The bell has sounded and it’s time to buy some rising stock and sell some falling stock. With Week 4 in the books, there are some fantasy questions still left unanswered. Is Sam Darnold for real? Is D’Andre Swift really ready to take over as the clear cut back in Detroit? Can Corey Davis be counted on? How long will Ceedee’s slump last? How long is the buy window on Javonte Williams? So many questions, so little time before Week 5 begins. Let’s dive in!
Stock Down – Sam Darnold, QB Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold has had a good run, but his spot as QB5 is soon to fall. Any stakeholders in Darnold should heavily consider selling the hot-handed QB. Looking ahead, Darnold is going up against the Eagles, Vikings, Giants, Falcons, and then the Patriots. Hot take: the Eagles shut down Darnold similarly to Weeks 1 and 2 when they kept both Matt Ryan and Jimmy Garoppolo in check. The Vikings are the anomaly in this scenario. Giving up 400 yards to Kyler Murray one week, and then limiting Russell Wilson to one touchdown the next. The Vikings could very well make life difficult for the former USC Trojan. The Giants are what I would call the “new hope” week match-up. The Giants have been very good to opposing quarterbacks – with the exception of this past week against Jameis, but he’s in a whole league of his own (good Jameis and not so good Jameis). But then the Patriots come to town and not even the great Tom Brady faired well against that defense. The time to sell Darnold is at the highest it will be this season.
Stock Up – D’Andre Swift, RB Detroit Lions
D’Andre Swift is ready to continue his breakout sophomore season in Week 5. Fantasy managers should absolutely keep Swift in their starting lineup. This past weekend, Swift was shut down by a defense known for stopping the run. The Bears have not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, so it should not have been surprising that Swift was not effective. Looking ahead, the Vikings have allowed, on average, 135.5 yards per game to opposing teams. Swift dropped from the No. 3 back to No. 6 in the league. Expect that number to climb back up after this weekend.
Stock Up – Corey Davis, WR New York Jets
In my personal opinion, Corey Davis is a very similar case to Brandin Cooks in Houston. Given the opportunity, I am selling and you should too. Davis’s production has been very sporadic this season. Absolutely booming in Week 1, disappearing in Weeks 2 and 3, and then booming in Week 4. Currently the No. 19 receiver, Davis is a good piece that can be moved to add value for an upgrade. His potential to produce at a high level is there and will continue to be WR1 for the New York Jets. This is the time to make some moves to separate your team from the rest of the pack and Davis can help do just that. Davis’s value could rise after this weekend’s London matchup with the Falcons, who allow 274 passing yards per game and rank 26th in that category. If there was a time to move Davis, it is within the next week before Week 6 begins.
Stock Up – Ceedee Lamb, WR Dallas Cowboys
Ceedee Lamb has now gone three straight weeks without a touchdown, but that drought will most likely end this weekend against a New York Giants team. The aforementioned Giants pose a friendly matchup for both Dak and Lamb to capitalize on. Currently, the 26th receiver in the NFL, Lamb is poised for a big week. I am buying Ceedee Lamb stock. Nobody in their right mind is probably selling right now – at least not for a good price – but if they are, capitalize. Keep Lamb in your starting lineup.
Stock Down – Javonte Williams, RB Denver
I am high on Williams, but Melvin Gordon is making Denver’s RB situation difficult. Williams is projected to overtake Gordon at some point this season, but the former Badger is not going down without a fight. Javonte Williams managed to vulture a touchdown from Gordon in Week 3, marking his first of the season. The Broncos went up against their first real test this past weekend in the Baltimore Ravens and face another tough challenge in Pittsburgh. Over the next couple of weeks, with Williams playing second fiddle to Gordon for the time being, the stock is falling. Stash Williams now and look for a better match-up in Week 6 when the Broncos host the Raiders who are allowing just over 132 rushing yards per game. The window to sell Williams is closing, but that Week 6 matchup should open it up a little more.
