The bell has rung and they are off! Some intense situations going down in the NFL this week and last that have fantasy managers sprinting to the free-agent market or frantically sending trade offers. The injury bug has bitten and continues to wreak havoc on rosters in all leagues. On a more positive note, there are players whose preseason performance is sure to gain them a roster spot and, quite possibly, the attention of those searching for what could be the missing piece to a championship run. Who are these players? Even more importantly, who are these pretenders? Let’s dive in because time is money and stocks are sliding.
Stock Up – Mekhi Sargent, RB Tennessee
No! This is not the same article as last week. I am doubling down on Mekhi Sargent. I am buying more and more stock and, like Cameron Grimes, I am going TO THE MOON! On 17 carries, Sargent scrambled for 51 yards and a touchdown on Saturday against the Chicago Bears. His counterpart, Brian Hill, outran Sargent by 12 yards on three fewer carries, but that will hardly count against the former Hawkeye’s future in the NFL. Not to mention, Hill getting placed on the IR all but seals the deal for the rookie to secure a roster spot. With injuries ahead of him to Darrynton Evans and Jeremy Nichols, Sargent could very easily find himself in the conversation to play back up to King Henry. Not an exciting role, but offers a change of pace for the Titans’ offense and could be a very longshot dynasty stash. Buy now while the stock is low.
Stock Up/Stock Down – Cameron Batson, WR Tennessee / Josh Reynolds, WR Tennessee
Here’s a two-for-one deal. Give me Batson! This kid has had a good preseason and probably finds his way onto the 53-man roster. Going six receptions for 66 yards and 2 TD, Batson quietly has impressed and should absolutely find his way into some playing time this season. That being said, he would be taking away time for Josh Reynolds. Reynolds has found some success in the past on a Rams squad that went to the Super Bowl a few short years ago, more than doubling his reception and yardage total from 2019 to 2020. However, he managed to only find the end zone twice…just as many times as Batson did this preseason. According to Pro Football Reference, Reynolds averaged 38.6 yards on 3.3 receptions per game in 2020. Similar to Sargent, Batson may not be a starter, but mark my words, this man will find his way onto the field this season.
Stock Up – Gus Edwards, RB Baltimore
The J.K. Dobbins injury is tragic. No joke. However, the show must go on and the weight will likely fall onto Gus Bus and Justice Hill. If history has shown anything, Edwards will get the majority of the workload – well, behind their true No. 1 running back, Lamar Jackson. Now, there is the possibility that the Ravens scour the free-agent market for another running back *cough* Todd Gurley *cough*, but even then, there will be an adjustment period to learn the system. Edwards has lived and thrived for the Ravens when they have needed him. Stock up!
Stock Down – Mark Ingram, RB Houston
The committee approach has been beneficial to very few running backs. Mark Ingram’s only plus is that he’s joined by a declining David Johnson and a determined Phillip Lindsay. The bottom line, there are too many running backs here and at least one will be irrelevant. My money is on Ingram to be the odd man out, therefore sell sell sell! Why? The same reason why he was dropped by Baltimore, they don’t need him. By no means is this a hint that Ingram could be cut – which he could. This is a situation with too many mouths to feed.
