NFL Stock Market Updates Thread

I created this post so that people can get updated as well as provide their updates on news or performance of players to indicate their value during the preseason. Do you think a player’s value is decreasing or increasing and why (e.g. competition, injury, preseason performance, etc). Feel free to post your thoughts and I can keep a running total in the main post as well.

STOCK UPGRADES

8/13:

ATL RB Warrick Dunn is back practicing again, per news reports.

DEN RB Travis Henry looked sharp (5 carries, 27 yards, 1 Rush TD ) in the game v. SF. He suffered a knee sprain in his last game, and I’m not downgrading him just yet as he’s day-to-day with the injury.

According to news reports, SF QB Alex Smith and DEN QB Jay Cutler both looked sharp as well in last night’s game.

8/15

PIT RB Willie Parker – according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he will play for the first time this preseason on Saturday.

CIN RB Rudi Johnson – the word was that he was going to give way on occasion to talented rookie RB Kenny Irons but after Irons went down with an ACL injury for the season, Rudi should see even more touches. A sure first rounder and you have to love that Bengal offense.

8/17

PHI QB Donovan McNabb saw his first action of the preseason and was impressive, as he completed 6 of 9 passes for 138 yards, including a 58-yard strike to tight end Matt Schobel.

MIN RB Adrian Peterson had a big game for the Vikings against the Jets tonight, rushing 8 times for 70 yards and a TD. I’m ready to move him past Marshawn Lynch as my rookie RB special unless the Bills offense improves soon.

8/18

CLE QB Brady Quinn looked better than the other QBs on this team (Derek Anderson, Charlie Frye) in delivering a promising 13 of 20 for 155 yards and 2 TDs in the fourth quarter of a game versus the Lions.

SF QB Alex Smith looked good for the second straight game, going 8 for 12 for 106 yards against the Raiders.

OAK RB LaMont Jordan may go back to the quality of play he had two years ago, when he rushed for 1,025 yards and 9 TDs. With Dominic Rhodes suspended for the first four games of the season, the leaves the door open for Jordan, who ran well last night against the Niners in an 8 rush, 87 yard performance capped by a short TD run.

GB WR James Jones is flying up the depth chart for the Packers, and last night we found out why they let go of previously #3 receiver Robert Ferguson. It’s Jones, whose 4 catch, 57 yard performance was highlighted by 2 TD grabs. 8/24 Update: Due to a foot sprain suffered by Donald Driver, Jones should be getting even more reps with the first team between now and opening day. We’ll see if he can take advantage of the opportunity.

DAL RB Marion Barber’s strong play is stealing some serious thunder away from Julius Jones. I don’t really want any part of this running back situation unless the value is good in a draft. In the continuing saga in Big D, Barber was 11 rushes for 57 yards and two TDs to Jones’ 9-31 and lone TD.

8/21

IND RB Joseph Addai – I’m putting him here mainly because he is a very good back in an excellent offensive system, as was seen last night against Chicago. He didn’t run with authority (7 times for 24 yards, and TD) but it doesn’t matter, this offense is that good. He’s also on the up list as a result of other players losing value due to injury (Frank Gore) and contract holdout/O-line issues (Larry Johnson).

CHI WR Bernard Berrian – talk about sharp, he made it look easy, catching 4 passes for 49 yards and a TD. I’d be happy with this guy as my #2 WR at this point. Update 8/26: he continues to impress this preseason, arguably the most impressive wide receiver based on his performances thus far. Last night against the Niners, had caught three passes for 79 yards and a TD.

8/24

NO QB Drew Brees – I’m completely sold on Brees this preseason, especially after his 17 for 19 performance against the Chiefs last night. I’m ready to put him right behind Manning now.

8/26

Houston Texan Offense – I’m cautiously very optimistic about this offense, as the passing and running game has been good thus far in the preseaon. QB Matt Schaub was 12-of-16 for 2 TDs yesterday against the Cowboys, including a TD pass to Andre Johnson, who also collected 4 catches for 39 yards in addition. WR Jacoby Jones, a real mover this preseason and a great late-round receiver to pick up, returned a punt 91 yards for a TD. Last but not least, aging RB Ahman Green is looking rejuvenated in Houston. Last night, he rushed 8 times for 65 yards including ripping off a 46 yard run.

STOCK DOWNGRADES

WAS RB Clinton Portis – I just have a really bad feeling about his knee tendinitis especially given his injury-prone ways last year. I’m avoiding this guy if at all possible in ’07.

8/17

Buffalo Bills Offense – it’s disappointing to see this offense struggle through two preseason games. QB J.P. Losman was 7 of 13 for 78 yards, but the first team offense played the entire first half and only managed 3 first downs. This doesn’t bode well for WR Lee Evans and especially rookie RB Marshawn Lynch, who finished with only 16 yards on 5 rushes.

8/20

KC RB Larry Johnson – the offense looks inept thus far in the preseason and Johnson is still holding out. Bad signs. He’s just slipping down my draftsheet by the day. UPDATE 8/21: things are looking worse for LJ, as QB Damon Huard continues to sit with a sore right calf, which puts Brodie Croyle in the driver’s seat for the starting job right now. Ugh. Breaking News: LJ has agreed to a six-year deal and should be joining his teammates today according to FoxSports – [[http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7141652|article here.]] I’m going to wait until I see how he runs before I upgrade him.

Miami Dolphins Offense – Trent Green and the offensive line are a shambles right now. I’m not going near Green with a ten-foot pole in my drafts. As for RB Ronnie Brown, his own coach, Cam Cameron was quoted as basically saying the starting RB position will be given to the best player and that the competition between Brown and Jesse Chatman remained open. I don’t know if that’s just talk to get Brown motivated, but it’s not encouraging news for Brown owners. Fantasy football owners, Chatman just showed up on your draftsheets.