Stock Watch NFL Edition Dec 7th
Stock Up
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick $6,300 – He’s quietly averaging 21.55 FPTS the last four weeks and is completing 68.9 percent of his passes. Also during this stretch, Fitzpatrick has thrown for six touchdowns, but also ran for two scores. Tennessee plays at Denver, which means the Fitzpatrick will likely be playing catch up with Peyton Manning and looking to pass the ball. He’s certainly worth $6,300 and has a good chance of reaching the 300-yard bonus.
Running Back
Ray Rice $5,900 – It’s been a difficult task playing Rice at the right time. But this is a good week. The Vikings have the 23rd-ranked rush defense and the 30th-ranked pass defense, which does matter with Rice’s PPR value. Adding that the Ravens are 6.5-point favorites at home and Rice has done well this year against weaker opponents, he’s worth more than his $5,900.
Wide Receiver
Julian Edelman $5,700 – Julian Edelman has returned. In the last two games combined, Edelman has caught 18 balls for 211 yards and two touchdowns. The New England offense is significantly more in sync and Rob Gronkowski is opening things up for his teammates. Despite a Cleveland Browns defense that’s ranked fifth against the pass, Joe Haden will be needed more on the outside and Edelman should have a big game in the slot.
Tight End
Jared Cook $3,800 – He’s only had more than five catches in one game this season. That came against the Arizona Cardinals where he caught seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. It’s easy to write that off as a coincidence, but tight ends against the Cardinals are putting up 88.5 yards and over one touchdown per game. The dominant cornerback play from Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu forces the opposing quarterbacks to go to the tight end. Cook is great value at $3,800.
Defense
Steelers $3,400 – It still may not be the purely dominant Dick LeBeau defense, but it’s much better than what it was to start the season. The Steelers have recorded 15 sacks in the last five games. They’ve forced seven turnovers in the last three contests, including one for a touchdown. They’re at home versus the warm-weather Miami Dolphins. Oh, and Mike Wallace comes to town. The Dolphins rank 26th in total offense and snow showers are expected on Sunday.
Kicker
Dan Carpenter $3,000 – He’s only missed two field goals all season. He’s made three kicks over 50 yards. The Buffalo offense looks much better with E.J. Manuel back under center. Tampa Bay has the eighth-ranked red zone defense. Tampa Bay is in warm weather. All are good signs.
Stock Down
Quarterback
Russell WIlson $8,100 – After a dominating performance against the Saints on Monday Night Football, Wilson is in the race for MVP. However, the Seahawks travel to San Francisco. Wilson’s numbers read 8-of-19 for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception from their first matchup. Granted it was raining,but the 49ers defense continues to improve and it’s hard imagining Wilson will do anywhere near what he did last week.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy $7,900 – Believe it or not, McCoy has only ran for over 80 yards in four games this season. Furthermore, only one of those times was in the last six weeks. Essentially, without having to worry about Michael Vick’s running ability, McCoy is easier to contain. The Detroit defense is No. 3 against the run, but No. 26 versus the pass and Nick Foles is playing very well. McCoy has little upside this week.
Wide Receiver
Josh Gordon $10,000 – There is very little explanation needed here. Do you really believe he’s worth that salary? Do you really think Gordon will go over 200 yards again? The only good thing about this matchup is that New England is a double-digit favorite and the Browns will likely have to throw later in the game. However, given that Aqib Talib will be matched up with Gordon and Belichick knows he’s the main and essentially, only threat. I’ll say he won’t clear the 100-yard mark.
Tight End
Coby Fleener $5,000 – The Colts have horrific offensive line issues, they’re going against the sixth-ranked Bengals defense and Cincy is undefeated at home. It’s nice that he’s averaging 12.4 yards per catch, but this will be Andrew Luck’s first cold-weather game of the season and snow is expected. Cold weather is something Luck struggled with last season and Fleener has only found the end zone four times this season. Even though he’s only $5,000, it’s not a good play.
Defense
Panthers $4,400 – Sunday Night Football. New Orleans. Drew Brees coming off a loss. I don’t care how good Carolina’s defense has been playing. Have you ever seen Brees not show up in primetime at home? Didn’t think so.
Kicker
Blair Walsh $4,000 – Walsh is only posting 8.8 FPTS and he’s playing outdoors at the Baltimore Ravens. Freezing rain and sleet is expected with winds up to 15 MPH. Plus, like the Bengals, the Ravens D is much better at home. This salary is an overreaction to his production the last two weeks.
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View all posts by Nick Juskewycz