Welcome
Sports Outlaw's Scott Henkel brings you a weekly look at the fantasy football stock exchange known as Ballin' or Fallin'.
Scott evaluates quarterbacks, runningbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, and defenses from across the NFL and lets you know if the player or team is on the rise or falling. If a player or team is Ballin' their stock is on the rise. If a player or team is Fallin' they are losing stock.
Are your players on his list? Find out each week in Ballin' or Fallin'!
Ballin' or Fallin' - Week 10
Welcome to Sports Outlaw's Fantasy Football stock exchange known as Ballin' or Fallin'.
Simple concept: If a player is Ballin' his stock is on the rise. If a player is Fallin', he's not living up to the hype.
We'll take a weekly look at the players that matter in the realm of fantasy football.
Ballin'
Quarterbacks
Brady Quinn – Alright lets get it over with right away; Brady Quinn will be a fantastic start this week. There will be those who will say Quinn is doomed because he has a very short week and starting his first NFL regular season game. There are others who will warn you not to put stock in the fact that defensive coordinators will not have much to evaluate Quinn on and therefore will be unable to gameplan against him. They’re right, but this isn’t your average back up. Here is a guy who was drafted in the first round, has been in the Browns system for his second full season, and when they can hold onto the ball a group of talented receivers. If this doesn’t sound familiar he shares striking similarities to Ohio’s other team’s former starting quarterback; Carson Palmer. Think I’m nuts? Look closely at what Quinn has been able to do with the few starts he’s had in pre-season and in relief duty last season. Next look at who he takes on Thursday night, The Broncos. If ever there was a chance for a guy to make a solid first impression it would be Quinn on Thursday night. Be the River Boat Gambler and start him! QB1.
Joe Flacco – Yes it was against the Browns who make almost everyone except Eli look good. Flacco is showing improvement and increased understanding of the offense. His numbers are also fairly consistent for a rookie. He isn’t Matt Ryan but he is someone who would do fine for you in a pinch and a guy who you could target in keeper leagues for a decent price. Situational starter and keeper league target.
Sage Rosenfels – With Shaub again unable to survive a full season behind center for the Texans Rosenfels is again able to step in and produce. He’s a solid fantasy football option this season as the Texans upgraded at last at runningback with a guy who is a dual threat to go all the way. The Texans also enjoy the resurgent Andre Johnson and one of the NFL’s best tight ends in Owen Daniels. He immediately steps into a weak QB1 to very strong QB2.
Peyton Manning – My fellow Sports Outlaw staffers feel Manning is a prime “buy low” candidate and feel his performance so far this season isn’t indicative of what he’ll be able to put up during the normal fantasy football playoffs. I don’t fully agree but he was solid against the Patriots and he does have the weapons around him. His stock is rising and he may be able to be had at his lowest value for teams looking forward to a playoff run. Still a weak QB1 but a must start due to his past and the offensive weapons available to him.
Keep your eye on:
Daunte Culpepper – OK so I said last week he’d be a Cowboy. Well he’s a Lion instead so at least I got blue right on his soon-to-be uniform. Orlovsky was playing well until getting hurt and now there are rumblings Culpepper could be thrown behind center for some if not all next game. Crazy as that seems it would stand to reason to me that he could muster some school yard plays like, “Megatron, go deep!” I may be a gambler but I wouldn’t be that guy who puts C-Pepp in a starting lineup this season. Next season I’m upgrading him but for now he should be on your target list yet still on your bench.
Runningbacks
Selvin Young – Wow. That’s about all I can write about the latest developments in the Broncos running game. If you are into drama or like me decimated at runningback Young is your choice for starting Bronco runningback. Ryan Torrain is the sexy pick but Young is the guy who by attrition alone will be the workhorse of this identity-less Bronco offense. Elevate Young from bench to RB2 or flex.
Ray Rice – Rice made my first edition of Ballin’ or Fallin’ and since then has stepped back into mediocrity until recently. He racked up huge rushing totals this week and for the past two weeks has been solid in the passing game. He started ahead of Willis McGahee and delivered. Coach Harbaugh gave him a vote of confidence and I see Rice’s totals only getting better as he is bound to find the endzone soon. Elevate Rice from flex play to decent RB2 in point per reception leagues.
