With Brandon Lloyd now a Ram, I could have easily added him to the list of Risers in this week's article. But I would like to see what Mr. Lloyd can do now that he is back with Josh McDaniels. For some reason, I have a sneaky suspicion that Lloyd could easily make his way onto next week's Risers and Fallers article.
RISERS
QUARTERBACK
Josh Freeman - TB: With strong pass protection, Freeman busted out in Week 6. In an upset victory over the Saints, Freeman threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns, both season highs. After throwing 4 interceptions in the first three weeks of the season, Freeman only has 2 in the last three games. He will likely never reach QB1 status, but Week 6 showed that Freeman can still be a quality fantasy option in the right matchups.
RUNNING BACK
Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG: With Brandon Jacobs on the bench with a knee injury, Bradshaw made the most of his opportunity as the full-time running back. Bradshaw carried the ball more than 20 times (26) for the first time this season and racked up three rushing scores. It was great news for Bradshaw owners, who have been bothered by Jacobs taking time away from Bradshaw for much of the season. Unfortunately, Bradshaw's touches should be limited with Jacobs expected to return after the team's Week-7 bye.
WIDE RECEIVER
Devin Hester - CHI: In return-yardage leagues, Hester was a monster against the Vikings. Not only did he catch 5 passes for 91 yards and a score, but he also totaled 134 return yards and scored on a kickoff return. Hester won't be an every-week option in basic PPR leagues, but he showed he can still take one to the house on special teams.
TIGHT ENDS
Aaron Hernandez - NE: He's baaaack!!! Hernandez had a strong Week 5 against the Jets, catching 5 passes for 56 yards. He wound up topping himself last weekend against the Cowboys, catching 8 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, which was good for a whopping 20 points in PPR leagues. Hernandez led the team with 14 targets and goes right back to TE1 status when the Patriots come back from their bye this weekend.
FALLERS
QUARTERBACK
Donovan McNabb - MIN: McNabb's box score didn't really give a good indication of just how bad he looked in the blowout loss to the Bears. He did finish with a 79.2 completion percentage, but he made some awful mistakes and took 5 sacks. Finally hitting the bench for rookie Christian Ponder, McNabb has likely seen his last days as a starting NFL quarterback.
RUNNING BACK
Ryan Torain - WAS: In what was supposed to be an excellent fantasy matchup against the Eagles, Torain let owners down with his 22 rushing yards. Luckily for Torain owners, he should get another shot against an equally bad Carolina rushing defense that has allowed close to 29 points a game to fantasy running backs. If he faulters again, Mike Shanahan will have no problems turning to rookie Roy Helu.
WIDE RECEIVER
Danario Alexander - STL: You are probably wondering why I list Alexander as a faller when he started over, now released, Mike Sims-Walker and caught 6 passes for 91 yards against the Packers. It's simple: Brandon Lloyd. The trade that sent Lloyd to St. Louis all but killed any fantasy value Alexander had gained. Lloyd will take one starting spot, with Alexander and Brandon Gibson in a possible rotation on the other side. I can easily add all Rams receivers to the falling list.
TIGHT ENDS
Jermichael Finley - GB: Finley oh Finley, where art thou? After amassing three touchdown catches in Week 3 against the Bears, Finley has gone missing from the endzone in every other game. His 53.5 yards a game isn't exactly appealing without those redzone scores. Finley still stays as a TE1, but he is letting fantasy owners down this year.