Week 2 – On the Rise, On the Fall

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.