Jamaal Charles –Like the Broncos the Chiefs have had their fair share of drama and injury. Kolby Smith is lost for the season and there is a big chance Larry Johnson gets sent to timeout for a while leaving rookie Jamaal Charles the man in KC. He lit up the Bucs on a still gimpy ankle and is a good bet to produce well for alert and savvy owners. RB3 to weak RB2 due to Coach Edwards’ lack of faith at this point.
Cedric Benson – I can’t believe his story. He put together a fantastic performance against a defense who shut down better rushers. Maybe getting sent to the Bengals was the wake up call he needed to focus his attention on football and less on being Captain Morgan. Flex play at this point but has a chance to be a RB2 with another decent performance.
Keep your eye on:
Peyton Hillis – Out of nowhere this rookie fullback racked up massive receiving yards. Now he’s playing for Coach Shannahan who loves to do the unconventional so keep his name fresh on your mind especially as he has two gimps ahead of him on the depth chart. He could very well be a one week wonder so don’t rush out to pick him up unless you have dead weight to drop.
Wide Receivers
Kevin Curtis – Back from injury Curtis is finding his former role as go-to receiver for Donovan McNabb easy to slip back into. Curtis is a reliable receiver who will compliment Jackson and may have potential to score like Wes Welker in point per reception leagues. WR1 in PPR leagues or weak WR2.
Mark Clayton – If he didn’t drop a touchdown pass his value would be much higher. He’s got the ability and the faith of Cam Cameron but has been almost silent until this week. He may be a guy you can find on waiver wires and is a good bet to start to pick up the scoring as Flacco gets better this season. Stash on bench or use in Flex.
Anthony Gonzalez – Gonzo II is filling the role of solid #2 in an offense that once is able to get on track is capable of racking up massive points. He’s not blown up this season and could be had for a song as his scoring will only get better even if he doesn’t find the endzone twice each game. Good WR3 with WR2 upside.
Michael Jenkins – Lost in the headlines most weeks Jenkins is improving his game going for over 50 yards in the last 3 games. He scored twice last week which shouldn’t be counted on but he is getting better this season and could be a nice addition. Flex play to weak WR2.
Mark Bradley– Here’s a guy who is starting to make some noise for Kansas City. Injuries have held him back but he’s shown some ability the last two weeks and may be a decent pickup for the desperate owners looking for depth at wr. Because he plays for the Chiefs who have questions at quarterback and two established receivers his upside is limited but he could be a bye week or injury fill in if required. Situational WR3 or flex.
Tight End
Brent Celek– I admit I’ve never heard of the guy. LJ Smith just can’t stay healthy. Celek may have the chance to put together solid outings ala Kevin Boss last season so keep him on your radar. He won’t put up those kinds of numbers every week but he could be an option for someone in need.
Derek Fine – Yes B’n or F’n Week 10 is the week of the unknown TE. Fine put up good numbers and drew praise from the coaching staff and his quarterback. Royal also had a good game but his upside is limited due to inconsistent efforts. Fine could be worth picking up if desperate for a TE.
Defenses
Washington – The Redskins have more to distract opposing quarterbacks than stunning cheerleaders. They can bring the HEAT! Defenses can’t bring pressure unless they get good play from their secondary and that is what I saw on Monday night. The Redskins played well against an average at best Steeler team but they are a good option at DEF.
Miami – The Dolphins are another team that can be a good bye week fill in. They have league leading sackmaster and fellow Colorado State Alum Joey Porter leading the charge…..remind me to tell all of you about the time I had to ask Joey to leave my house party for throwing a chair into a window. Now instead of throwing defenseless chairs through windows he’s throwing quarterbacks onto the ground and causing havok. Miami is a solid bye week play.
Fallin'
Quarterbacks:
Jay Cutler – Another week another downgrade for Cutler. Joey Porter said it was easy to get into his and Brandon Marshall’s head during a game causing them to make dumb decisions. Not good. Cutler started out lights out but should now be downgraded to a situational starter until the Broncos can right their ship. QB2
JaMarcus Russell – It has been said Russell will never be able to live up to his NFL potential as long as he is with the Raiders. I tend to believe that but I also tend to believe he was overhyped due to his freakishly strong arm. He is entirely too streaky with his accuracy but mostly tends to over throw receivers. He hasn’t done squat this season and I don’t envision him picking up the pace this season or any time soon. Worthy to drop in all scoring formats.
