Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
Hello, Fantasy Footballers!
This is a brand new series here at Rant Sports called the “Value Meter.”
Obviously it will be covering whose stock is rising or falling week-to-week, and this article will also have some dynasty sleepers/buy-low candidates in it. We hope you enjoy everything you’re about to read!
Quarterbacks:
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - Though Dalton is ninth among fantasy quarterbacks, there are a few reasons to sell-high on him. The first reason would be that, he’s, well, ninth amongst fantasy quarterbacks. If you’d told us that through four weeks he’d be this good, we’d have laughed in your face. He can’t keep this torrid pace up, regardless of his skill set. Another reason, is that from week 7 to week 10, he faces PIT, DEN, and NYG, with a bye in week 8. It is best to trade him before those teams get to see him.
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins - After he torched the Cardinals for over 400 yards, Tannehill opened the eyes of many dynasty owners like myself. Keep in mind that he has three touchdowns to seven turnovers. His value is mostly dependent on what he can do this week against Cincinnati, an average defense. Keep him on your watch list.
Running Backs:
Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins - Morris is a great guy, and an even better running back. After watching him all season long, and talking to him on my podcast, he seems flawless in just about every area – except pass-catching. Regardless of his inability to haul in passes, Morris holds a ton of value in fantasy leagues, as he is the fifth-best running back in standard-scoring ESPN leagues. He looks elite and shouldn’t be moved unless you receive a guy like Arian Foster or Ray Rice.
Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers - Adam Schefter reports that Mendenhall is “likely to play” Sunday against the Eagles. This is huge news for both fantasy owners and the Steelers. Mendenhall is a hard runner who likes to initiate contact. In doing so, he manages to post tons of touchdowns – Seven in 2009, in which he received 242 carries, in 2010, he scored 13 TDs on 324 carries, and last year he managed to find pay dirt nine times before getting injured. He has a knack for finding the end zone, and that is huge for fantasy players. If he’s out there in your league, go grab him! He’s an RB2 at worst.
Wide Receivers:
Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins - Hartline has been great this season to say the least, but what really stood out to most Fantasy Players is the fact that he posted a whopping 253 yards on 12 receptions, one of which went for a score. The puzzling thing is that he leads the league in reception yards, and is second in targets this season. I wrote about him as a sleeper this preseason. Look for the Dolphins to continue to go to Hartline, simply because they don’t have anyone else to fill-in for Pro-bowl receiver Brandon Marshall. After Week four, though, if an owner is willing to give up on a guy that you value more than Hartline, you have to take that, regardless of what Hartline has done so far. He’s bound to fall off sometime.
Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings - Simpson comes in as a buy-low option, after posting 50 yards on four receptions on a quarterback he has hardly worked with. His value should obviously go up the more he builds a rapport with Ponder.
Tight Ends:
Owen Daniels, Houston Texans - The seven year veteran out of Wisconsin may never return to what he was in his sophomore and junior seasons in the NFL, but with the way he’s been performing, one could think it’s possible. Through four games this season, Daniels has posted 232 receiving yards on 19 receptions to go along with two touchdowns. Another plus is that he has 10+ points in PPR leagues in each game. Production and talent is currently there, and there are few questions surrounding him. His numbers are legit right now – This is what he’s capable of week in and week out.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers - After two disappointing weeks, Olsen has managed to turn it around – 13 receptions, 187 yards, and a TD in the last two. Though he does face Seattle this week, it seems as if Olsen’s regained Cam’s trust and has taken over the role Lafell had in the first two weeks. As of now, he is a top 10 TE.
Honorable Week 4 Mentions: QB: None RB: Chris Johnson – 141 rushing yards, Cedric Benson – 106 total yards WR: Andre Roberts – 118 receiving yards/two touchdowns, Davone Bess – 7 receptions/123 receiving yards TE: Scott Chandler – 4 receptions, 2 touchdowns.
Stay tuned for the next article as it covers whose stock is plummeting.
