Daily Fantasy Football October 9: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down

The quarter pole of the season has already come and gone for nearly every NFL team, and daily fantasy football owners are rounding into form. With players priced appropriately on DraftKings, decisions are even more difficult when filling out a balanced lineup.

So whom should you start and sit this week on DraftKings? We're here to let you know whose stock is rising and dropping during Week 5. You're welcome. Here's a look at the latest edition of stock up, stock down for DFS players.

Stock Up

Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals ($6,800)

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a fun ride thus far for Carson Palmer. It doesn't have to end just yet, especially not against the winless Detroit Lions. You know, the same team that's been ripped apart by every quarterback it's faced thus far.

The Lions have faced tough quarterbacks to this point, with Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson getting the best of them. Then there's Teddy Bridgewater, who's been abysmal against other teams but had a passing and rushing touchdown against Detroit.

Suffice to say, the outlook doesn't look promising for the Lions on Sunday, either. Expect Palmer to take the top off Detroit's secondary with John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald leading the way. For owners who start the ageless wonder, there should be plenty of salary left to build a dominant lineup.

Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens ($5,800)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

From zero to hero in one week? Yeah, that's exactly what Justin Forsett accomplished in Week 4.

After three straight weeks of mediocre numbers, Forsett rushed for more yards in one game (150) than the first three games combined (124). Unfortunately, he still hasn't reached the end zone to put him in the top-10 running back discussion.

Luckily for DFS owners, Forsett is still at a reasonable price and has an outstanding matchup on Sunday. Facing a defense that has been ravaged by backs like Chris Ivory, Dexter McCluster and Latavius Murray, Forsett should put up huge numbers against the Cleveland Browns. 

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams ($4,300)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Welcome to fantasy relevance, Todd Gurley! We all knew it was coming; we just didn't know it would be that profound. Gurley shredded the Arizona Cardinals for 161 total yards and a staggering 21.1 fantasy points. That brought about some pretty impressive comparisons from an upcoming opponent.

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji said, via Weston Hodkiewicz of the Press-Gazette:

"

Coming off a 160-yard performance, it's not going to be hard to get anybody's attention as far as his ability. He just runs with an attitude. He reminds me a lot of [Carlos] Hyde and Adrian [Peterson] and Marshawn [Lynch]. It's hard to explain, but they run with an attitude and they're looking to finish. Some running backs are more agile than others and looking to make you miss, but these guys do both.

"

Don't look for Gurley to slow down this week against the Packers. And at just $4,300, there's no reason to leave Gurley off your team as a RB2 or flex play.

Stock Down

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals ($5,700)

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Andy Dalton has put together a year to remember through the first four weeks of the season. But doesn't he always put up huge numbers before getting to a prime-time or postseason stage? This Sunday's game against the Seahawks is neither, but it's still a matchup that reeks of a Dalton implosion.

The Seahawks defense has not allowed a touchdown in the last two games. In fact, since Kam Chancellor returned, the Legion of Boom has given up just one field goal. Yeah, this weekend doesn't look like a promising one for Dalton or his DFS owners—if there are any.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions ($7,400)

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Week 4 saw Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions come one yard away from a huge fantasy performance and a win. Instead, Johnson fumbled away his chance at glory before it was batted out of the end zone.

Sorry to bring that up, Detroit fans. But things aren't getting any better against the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have played solid defense all the way around this season but have thrived against opposing passing games. Currently allowing the fourth-least points to wide receivers on DraftKings, don't expect Johnson to thrive as a WR1 against Patrick Peterson.

Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers ($3,200)

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Look, Ladarius Green has been fantastic so far in the three games he's played. An average of 14.5 fantasy points on DraftKings and two touchdowns over that stretch made him a promising option. But with the return of Antonio Gates from suspension, Green's value takes a huge dip.

Maybe Gates will come back and look human. After all, he is 35 years old and should be on the decline. The only problem with that notion? He didn't do it last year. And it's not like Philip Rivers is going anywhere.

For now, Gates will regain his No. 1 tight end role again. While Green is a decent keeper in traditional fantasy football, he's not a great target on DraftKings.

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more NFL DraftKings advice.

---

Enter the DraftKings $1.5M Play-Action Contest this weekend. Use Promo Code BLEACHER REPORT when you sign up.