Marc Bulger – Bulger got a little snippy with reporters asking why he and his team sucks but I can’t blame him. I hate repeating myself too. Bulger is no more than a weak bye week fill in.
Brooks Bollinger – This poor dude is going to get killed out there. Until Romo returns this team is going to flounder. Although at the rate the Cowboys are losing there may not be a reason for Romo to return as I think we can safely say the playoffs are out of reach for this preseason Super Bowl favorite.
Runningbacks
Justin Fargas – There is no reason at all for teams to respect the run when the Raiders can’t pass. That isn’t a knock on Huggie Bear’s kid. He’s a fine runningback. The Raiders as a whole are a train wreck and it has affected every part of the organization. Benched.
Joseph Addai – This guy was in many people’s preseason top 5-10 fantasy football runningbacks. Due to injury and an inability to get going he’s producing like a guy who goes undrafted. Last season he was a dual threat every week but for some reason hasn’t been involved at all in the passing game. He should be downgraded to flex play or weak RB2.
Ernest Graham – He suffered a knee injury which explains why he wasn’t in the game late. But he coughed up the ball twice before being injured during another lackluster outing. He’s not showing much this year outside of playing fullback which may be where he ends up if he’s healthy coming out of the bye week. Bench.
Wide Receivers
Braylon Edwards – Once again Edwards drops a sure catch this one for a touchdown. If searching for answers as to why Derek Anderson, a team captain, is now holding a clipboard Edwards needs to only look at his league leading 14 drops this season. WR2 only due to the spark Quinn will provide and his matchup against the Broncos.
Ted Ginn Jr.– I started a thread in the forums asking if folks saw Ginn’s break out game last week as the start of things to come or a one week wonder. Seems most posters at SO called it right and said Camarillo is still the best option for a starting wr in Miami. Ginn has all the tools but is still undersized for a wr in the NFL. I’m not sure how Deshaun Jackson is doing it but Ginn may want to give the guy a call to find out his secret. Flex start at best.
Brandon Marshall– There are questions as to Marshall’s effort this past weekend. He did have a bs offensive pass interference penalty called on his only big gain and trip to the end zone but that happens all the time in the NFL. His nickname of “Baby TO” was supposed to be a compliment to his phenomenal physical gifts but seems to be also true of his attitude at times. Marshall has been invisible the past few games and needs to be the same dominating force he was last season every week in order for the Broncos to get on track. WR2 simply for the fact that he’s too good to not eventually break out.
If you’ve read this far you’re looking for all the pieces of information and perspective that will push you over the top in your league. This article is only part of that total picture here at SO. To get the rest of the story you must check out Jeremy Miller’s Waiver Wire picks. If you see a familiar name from this blog that is your cue to head straight to your league waiver wire.
If there is someone we missed tell us about it in the comments section below.
Like the stock market the fantasy football value market will fluctuate so make sure you are in the know by subscribing to this blog. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you in the forums!
Scott Henkel
"The Ram"
Simple concept: If a player is Ballin' his stock is on the rise. If a player is Fallin', he's not living up to the hype.
We'll take a weekly look at the players that matter in the realm of fantasy football.
Ballin'
Quarterbacks
Brady Quinn – Alright lets get it over with right away; Brady Quinn will be a fantastic start this week. There will be those who will say Quinn is doomed because he has a very short week and starting his first NFL regular season game. There are others who will warn you not to put stock in the fact that defensive coordinators will not have much to evaluate Quinn on and therefore will be unable to gameplan against him. They’re right, but this isn’t your average back up. Here is a guy who was drafted in the first round, has been in the Browns system for his second full season, and when they can hold onto the ball a group of talented receivers. If this doesn’t sound familiar he shares striking similarities to Ohio’s other team’s former starting quarterback; Carson Palmer. Think I’m nuts? Look closely at what Quinn has been able to do with the few starts he’s had in pre-season and in relief duty last season. Next look at who he takes on Thursday night, The Broncos. If ever there was a chance for a guy to make a solid first impression it would be Quinn on Thursday night. Be the River Boat Gambler and start him! QB1.
