Week 6 - On the Rise, On the Fall Oct 19, 2009 | More

A few things fluctuating in the NFL stock market …

UP – Ray Rice, RB, Ravens – This guy has turned into a stud. The Ravens have chosen to use the younger and fresher back as the focal point of their offense. Rice continues to be a threat in the receiving game and it has been where he has done his most damage.

UP – Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Another late-round pick that has emerged as a top player at his position. Ben is on pace to have his best statistical season by far mainly due to the Steelers commitment to the pass this season.

UP – Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings – Sidney has been given a chance to flourish in Minnesota now that they have a quarterback who can throw the ball. In his last four games, Rice has 363 yards with two TDs.

DOWN – Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints – Bad news for Thomas owners is that Mike  Bell got some key carries at the goal line on Sunday. Pierre will still be a worthy back that can put up numbers in that offense, but Bell will be stealing some yards and touchdowns when both are healthy.

DOWN - Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – As soon as you think this guy could be back, he puts up a performance like Sunday’s. It’s not all his fault, though, as Jake Delhomme continues to disappoint.

DOWN - Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I don’t see a win on that schedule the rest of the way, but I didn’t see Oakland knocking off the Eagles today either.

DOWN – Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets – Five for the Sanchize. After the Jets started 3-0, New York was ready to crown Sanchez King of N.Y. Since that Week 3 win over the Titans at home, the Jets have dropped three straight. While the rookie must go through growing pains, his five picks in the Jets loss to the Bills at home will sting for a while.

Points, points, points

Big numbers were put up all across the board on Sunday. Thirteen teams put up at least 20 or more points entering the Sunday night game. Seven quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards, as well. There were a lot of big individual performances, which led to the highest fantasy point totals of the year.

Winless teams

The Rams, Buccaneers and Titans all fell to 0-6 on Sunday. The Rams face the Lions on November 1. They also will square off with the Titans in Week 14. Tennessee heads into the bye too familiar with zeroes. They are 0-6 and were just shut out by the Patriots 59-0. As stated above, I am struggling to find a win for Tampa on that schedule.

Outscored in Oakland

Not only were the Eagles outscored by the Raiders in a 13-9 loss in Oakland on Sunday afternoon, they were also outscored by their baseball counterpart, the Philadelphia Phillies. As if losing to the Raiders isn’t pathetic enough …

Looking ahead

After watching Drew Brees dismantle the Giants and Tom Brady torching the Titans, it had me looking ahead at the schedule. Mark your calendars: Week 12, November 30, Patriots @ Saints on Monday Night Football.

Monday Night Football

Broncos @ Chargers – San Diego needs this game if they want to compete for the AFC West title. Denver is coming off two big home wins as an underdog, but the Chargers had two weeks to prepare for this one.

Player to keep on eye on: LaDainian Tomlinson – While we know the Tomlinson we saw a few years ago is gone, will he produce at all this season?

E-mail me with questions/comments: pags2122@yahoo.com