It’s almost that time again, daily fantasy football fans. Sure, the Week 3 action started on Thursday night, but the full slate taking place on Sunday is enough to make DraftKings owners salivate.
But with everything going on—injuries, roster changes and depth chart moves—it’s difficult to keep up. That’s why we’re here, y’all. In anticipation of the final full Sunday before bye weeks fire up, here’s a look at players whose stock is on the rise and, well, not so much.
Stock Up
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins ($6,700)
Why hello there, Ryan Tannehill. A sleeper pick for many at the start of the season to be a fantasy breakout this year, Tannehill certainly delivered in Week 2. Currently boasting three touchdowns, no interceptions and an average of 292.5 passing yards per game, Tannehill is living up to the hype.
But wait, he plays the Buffalo Bills this week, so why should you start him? Yes, Buffalo’s defense has been stout this season, but it has also allowed the 31st-most points to quarterbacks. Owners can also expect Tannehill to get in on the running game at some point. If he does, Week 3 has the potential to be better than his 27.06-point performance last weekend.
Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals ($4,700)
In the latest episode of “As the Bengals Turn,” it appears Giovani Bernard has stolen the heart of head coach Marvin Lewis. Through the first two weeks of the season, Bernard has returned to his 2013 form as an explosive back in both the rushing and passing games.
Jeremy Hill may have more carries at 29 to 28, but Bernard has outgained him by over 80 yards and has nearly double the yards per carry at 6.6 to 3.5.
Still not convinced? Fine, let’s go with the most crucial stat—fumbles. Bernard has none, while Hill has two through two games. Bernard can be trusted by Lewis and DFS owners in Week 3 of this RB soap opera.
Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,200)
Allen Robinson’s rise to fantasy prominence hit a massive speed bump in Week 1. Let’s just say he packed a little extra torque in Week 2 to erase any of those DFS questions. He’s now the No. 1 receiver for the Jaguars and has a terrific matchup this week.
Going up against the New England Patriots in 2015 is far different from 2014. The sooner owners learn that the Pats simply want an offensive shootout every game, the better. Expect huge numbers from Robinson again at his $5,200 price point for one more week.
Stock Down
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers ($4,400)
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably well aware of Le’Veon Bell. If you’re not aware he’s returning from suspension this weekend, let me be the first to inform you. What does this mean for DeAngelo Williams? Well, let’s just say owners should expect a significant step back.
Like, so significant that he shouldn’t be rostered at $4,400. But hey, it was fun while it lasted.
After putting up two straight weeks with massive numbers, Williams will likely be playing second fiddle to Bell for the remainder of the season—a la LeGarrette Blount in 2014. Expect huge numbers from Bell but little to no production from Williams, who has hardly enough tread on the tires to make it a full season.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions ($7,900)
Whoa, what? Calvin Johnson’s stock is on the decline? Even after a great Week 2 performance with 24.3 points on DraftKings, there’s a reason his salary dropped $300. That reason is known as the Denver Broncos secondary.
Denver has been unstoppable against wide receivers, ranking first in points allowed to the position. Allowing just 267 passing yards per game, the Broncos lead the NFL by a wide margin over the Washington Redskins (328).
Tied with the Patriots for the most interceptions at four, Aqib Talib has half of the Broncos’ picks. Now that secondary faces Matthew Stafford, who has thrown three interceptions in 2015. Let’s just put it this way: There’s a high probability that Talib could finish with more receptions than Johnson. Don’t start him.
Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles ($3,500)
First of all, there doesn’t need to be any clarification as to how bad the Philadelphia Eagles offense has looked thus far this season. While it’s highly possible that the offense might look better this weekend—it’s hard to look much worse—it won’t be because of the tight end position.
Of all the things the New York Jets defense does well, containing tight ends has been near the top of the list. The Jets currently rank third in the NFL in points allowed to tight ends on DraftKings. With Sam Bradford still trudging his way through running the offense, don’t expect much at all from Ertz.
Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more NFL DraftKings advice.
DraftKings is paying out millions of dollars in prizes during Week 3 of the NFL season. Use this knowledge to help you win some of that cash. Play now for FREE at DraftKings.com.
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