Joe Flacco – Yes it was against the Browns who make almost everyone except Eli look good. Flacco is showing improvement and increased understanding of the offense. His numbers are also fairly consistent for a rookie. He isn’t Matt Ryan but he is someone who would do fine for you in a pinch and a guy who you could target in keeper leagues for a decent price. Situational starter and keeper league target.
Sage Rosenfels – With Shaub again unable to survive a full season behind center for the Texans Rosenfels is again able to step in and produce. He’s a solid fantasy football option this season as the Texans upgraded at last at runningback with a guy who is a dual threat to go all the way. The Texans also enjoy the resurgent Andre Johnson and one of the NFL’s best tight ends in Owen Daniels. He immediately steps into a weak QB1 to very strong QB2.
Peyton Manning – My fellow Sports Outlaw staffers feel Manning is a prime “buy low” candidate and feel his performance so far this season isn’t indicative of what he’ll be able to put up during the normal fantasy football playoffs. I don’t fully agree but he was solid against the Patriots and he does have the weapons around him. His stock is rising and he may be able to be had at his lowest value for teams looking forward to a playoff run. Still a weak QB1 but a must start due to his past and the offensive weapons available to him.
Keep your eye on:
Daunte Culpepper – OK so I said last week he’d be a Cowboy. Well he’s a Lion instead so at least I got blue right on his soon-to-be uniform. Orlovsky was playing well until getting hurt and now there are rumblings Culpepper could be thrown behind center for some if not all next game. Crazy as that seems it would stand to reason to me that he could muster some school yard plays like, “Megatron, go deep!” I may be a gambler but I wouldn’t be that guy who puts C-Pepp in a starting lineup this season. Next season I’m upgrading him but for now he should be on your target list yet still on your bench.
Runningbacks
Selvin Young – Wow. That’s about all I can write about the latest developments in the Broncos running game. If you are into drama or like me decimated at runningback Young is your choice for starting Bronco runningback. Ryan Torrain is the sexy pick but Young is the guy who by attrition alone will be the workhorse of this identity-less Bronco offense. Elevate Young from bench to RB2 or flex.
Ray Rice – Rice made my first edition of Ballin’ or Fallin’ and since then has stepped back into mediocrity until recently. He racked up huge rushing totals this week and for the past two weeks has been solid in the passing game. He started ahead of Willis McGahee and delivered. Coach Harbaugh gave him a vote of confidence and I see Rice’s totals only getting better as he is bound to find the endzone soon. Elevate Rice from flex play to decent RB2 in point per reception leagues.
Jamaal Charles –Like the Broncos the Chiefs have had their fair share of drama and injury. Kolby Smith is lost for the season and there is a big chance Larry Johnson gets sent to timeout for a while leaving rookie Jamaal Charles the man in KC. He lit up the Bucs on a still gimpy ankle and is a good bet to produce well for alert and savvy owners. RB3 to weak RB2 due to Coach Edwards’ lack of faith at this point.
Cedric Benson – I can’t believe his story. He put together a fantastic performance against a defense who shut down better rushers. Maybe getting sent to the Bengals was the wake up call he needed to focus his attention on football and less on being Captain Morgan. Flex play at this point but has a chance to be a RB2 with another decent performance.
Keep your eye on:
Peyton Hillis – Out of nowhere this rookie fullback racked up massive receiving yards. Now he’s playing for Coach Shannahan who loves to do the unconventional so keep his name fresh on your mind especially as he has two gimps ahead of him on the depth chart. He could very well be a one week wonder so don’t rush out to pick him up unless you have dead weight to drop.
Wide Receivers
Kevin Curtis – Back from injury Curtis is finding his former role as go-to receiver for Donovan McNabb easy to slip back into. Curtis is a reliable receiver who will compliment Jackson and may have potential to score like Wes Welker in point per reception leagues. WR1 in PPR leagues or weak WR2.
