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 you gain 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 taking a hit. Those fluctuations can help guide your management decisions as you shape your Dynasty roster for the long haul.
Week 2 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: Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
About: As Calvin Candie might say, Darnold had my curiosity, but now he has my attention. Darnold was something of an unknown coming into the season. Would he be able to go the Baker Mayfield route and re-boot his career? Or would the wheels come off? So far, he’s looked like he has some juice left as a starter in the NFL. He’s thrown two TD passes in each of his starts, beating the Giants soundly on the road and, more impressively, beating the 49ers at home. That’s a hot start and makes Darnold a great candidate to be a starter in Superflex leagues.
Stock Down: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
About: I don’t want to kick a man while he’s down, but our fears about Tua and concussions have emerged again after he left Week 2 with another concussion. That began to talk about whether he could or should return. It’s certainly fair to understand the concern, given that was what ended his season in 2022. You need to make alternate plans if you’re rostering Tua and counting on him in your leagues. And, if I get a good offer, I might consider moving him just in case.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Braelon Allen, New York Jets
About: We knew that Breece Hall would be the feature back in New York, but could another back have value? Allen certainly stated his case Sunday, catching one touchdown and rushing for another in a Jets’ win. He was already a valuable handcuff, but with Sunday’s showing, he’s made clear that he could have some standalone value even when Hall is healthy and doing his thing.
Stock Down: Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
About: Mostert was hurt in Week 2 and inactive, but this isn’t about that. He was limited to eight yards on six carries in Week 1. Meanwhile, De’Von Achane performed great during the first two weeks while Jeff Wilson and Jaylen Wright contributed. Mostert was a great story in 2023, and I think he still has some juice left to have some good performances in 2024. When he has his next big game, look to sell early because the end is closer than you’d like if you roster him.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
About: Shahid has been hot to start the season. He has seven receptions for 169 yards, two touchdowns, and three carries. He has at least 70 yards and a touchdown in each of the Saints games. That’s good production, and it shows no signs of slowing as Shaheed remains one of the best weapons in the Saints’ arsenal. He’s an every-week start that gives you a great flex option—or a great chip to trade.
Stock Down: Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
About: It’s been a slow start for Cooper and the Browns. He has just five receptions for 27 yards in two games. The good news is his 17 targets. The bad news is that the Browns’ offense looks middling, and Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore are outproducing him. I like Cooper, and I think he is still a good receiver, but his ceiling seems to be lowering in his current situation.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
About: The Bengals need more offense, and it seems like Gesicki is developing a role for himself. In Week 1, he nearly had a big touchdown grab, but it was overturned. But in Week 2, he led the Bengals with seven receptions for 91 yards on nine targets. Doubtless, when Tee Higgins returns, the pass offense will change, but Gesicki looks like a good fit who could provide sneaky upside at a difficult position.
Stock Down: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
About: Kelce’s production dipped in 2023, and it was fair to wonder if his time as a dominant force ended. But his 14.6 points per game average had me thinking that was overblown. However, seeing his production in the first two weeks, it’s fair to wonder if it’s time to make a pre-emptive move on Kelce before the bottom falls out. The Chiefs have worked to improve their receiving options, which seems to be taking a toll. Kelce has four receptions for 39 yards on seven targets. There was a time when that would be a bad half, and yet that’s his two-game total. If I find a good offer, I want to move.
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.
