Stock Up, Stock Down – Week 3

Ding! The numbers are in and fantasy managers are searching for deals. Now, I will begin by saying that I could not have been more wrong about my Scary Terry take in last week’s article. I took the stance the stock was down and he was more of a flex play. That man put up clear-cut WR1 numbers and I will think twice about doubting him again – maybe if Dwayne Haskins finds his way back as the starting QB his stock will fall, or if Washington calls me to be the starting QB. If anyone from the Football Team is reading this, I will gladly sign on for the league minimum. That being said, let’s hit the exchange and stock up or sell.

Stock Up – Justin Fields, QB Chicago

Call me whatever you would like. Crazy, homer, biased, whatever! Justin Fields is QB1 for the Chicago Bears as they take a trip to Cleveland to play the Browns. Fields came in during last week’s game against the Bengals after Andy Dalton tweaked his ankle while running for a first down. Justin Fields was impressive, minus the interception he threw. Running for 31 yards and throwing for 60, the rookie got his first real taste of NFL action. In Superflex leagues, Fields is a good play. He gives your team a dual-threat combo of air yards, as well as rushing yards – which he has already tallied a rushing touchdown this season. The Browns have given up a rushing touchdown to both QBs they have faced so far this season.

Stock Down – Zach Wilson, QB New York

In Week 1, we saw Zach Wilson throw for two touchdowns and keep the Jets in the game, ultimately ending in a loss. Week 2 was a very different story. The former BYU gunslinger threw a whopping four interceptions, two of which came before he completed his first pass to a member of his own team. Not all of that can be put on Wilson though. He was going up against a tough New England defense. That being said, Wilson has another tall order in this week’s matchup in the Rocky Mountains. Take a breather for this one, as Denver has not surrendered more than two touchdowns in each of their games this year. This probably will not be the game that the streak is broken.

Stock Up – Zach Pascal, WR Indianapolis

Zach Pascal has been on fire the first two weeks of the season. Currently sitting with 9 receptions, 81 yards, and three touchdowns, Pascal has become a favored red zone target for Carson Wentz. By favored, I mean those are the only touchdowns Wentz has thrown this season. Wentz’s availability for Week 3’s matchup is not certain as of yet, but even with Jacob Eason under center, you can bet on Pascal getting continued looks for points on the board. The Titans haven’t exactly been great in pass defense either. Getting routed by Kyler Murray in Week 1, surrendering four passing touchdowns, and two touchdowns in Week 2 to Russell Wilson, this is a favorable match-up for Pascal to continue to flourish. That being said, this is a touchdown or bust situation.

Stock Down – Kenyan Drake, RB Las Vegas

With Josh Jacobs inactive for this past Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh, I would have guessed Drake to be the No. 1 back. That was not the case. Peyton Barber out-carried Drake 13-7. Now, Barber was a non-factor in the run game, but really the entire team did not fair much better against a stout Steeler defense. Drake was able to haul in five catches for 46 yards. The former Miami Dolphin has put up similar numbers in both weeks and will look to continue that trend in Week 3 against his former team. I don’t believe that Drake offers more than what has in two weeks. Very similar to James White, but he’s more like the diet version. His value is there in the passing game, but it is very tough to justify inserting him into your lineup.

Stock Up – Rondale Moore, WR Arizona

Rondale Moore stepped up in a big way in Week 2 in an offensive shootout in Arizona. More posted seven receptions on eight targets, 114 yards, and a touchdown to help the Cardinals move to 2-0 on the year – thanks to a missed Viking field goal as time expired in the 4th quarter. If you can believe this man is only rostered in 56.1% of ESPN leagues, this makes for a great pick-up and start option across all leagues – dynasty leagues are probably out of luck with the rookie most likely being drafted in the off-season draft. Regardless, Moore leads the Cardinals in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. That kind of production should be inserted into your lineup and utilized. No questions asked.