Dynasty is a year-round game. We’re always watching the latest news and tracking player movement, looking to stay ahead of the crowd and gain an edge. While we play the long game, week-to-week performances can drive long-term shifts or hint at future value. That’s what the Stock Watch is all about: tracking week-to-week value shifts to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to moving and acquiring players. Below is one player at each key fantasy position who improved in value and one who saw their value take a hit. Let’s dive in.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: J.J. McCarthy, New York Giants
About: The fourth quarter of Sunday’s Giants’ game made me feel like Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Part 3. Just when I thought I was out, McCarthy pulled me back in. He looked lost for most of his Vikings’ career. But maybe this trade to the Giants is the tonic he needs. In the fourth quarter, he went for 243 yards and made some things interesting. Does it assure he’s ready to start again? No, it certainly doesn’t. But if you have McCarthy stock, at least you have a pulse today.
Stock Down: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
About: Hurts has been having a terrible few seasons. There have been constant questions about his skills and leadership as a quarterback. Now, a major injury will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. With the Eagles seemingly collapsing, it’s fair to wonder what changes might be in store for the franchise. If you’re holding Hurts in Dynasty, it may be time to sell before things take a downward turn.
Running Backs
Stock Up: James Cook, Buffalo Bills
About: The Bills won in Los Angeles in Week 5, but Cook had some costly fumbles. His coach called him out in the post-game. But in Week 6, the Bills kept him as a major part of the game plan, and he delivered. He held on to the ball and ran hard, even scoring the go-ahead touchdown that helped lead to the win. That has to make those who roster Cook feel a little better.
Stock Down: Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
About: Skattebo had a costly fumble in Week 5, and his coach called him out. In response, the team gave Skattebo only a handful of snaps in Week 6 and no carries. In the post-game, Skattebo said he was being punished. His Head Coach, John Harbaugh, refused to call it a punishment. Those are all grim signs. That means even a healthy, available Skattebo isn’t a lock to do anything, making it tough to handicap whether he should be in your lineup.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
About: The Raiders’ receiver group is a work in progress, as is the team. But Tucker seems to be stepping up as a player who is at least a consistent flex option. He has had 4+ receptions and 40+ yards in each game since the opener. He’s also produced three touchdowns, including two big scores in Week 6. He appears to have good chemistry with Kirk Cousins and looks to be a solid fantasy contributor.
Stock Down: Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
About: It’s time to get real about the Broncos and their lack of offense. Today, I’m talking Sutton. He’s been a great play for the Broncos and in fantasy over the past few seasons, but this year has been a desperate slog. He had just two receptions for 18 yards in Week 6. That’s on par with his season: 13 receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown. That’s simply not good enough to justify starting him.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
About: After an ice-cold start, Pitts is finally starting to heat up. He has 10 receptions and three touchdowns in the past two weeks. That is a great sign for fantasy managers rostering Pitts, and it suggests the Falcons’ pass offense is finally getting on track.
Stock Down: Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans
About: With Chig Okonkwo in Washington, Helm figured to get a boost this year with the Titans. Through six weeks, we haven’t seen it. He has just nine receptions for 60 yards in six games. That’s not good enough for your lineup. He should be on the bench, or on the wire, until we see any signs of life.
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.
