STOCK UP
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick
After another dominant performance week two against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has asserted himself as an elite fantasy option. On Sunday he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards and four touchdowns in his team’s first two games of the season. He has a legit crop of weapons at his disposal, most notably the rejuvenated Desean Jackson, and still possesses the talent that has led to 118 starts in his last 11 seasons. Hesitancy surrounding Fitzpatrick is understandable, but the idea of Fitzmagic as a top fifteen fantasy quarterback is not as crazy as you may think. The last time Fitzpatrick started 16 games was with the Buffalo Bills in 2012, and he finished as the 12th best fantasy quarterback. Fitzpatrick is only owned in 25% of Yahoo leagues and in 31.7% of ESPN, so he is a must add for any owner that doesn’t feel rock solid about their quarterback situation.
RB: Chris Thompson
Washington’s offense did not look quite as dominant in their loss week two to the Indianapolis Colts, but running back Chris Thompson had another strong week and proved the more consistent of the two Washington running backs. Thompson only rushed the ball four times for one yard, but caught 13 balls on 14 targets for 92 yards. Thompson has lead Washington in targets so far through two games, and by a wide margin. He quickly became quarterback Alex Smith’s favorite target, and is the team’s most electric weapon with the ball in his hands. Last week Thompson proved he is a viable fantasy option regardless of the opponent and should be slotted in your starting lineup for the rest of the season.
WR: Kenny Golladay
The Detroit Lions have started the season 0-2, and so far appear to be destined for a top five selection. Their defense is one of the worst in the league, surrendering the most points and the fourth most passing yards in the league through two games. The Lions are also already relying heavily on their passing attack, racking up the sixth most passing yards in the league thus far. Quarterback Matt Stafford has long been established as one of the league’s premiere gunslingers, and it appears wide receiver Kenny Golladay will be the main beneficiary. Golladay leads the team in receiving yards, and is one of the league’s best deep ball threats teamed with possibly the league’s best deep ball thrower. He will be the main beneficiary of a Detroit team that will likely struggle this season, and should be trailing in most games they play.
TE: Eric Ebron
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has played better than most expected, and he has given new life to an average group of skill position players. Free agent acquisition Eric Ebron has been the standout of the group, and he has usurped Jack Doyle as the team’s number one tight end. Ebron is finally showing flashes of talent that made him a top ten pick back in 2014, and has caught touchdowns in both of the Colts first two games. At 6’4 and 245 pounds Ebron is an intimidating presence in the red zone, and appears to be Luck’s favorite target near the goal line. In fantasy’s weakest position, Ebron is likely a starting-caliber tight end and is a must add if he’s still available in you league.
STOCK DOWN
QB: Ben Roethlisberger
It’s hard to predict a decline in production from a quarterback who just threw for 452 yards and four total touchdowns, but the signs are there for a major drop-off from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger on the road is a completely different player than at home, and as the weather gets colder even games in Pittsburgh will begin to be a struggle. Last week Roethlisberger lit up a struggling Kansas City Chiefs defense, but the week before in Cleveland he almost singlehandedly threw away the game for the Steelers. At this point in his career, Big Ben can only be trusted at home and against below average defenses. Anything else and he’s liable to throw up an absolute dud. Roethlisberger’s fantasy owners must adjust to the new reality, and probably shouldn’t feel safe starting him again until the Steelers host the Browns at the end of next month. In total, Roethlisberger owners should look to sell high as the former Pro Bowler faces his impending regression.
RB: Royce Freeman
Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman shot up draft boards this preseason, and was believed by many to be the second most enticing rookie running back. Unfortunately for Freeman’s fantasy owners, it appears he isn’t even the most exciting rookie running back on his own team. That honor belongs to fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay, who has forced his way into the running back conversation and captured the role of third down back. Freeman currently earns the carries on early downs and crucial goal line situations, but Lindsay’s explosiveness and quick-cutting ability make his fit in the modern NFL much more obvious. It appears only a matter of time before Lindsay begins to take the majority of carries in the offense, and slowly but surely force Freeman out of the picture. Freeman currently still occupies the starting running back position, and probably warrants a start in the upcoming weeks, but owners should look to foist him on another team while he still holds some value.
WR: Odell Beckham Jr.
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was likely one of the first wide receivers taken in your draft, but it may already be time to consider jumping ship. The Giants offense has looked atrocious in the team’s first two games, and quarterback Eli Manning does not look like he should be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Add in one of the league’s worst offensive lines, and the Giants passing attack could be the worst in the league. This does not bode well for Beckham, and one may wonder if Manning will ever have the time to let Beckham get open on the deep routes he runs so well. Add in the presence of stud rookie running back Saquon Barkley, and the signs are there that New York is shifting offensive philosophies. Beckham is clearly being phased out of the Giants offense, and his fantasy owners should look to trade him while his value remains high.
TE: Jack Doyle
The Indianapolis Colts offense can only really sustain one fantasy relevant tight end, and the rise of Eric Ebron has been accompanied by the fall of Jack Doyle. Last season with quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center Doyle was one of the league’s best tight racking up the ninth most fantasy points among tight ends. With Luck back as the starter, Doyle has once again been relegated to fantasy irrelevance. Through two games he has collected nine receptions for 80 yards and zero touchdowns. In last week’s win in Washington, Doyle only caught the ball twice for ten yards. Doyle was likely starting on most fantasy teams in the beginning of the season, but he has quickly proven unworthy for such a distinction. He is no longer a viable starting option, and should either be used as fodder in trades or simply dropped.