Mark Clayton – If he didn’t drop a touchdown pass his value would be much higher. He’s got the ability and the faith of Cam Cameron but has been almost silent until this week. He may be a guy you can find on waiver wires and is a good bet to start to pick up the scoring as Flacco gets better this season. Stash on bench or use in Flex.
Anthony Gonzalez – Gonzo II is filling the role of solid #2 in an offense that once is able to get on track is capable of racking up massive points. He’s not blown up this season and could be had for a song as his scoring will only get better even if he doesn’t find the endzone twice each game. Good WR3 with WR2 upside.
Michael Jenkins – Lost in the headlines most weeks Jenkins is improving his game going for over 50 yards in the last 3 games. He scored twice last week which shouldn’t be counted on but he is getting better this season and could be a nice addition. Flex play to weak WR2.
Mark Bradley– Here’s a guy who is starting to make some noise for Kansas City. Injuries have held him back but he’s shown some ability the last two weeks and may be a decent pickup for the desperate owners looking for depth at wr. Because he plays for the Chiefs who have questions at quarterback and two established receivers his upside is limited but he could be a bye week or injury fill in if required. Situational WR3 or flex.
Tight End
Brent Celek– I admit I’ve never heard of the guy. LJ Smith just can’t stay healthy. Celek may have the chance to put together solid outings ala Kevin Boss last season so keep him on your radar. He won’t put up those kinds of numbers every week but he could be an option for someone in need.
Derek Fine – Yes B’n or F’n Week 10 is the week of the unknown TE. Fine put up good numbers and drew praise from the coaching staff and his quarterback. Royal also had a good game but his upside is limited due to inconsistent efforts. Fine could be worth picking up if desperate for a TE.
Defenses
Washington – The Redskins have more to distract opposing quarterbacks than stunning cheerleaders. They can bring the HEAT! Defenses can’t bring pressure unless they get good play from their secondary and that is what I saw on Monday night. The Redskins played well against an average at best Steeler team but they are a good option at DEF.
Miami – The Dolphins are another team that can be a good bye week fill in. They have league leading sackmaster and fellow Colorado State Alum Joey Porter leading the charge…..remind me to tell all of you about the time I had to ask Joey to leave my house party for throwing a chair into a window. Now instead of throwing defenseless chairs through windows he’s throwing quarterbacks onto the ground and causing havok. Miami is a solid bye week play.
Fallin'
Quarterbacks:
Jay Cutler – Another week another downgrade for Cutler. Joey Porter said it was easy to get into his and Brandon Marshall’s head during a game causing them to make dumb decisions. Not good. Cutler started out lights out but should now be downgraded to a situational starter until the Broncos can right their ship. QB2
JaMarcus Russell – It has been said Russell will never be able to live up to his NFL potential as long as he is with the Raiders. I tend to believe that but I also tend to believe he was overhyped due to his freakishly strong arm. He is entirely too streaky with his accuracy but mostly tends to over throw receivers. He hasn’t done squat this season and I don’t envision him picking up the pace this season or any time soon. Worthy to drop in all scoring formats.
Marc Bulger – Bulger got a little snippy with reporters asking why he and his team sucks but I can’t blame him. I hate repeating myself too. Bulger is no more than a weak bye week fill in.
Brooks Bollinger – This poor dude is going to get killed out there. Until Romo returns this team is going to flounder. Although at the rate the Cowboys are losing there may not be a reason for Romo to return as I think we can safely say the playoffs are out of reach for this preseason Super Bowl favorite.
Runningbacks
Justin Fargas – There is no reason at all for teams to respect the run when the Raiders can’t pass. That isn’t a knock on Huggie Bear’s kid. He’s a fine runningback. The Raiders as a whole are a train wreck and it has affected every part of the organization. Benched.
Joseph Addai – This guy was in many people’s preseason top 5-10 fantasy football runningbacks. Due to injury and an inability to get going he’s producing like a guy who goes undrafted. Last season he was a dual threat every week but for some reason hasn’t been involved at all in the passing game. He should be downgraded to flex play or weak RB2.
Ernest Graham – He suffered a knee injury which explains why he wasn’t in the game late. But he coughed up the ball twice before being injured during another lackluster outing. He’s not showing much this year outside of playing fullback which may be where he ends up if he’s healthy coming out of the bye week. Bench.
