Stock Market Report
Players Rising and Falling
By: paul.hickey | 10/12/10, 5:00 AM EDT
Paul Hickey from NoOffseason.com takes a look at Malcolm Floyd, Donte Whitner, Brandon Lloyd, Ray Rice, and the rest of risers and fallers in NFL Fantasy football.
Lets take a look at this weeks' players.
RISING
Danny Amendola, WR, Rams- The 24 year old from Texas Tech is starting to bear a few more similarities to Wes Welker than simply the same alma mater. Despite being the third —and at times —fourth receiver for the lowly Rams, Amendola has managed to haul in four or more passes in all five games this season, including 12 catches for 95 yards against the Lions in Week 5. Consider him a very solid PPR option moving forward, with value rising due to a potentially season-ending knee injury to Mark Clayton, which means more targets should be coming his way.
Donte Whitner, S, Bills- After a very disappointing 2009 season, and battling injuries early in 2010, the former first-round pick is hitting his stride, and looking like a very good tackle-only league IDP option. He racked up 11 tackles (10 solo) against the Jags in Week 5, giving him seven or more solo stops in each of his last three games. Following a bye, Whitner faces the Ravens in Week 7 and Chiefs in Week 8.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos- Who would have thought the 29-year-old journeyman would have 30 catches for 589 yards and three scores through the first five games of 2010? After recording five catches for 135 yards and two scores in Week 5, Lloyd’s value continues to rise. Add to it the fact that rookie Demaryius Thomas suffered a neck/head injury returning a kick that could keep him out a few weeks, and Lloyd looks like a must-start moving forward. He has five or more catches in all but one game this season, so consistency is not an issue for him in 2010.
Ray Rice, RB, Ravens- After a shaky start that included an injury, the 2009 breakout star got on track against Denver in Week 5, rushing 27 times for 133 yards and two scores. In other words, there is nothing to worry about with Rice moving forward.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers- There was some question early on as to whether or not Floyd could fill Vincent Jackson’s shoes. Given the frequency the Chargers put the ball in the air, combined with the fact that Floyd has three scores in his last four ballgames, he is becoming a top-tier fantasy option. With eight catches for 213 yards and a TD against Oakland in Week 5, it’s hard to argue with keeping him in your lineup moving forward.
Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers–There’s no doubt that this guy should be rostered in all formats, but on top of that, he’s someone that dynasty owners should consider a top prospect to be an elite WR in the future. Seven catches for 99 yards and a score in Week 5 against the Bengals made his owners feel good, and Josh Freeman sure seems to look to him often.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals- Quietly, the rookie first rounder from Oklahoma has caught three or more balls each week, including four catches for 24 yards and a score in Week 5 against the Bucs. If he stays healthy, he’ll finish his rookie season with more than 50 catches, and be a potential top fantasy TE in 2011 and beyond.
FALLING
Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers- The unguardable one suffered an injury in Week 5 and was replaced by rookie Andrew Quarless, who caught four balls for 51 yards in his absence. Finley could miss several weeks with what is a mystery knee/hamstring injury. This obviously lowers his value considerably.
For more risers and fallers, check out our weekly rankings on Wednesday.
Paul Hickey is the lead contributor for Athlon Fantasy Football and operates the website nooffseason.com, a 365-day resource for obsessive fantasy owners who eat, breathe and sleep fantasy football. While the site appeals to all fantasy heads, there is a special emphasis on dynasty formats and IDP leagues.
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