Week 8 - On the Rise, On the Fall Nov 3, 2009 | More

Things fluctuating in the NFL Stock Market…

UP - Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – While the Giants have lost three straight and the quarterback play has been poor, Brandon Jacobs has stepped up his level of play. Unfortunately for the Giants, they have not been able to get both the running and passing game going at the same time.

UP - Thomas Jones, RB, Jets – For all of the talk about how Thomas Jones was going to decline this season after turning 31 entering the season, Jones has silenced his critics. In his last three games, he has totaled over 425 rushing yards.

UP – Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins were 0-3 at one point this season, but have now improved to 3-4, and if not for a 2^nd half collapse to the Saints, they could be 4-3. They have a big game in New England this week and if they can pick up a victory, they’ll be right back in the hunt. Not to mention, they’d be 4-0 in the division.

Also on the rise

Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings

Donald Driver, WR, Packers

Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers

DOWN – Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Every week you hope that this Dallas tight end will emerge back into the offense, but it doesn’t happen. Witten continues to catch at least 4 balls a game, but he has eclipsed the 55 yard mark just twice this season. He has also not reached the end-zone. Unless the Cowboys make some changes in their offensive schemes- which you would doubt they do since they are winning- there is no reason to believe Witten will get out of this funk.

DOWN - Eli Manning, QB, Giants – Eli has been terrible in his last three games and it has led to three straight Giant losses. His numbers do not tell the whole story, either. He has been misreading and overthrowing his targets. In addition, the weather will continue to get worse in the Meadowlands, which also does not bold well for the passing game.

DOWN - NFC West – It’s pathetic how the 1-7 Rams are three games out of first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals came off two big road wins and then drop a home game to the struggling Panthers. The Seahawks have lost two straight and are only two games back sitting at 2-5. And no need for panic in San Francisco. You’ve lost three straight, but are only one game behind the Cards, who you have already beaten.

Defeated & Undefeated

The zeroes in the win and loss column continue to disappear as the Saints and Colts are the only undefeated teams in the NFL. The Bucs are the only winless team. While the schedule looks like the Saints could go 16-0 and the Bucs could go 0-16, don’t count on either to occur.

Look ahead…

Primetime football for Week #9 looks very intriguing. The Cowboys face off with the Eagles on SNF for NFC East supremacy, while the Steelers travel to Denver for an AFC battle in Mile High. The battle of the Bay’s takes place in Tampa while the Giants look to avoid their fourth straight loss at home to the Chargers. The Ravens also look for revenge in Cincinnati.