Week 1 - On the Rise, On the Fall Sep 14, 2009 | More

Welcome to the 2009 Edition of “On the Rise, On the Fall.” In case you are not familiar with this column, I will list several players/teams whose stock is rising, as well as falling. For the most part, you will not find the obvious studs like Adrian Peterson or Larry Fitzgerald, unless they are listed as the Stud or Dud of the Week.

The first week is almost in the books with two Monday night games to go to complete the week. The main thing to remember after Sunday is not to over-react after just one week of play. Patrick Crayton will not have 135 yards each week and Andre Johnson will put up more than 35. With all of that said, let’s review Week 1.

On the Rise

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens : Flacco carried his solid preseason performances into Week 1 of the regular season throwing for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns (with one interception). Flacco spread the ball around to seven different receivers, including his eventual game-winning 31-yard touchdown pass to Mark Clayton. Before the season, Flacco was a borderline QB2, but now appears like he can be much more than that.

Cadillac Williams, RB, Bucs : Tampa Bay has a crowded backfield, but Cadillac showed on Sunday that he is definitely worth owning this year. He will likely be one of the most popular, if not the highest waiver wire signing this week, especially considering the need for running backs in fantasy.  

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans : Everyone saw the Titans in the Thursday night opener, so his name is probably being discussed, but he is likely on the wire in your league. The rookie from Rutgers caught four balls for 85 yards and Collins looked his way often. Tennessee looked like a team that will be a competitor the entire season and with Nate Washington hurting, Britt will be seeing more of the field.

Mario Manningham, WR, Giants : The Giants will use a rotation at WR and as Steve Smith is the possession receiver, Manningham is the big play, touchdown target. With Nicks potentially missing time with his foot injury, and Hixon not being able to take over that #1 spot, Manningham has the chance to emerge as a big-time WR the Giants need.

Dallas Clark, TE, Colts : The stock of Colts tight end Dallas Clark went up after the Colts lost Anthony Gonzalez for 2-6 weeks on Sunday. After Wayne, Clark becomes the clear #2 target for Peyton. Expect Clark’s catches to go up over the next few games.

Stud of the Week

Drew Brees, QB, Saints : Peterson and Brees are interchangeable at this spot, but I have to give it to the one who threw for six touchdowns. If you used a high pick on this quarterback, you were rewarded in week one.

<< prev | 1 | 2 | next >>