Wide Receivers
Braylon Edwards – Once again Edwards drops a sure catch this one for a touchdown. If searching for answers as to why Derek Anderson, a team captain, is now holding a clipboard Edwards needs to only look at his league leading 14 drops this season. WR2 only due to the spark Quinn will provide and his matchup against the Broncos.
Ted Ginn Jr.– I started a thread in the forums asking if folks saw Ginn’s break out game last week as the start of things to come or a one week wonder. Seems most posters at SO called it right and said Camarillo is still the best option for a starting wr in Miami. Ginn has all the tools but is still undersized for a wr in the NFL. I’m not sure how Deshaun Jackson is doing it but Ginn may want to give the guy a call to find out his secret. Flex start at best.
Brandon Marshall– There are questions as to Marshall’s effort this past weekend. He did have a bs offensive pass interference penalty called on his only big gain and trip to the end zone but that happens all the time in the NFL. His nickname of “Baby TO” was supposed to be a compliment to his phenomenal physical gifts but seems to be also true of his attitude at times. Marshall has been invisible the past few games and needs to be the same dominating force he was last season every week in order for the Broncos to get on track. WR2 simply for the fact that he’s too good to not eventually break out.
If you’ve read this far you’re looking for all the pieces of information and perspective that will push you over the top in your league. This article is only part of that total picture here at SO. To get the rest of the story you must check out Jeremy Miller’s Waiver Wire picks. If you see a familiar name from this blog that is your cue to head straight to your league waiver wire.
If there is someone we missed tell us about it in the comments section below.
Like the stock market the fantasy football value market will fluctuate so make sure you are in the know by subscribing to this blog. Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you in the forums!
Scott Henkel
"The Ram"
Total Comments 3
Comments
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Quick updates as the news happens:
Fallin'
Selvin Young - You'd think I would learn after years of chasing the now elusive Bronco lead runningback. Young is reportedly still gimpy and may only be incorporated into 3rd down and likely for pass protection. Downgrade him to your bench.
Stephen Jackson - He wasn't able to practice again Wednesday so he must put in a full practice Thursday or Friday in order to start. Jackson has been fantastic when he plays however this isn't the same kind of normal Wed. off that other stars like Westbrook enjoy. He's still healing and isn't a solid bet to start Sunday. If you can don't have him in your lineup until you hear he practices. Due to tonight's game if you have other options look there.
Ballin'
Ryan Torrain - The Rat has again outsmarted your's truly. Torrain is looking at 15-20 touches against the Browns. Any back looking at getting that many touches is worth looking at tonight. Big cautions to anyone starting him due to his rookie status and the way the Broncos' offensive line hasn't been able to open up holes very well this season. If you're in need of a flex guy Torrain is a better start than someone like Ken Darby for St. Louis but I would hold off on making him your RB2 until he proves the hype.
NY Jets - With Stephen Jackson potentially sidelined the Rams offense is going to get ripped apart by a very crafty Jets defense. I've written in the past that this team scores in sacks, picks, and on special teams. With a weak opponent they are a must start. The Rams can't fight their way out of a wet paper bag so consider the Jets your must start DEF.Posted 11-06-2008 at 12:07 PM by The Ram
Updated 11-06-2008 at 12:12 PM by The Ram -
You think Torain is going to be able to be the guy for the rest of the season in Denver?Posted 11-06-2008 at 01:48 PM by Mike - The Guy in Denver will likely be whomever is still standing when the ball is kicked off. The players all get on the radio and sing Torrain's praises so I'm guessing he has skills. My biggest question is can he stay healthy. He's had injuries in college and now in the pros and while all different it does concern me.
I'm interested to see if Shanny uses Hillis again this week. Knowing him he won't get the ball to him at all but it will be interesting to see this guy some more. Shanny cut Cecil Sapp who along with graduating from the finest institution of higher learning in the state of Colorado was a fan favorite and one of Shannahan's guys. So he must have some skill and he may be a guy who is able to pick up some reps like Brian Leonard did for the Rams last season.Posted 11-06-2008 at 02:55 PM by The Ram
