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 8.
Quarterbacks
Stock Up: Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
About: Levis dropped in the draft from a potential first-round pick to the second round. In the pre-season, he seemed to drop below Malik Willis to QB3 on the Titans. But with Ryan Tannehill out on Sunday, Levis got the start. In his first start, he not only got the win but tossed four touchdowns, looking pretty good. If you drafted Levis as a stash, you have to be pumped moving forward.
Stock Down: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
About: I love Stafford as a player, and I was excited for him to win the Super Bowl after years of toiling in Detroit. But Stafford hasn’t been the same player for fantasy or for the Rams since that win. Last season, he struggled and then went out with injury. This season, Stafford came into Week 8 as just QB16, and he left again with an injury after getting blasted by the Cowboys. He’s a middling QB2 at best and is getting close to the end. If you hung on, your dynasty sell window has likely passed.
Running Backs
Stock Up: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
About: I know, how can the best running back improve? Well, I had to list him here because of the historic pace he’s on as a back. He came in with 11 touchdowns in seven games and added two more—one rushing and one receiving—against the Bengals. McCaffrey is the best position player and one of the best players in the NFL. However high we had him, he’s been even better.
Stock Down: Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: When the Jaguars took Bigsby, it seemed like he had a chance to have a decent role for the Jaguars. Instead, we’ve seen Travis Etienne continue to ascend while Bigsby has faded into the background. On Sunday, he had three carries for nine yards. He’s got little consistent role and isn’t a player you can use in a starting lineup.
Wide Receivers
Stock Up: DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
About: Hopkins entered Week 8, having a miserable season. He was averaging 6.3 points per game and ranked as WR51. Not great. But Hopkins reminded everyone he’s a force to be reckoned with on Sunday, catching four passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns. For those holding Hopkins hoping for a stretch run, he looks to be rounding into shape. Still, I’d use it as a chance to sell high to a contender if you’re not in a position to win.
Stock Down: Alex Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
About: Last year, the Colts took Pierce in the draft, and he looked like a compliment to Michael Pittman. Instead, it’s 2023 rookie Josh Downs, who is in the Top 30 among receivers. Downs continues to catch passes as a great compliment to Pittman, while Pierce is a distant third option at best. For those hoping for a year two breakout, it’s beginning to look like Pierce is a fade.
Tight Ends
Stock Up: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
About: McBride was seeing a tick up in usage before veteran Zach Ertz ended up on IR. This week, McBride had his best game yet as he continues to ascend. McBride caught 10 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. It’s a great sign of things to come for a player who has been waiting for an opportunity. Those who snagged him as the top tight end in the 2022 draft are seeing the investment start to pay off.
Stock Down: Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills
About: At times, we’ve seen Knox make a great contribution over the years to the Bills. When the team took a tight end—Dalton Kincaid—in the first round of the draft, it was a worrying sign. Now, Knox is on the shelf with a wrist injury, while Kincaid has had two big games in a row. The time for Knox as a potential weekly start at tight end is over.
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.
