback. Tua was a highly touted prospect coming into the NFL. He was taken No. 5 overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, one spot ahead of Justin Herbert. But, to this point, it’s fair to say Herbert has looked like the better prospect. Coming into his third NFL season, the Dolphins loaded up with weapons and put the pressure on Tua to produce. It’s only been two weeks, but so far it seems like that’s been accomplished. Tua had a couple of interceptions on Sunday, but he also threw for 469 yards and six touchdowns. Through two games, he’s completing 71 percent of his passes and has thrown for 739 yards and seven touchdowns. In short, if you invested in Tua, you have to be feeling good right about now.
Stock Down: Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts
About: We knew coming in that Ryan was closer to the finish line than the starting line, still there was optimism that he had a few good years left and landing with a talented Colts team would have him competing once again. Through two weeks, that looks more than a little ambitious. Ryan has completed 60 percent of his passes for 539 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. His team is 0-1-1 after facing the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, and Ryan is currently QB26 for the season. If you invested in Ryan hoping for a solid QB2, it’s probably time to look for a backup plan.
Running Backs
Stock Up: James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: We’ve always discounted Robinson. As an undrafted free agent, he led the Jaguars and was the lone bright spot in the 2020 season. Then the team drafted Travis Etienne, and it seemed like the end for Robinson. But Etienne got injured and Robinson carried the ground game through another dreadful Jaguars season until he got injured. Heading into 2022, it seemed like Robinson’s time as a feature back had ended. It didn’t. Through two games the only thing more impressive than Robinson’s quick recovery from an Achilles tear is the way he’s tearing it up for the Jaguars, relegating Etienne to a support role. He’s rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, catching three passes for 17 yards and another touchdown. While Etienne is still on the roster, potentially limiting Robinson’s future with the Jaguars, his three years there coupled with the need for backs around the league have me feeling bullish that Robinson will retain value in 2023.
Stock Down: Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins
About: Edmonds was always a solid option while with the Cardinals. He was never a dominant rusher, but his skills and prowess as a receiver made him a key contributor both to the Cardinals and fantasy lineups. This off-season he signed a rich contract with the Dolphins and figured to lead their backfield. While the Dolphins’ passing game has been fun the first two weeks, the ground game has been a rumor. Edmonds has just 58 yards rushing on 17 carries and three receptions for 15 yards. He’s RB41 through two weeks, not a promising sign for those hoping to have a solid weekly RB2 option. It might be time to see what the market for Edmonds is and make the most of it.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: Maybe Kirk was worth the money. A lot was made of the big contract paid to Kirk by the Jaguars this off-season. Through two games, it looks like a steal. The Jaguars are 1-1, and nearly 2-0. A big part of the resurgent offense has been Kirk’s production as he’s seen 18 targets, catching 12 for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He has great chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and looks like he could be a steal based on his off-season ADP. He’s sitting as WR5 and looks like a great bet to finish Top 24. If you’re not competing this season, he could also make excellent trade bait for a team that is in need.
Stock Down: Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts
About: Sometimes you just have to acknowledge the truth. I remember when Campbell was drafted by the Colts, with the potential of being a key target for Andrew Luck. That never materialized and neither has Campbell’s NFL production. Injuries have played a role but even when he’s seemingly had opportunities, it hasn’t panned out. The Colts were in dire need of pass options Sunday with both Michael Pittman, Jr. and rookie Alec Pierce out. And yet, a healthy Campbell saw just two targets and went without a reception. Any hope that Campbell might be on the verge of a Fourth-Year breakout is quickly evaporating.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
About: Everett has long had talent, it was a question of role and opportunity. In Los Angeles, with the Rams, he split with Tyler Higbee. In Seattle, he also had competition for targets. But with the Chargers, he’s become a focal point of the offense. He’s seen 14 targets, catching nine passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Through two games he’s TE4 on the season. That’s a promising sign. Being in a high-volume offense with Justin Herbert is also encouraging. All those are promising signs for a player that did come with a high draft capital cost.
Stock Down: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
About: Now is the time to buy. Pitts is a great talent, one who was supposed to be in line for an immense season. Instead, he has four receptions for 38 yards in two games. He’s currently TE32. When asked about his lack of targets, his coach said they’re just trying to win games. That means Pitts is blocking more and running routes less. That likely has some fantasy players in a panic. Take advantage of it. Pitts still has immense talent and he won’t be relegated to blocking forever. His stock is down, but that could be to your advantage. If you can get a deal, I’d go ahead and take it.
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.
