Our weekly rankings have just been updated. And as always, they will provide you with a dependable resource to help with those difficult lineup decisions. Here is a look at the players that made the most noteworthy climbs, along with those who suffered the largest drops.
QB
Biggest Riser:
Terrelle Pryor
Not only has he now firmly cemented himself into the starting role for Oakland, but he burst into fantasy relevance by accruing 217 yards and a TD through the air, and bolting for 112 yards on the ground. He is the most dangerous weapon on the Raiders. And his athleticism, instinctiveness, and pure ability to run provide him with sufficient attributes to remain a viable option in deep leagues. In favorable matchups, he can even be utilized as low end QB1.
Also: Michael Vick, Colin Kaepernick, Matt Schaub, Carson Palmer
Largest Fall:
Ben Roethlisberger
The Steelers offense is a complete mess. Shortcomings along the offensive line have been accentuated by the injury to Maurkice Pouncey. The running game is virtually non-existent, and the absence of Heath Miller has also been impactful. Roethlisberger cannot overcome all of these issues, and it showed in Week 1. While Pittsburgh wasn’t even facing a formidable defense last Sunday, this week they definitely will.
Also: Tom Brady, Cam Newton
RB
Biggest Riser: LeSean McCoy
He was a consensus first round pick, and some owners chose him within the top five. But he is suddenly the most appealing of all backs after gashing Washington for 184 yards on a whopping 31 carries in Week 1. He should continue to burn opponents within Chip Kelly’s relentless offensive approach, providing that he can remain healthy. His chances for success are higher if Michael Vick continues to line up with him.
Also: Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, Eddie Lacy, Ben Tate, Knowshon Moreno, Da’Rel Scott
Largest Fall: David Wilson
He possesses infinite explosiveness, and was in position to be an every down back. Now, great uncertainly prevails after he mishandled his opportunity. With Ahmad Bradshaw now in Indianapolis, Tom Coughlin does not have attractive alternatives at RB. Therefore he can’t afford to summarily dismiss Wilson again. Still, ball security from this point forward will determine his fate.
Also: Lamar Miller, Shane Vereen (injury), Isaac Redman, Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram
WR
Biggest Riser: Julian Edelman
The collective losses of Danny Amendola and Shane Vereen, along with the mistake laden debut of Kenbrell Thompkins, have elevated Edelman’s stock considerably. He collected seven passes for 79 yards and two TDs in Week 1, and currently resides near the top of Tom Brady’s shrinking list of familiar targets. That should enable him to maintain heavy involvement in the Patriots’ game plan once again.
Also: Kenny Stills, Andre Roberts, Brian Hartline, Rueben Randle, Jerome Simpson, Doug Baldwin, Harry Douglas, Leonard Hankerson, Marlon Brown
Largest Fall: Mike Wallace
One catch for 15 yards is probably not the kind of output that many expected from Mike Wallace when he signed that $60 million dollar contract. But the factors that are contained within Wallace’s new environment – an inexperienced Ryan Tannehill, the playcalling of Mike Sherman – make it is logical to anticipate a roller coaster ride from a production standpoint throughout the season. This week, he should bounce back significantly against a very burnable secondary.
Also: Roddy White (injury), Danny Amendola (injury), Chris Givens, Kenny Britt, James Jones, Kenbrell Thompkins
TE
Biggest Riser: Julius Thomas
After collecting just one reception during his initial two seasons, Thomas sent fantasy owners sprinting to examine their waiver wires. He maximized his five receptions by amassing 110 yards, and discovering the end zone twice. The Broncos are stocked with numerous options to propel their aerial attack. But Peyton Manning remains adept at circulating the ball among his various targets, and Thomas should continue to be productive.
Also: Jordan Cameron, Dallas Clark, Brandon Myers, Kellen Winslow
Largest Fall: Jermaine Gresham
The addition of Tyler Eifert did not originally appear to be a positive development for Gresham, and their numbers from Week 1 accentuates that initial concern. Both TEs were targeted five times, but Eifert’s catches generated a much higher yardage total. The future is hardly bright for Gresham, who has literally and figuratively dropped the ball too frequently when the Bengals have depended upon him in critical moments.
Also: Coby Fleener
