Week 2 - On the Rise, On the Fall Sep 21, 2009 | More

Welcome to the Week 2 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.

Let’s recap Week 2 with a few things fluctuating in the NFL stock market…

1. Leon Washington, RB Jets – UP - The Jets are playing great football two weeks into the season, mostly led by their defense, which has not given up a touchdown yet. Leon remains the heart and soul of the Jets, though, as he provides a spark on offense and special teams. You can be sure that he will run a few kicks or punts back for touchdowns this year. He also received the same amount of carries as Thomas Jones in Week 2 (14). New York will continue to use him more and more as he provides another wrinkle in the offense.

2. Felix Jones, RB Cowboys – UP – This is pretty obvious if Marion Barber misses any time. Felix looked good on a few runs against the Giants on Sunday night, but then again, the Giants defense did not look good.

3. Jets D/ST – UP – They deserve to be listed here because of their phenomenal play against two good offenses. The Jets have not allowed an offensive touchdown yet this season and with their dangerous return game, they are a very formidable group.

4. Cedric Benson, RB Bengals – UP – The Bengals could be 2-0 and are playing well so far this season. The defense is improved, the offense is sharper, and Cedric Benson is a big reason for it. The rejuvenated Benson ran for 141 yards on 29 carries Sunday in Lambeau Field. Keep in mind that Matt Forte ran for 55 yards on 25 carries in Week 1 against the Pack.  

5. Donnie Avery, WR Rams – DOWN – Where has this guy been? Maybe his injury is still lingering, but 1 catch for 4 yards is bad enough, let alone for you to fumble and give owners negative points on the day. Fellow Rams WR Laurent Robinson now has 11 catches for 141 yards and a TD in two games.

6. Cleveland Browns – DOWN – The Cleveland Browns appear to be in for a long season. A questionable Denver team completely dominated them in a 27-6 rout. The Broncos had a total net yardage of 449 compared to the 200 yards by Cleveland. Start your Ravens with confidence in Week 3.

7. JaMarcus Russell, QB Raiders – DOWN - This is one of several reasons you cannot trust any Oakland WR. They also focus on the ground game with Bush and McFadden as well. While Russell should not be on any fantasy rosters, he is limiting the productiveness of teammates.

Stud of the Week

Chris Johnson, RB Titans – Frank Gore gave him a run for his money, but the 284 total yard, 3 TD day can’t be topped.

Dud of the Week

Greg Jennings, WR Packers – Zero catches. Zero points. Jennings let many owners down on Sunday in what appeared to be a good matchup on paper against the Bungals. However, the improved Bengals defense was able to shut him down, which left Donald Driver open for a decent day.

Rebound Performance of the Week

Matt Schaub, QB Texans – The Week 1 Dud of the Week had a great 357-yard, 4 TD performance against the tough Titans defense in Week 2. This was a big win for Houston, who avoided the dreaded 0-2 start.

Monday Night Football

Let’s see if Peyton can match his brother’s performance in primetime. The Colts will be without Anthony Gonzalez so it should be the Wayne and Clark show tonight. Miami will look to avoid going 0-2 in a Monday night game at home.