Daily Fantasy Football October 14: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down

An understanding of the stock market can make or break a daily fantasy football owner's week.

Last week, as it usually does, provides the perfect example. Those who realized the stock of Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls was soaring got one of the weekend's best plays—Rawls exploded for 25.9 points at an incredible $3,800.

Through a study of prior weeks and projections, one can get a good idea of how to find the Rawls or avoid the complete opposite. Knowledge of the stock market also helps owners best pick which big names to start and which to fade.

Let's examine the latest buzz on the stock market for October 14.

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

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Ladarius Green remained a contributor despite Antonio Gates' return.

Look, everyone knows the stock of San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is way up now that he's back from a suspension. It was a predictable turn of events, though.

Backup Ladarius Green actually staying involved in the offense with Gates back? Not so predictable.

But Green did, catching all five of his targets for 50 yards, giving him a 10-point day. It doesn't sound like much, but the fact that San Diego rolled out a healthy amount of two-tight-end sets means Green will continue to act as a reliable fantasy option.

At an unstable position, Green now has three outings with five catches, the exception a four-catch day. His stock couldn't be higher after a perceived bad situation turns for the better.

Stock Down: Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons ($9,200)

Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

Injuries will hold back Julio Jones' stock this week.

For those who don't already fade Thursday Night Football outright as is, it's best to stay away from Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones for Week 6.

Jones and the Falcons turn around on a short week and take on the New Orleans Saints. Normally this would be an ideal situation given the propensity for a high-scoring game, but Jones posted just 17.7 points this past weekend and continues to deal with an injury.

ESPN's Ed Werder shed some light on the situation: "Falcons Dan Quinn seems encouraged about Julio Jones' hamstring, but with short prep source tells me, 'Gonna be close. Not sure he can go.'''

If it wasn't a short week, this would be a different conversation. But as the priciest wideout on the board by a full $300, owners cannot afford to take this roll of the dice on the chance Jones doesn't suit up, or even worse, takes the field as a decoy while the Falcons run the ball all night.

Stock Up: Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,000)

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Charcandrick West assumes the starting role in Kansas City.

With the news Jamaal Charles will miss the rest of the season with an injury, per ESPN.com, Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West becomes one of the league's top stock-risers.

It's an unfortunate way for West to come into more playing time, but owners will want to have the cheap option under the microscope this week. West has seen more carries than Knile Davis this season, especially over the last two games, so it's clear he'll be the starter in what might be a committee.

It sure doesn't hurt that coach Andy Reid described West as a closer runner to Charles style, saying he and Charles "were closer together than what Knile was as far as the quick moves—you know, the feet and dancing and all of that stuff," per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.

With a full workload up for grabs, West is on the rise and all signs point toward his handling the load.

Stock Down: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears ($6,400)

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Alshon Jeffery cannot seem to get on the field this season.

The situation with Chicago Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery continues to resemble a roller coaster.

Jeffery looked like he was going to return from injury recently, then sat out anyway. It's time for the same iffy game again as he heads into a matchup against the Detroit Lions this weekend.

"Back to the frustration level, it's understandable on all sides," coach John Fox said, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. "Our medical people are doing everything in their power, as well, to get him back. We'll see what this week brings."

Jeffery posted 12.8 points in Week 1 and hasn't been seen since. It would be a huge boost for owners if he could suit up against the winless Lions, but a "we'll see" isn't what owners should want to hear at this time of the week.

At this price range, owners can go get sure things in Jeremy Maclin ($6,500) or Jordan Matthews ($6,200).

Stock Up: Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills ($5,400)

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

It sounds like Sammy Watkins will return this week.

It might be Sammy Watkins time in Buffalo.

Watkins has an 18.0-point performance to his name this year, a hint of what he can do when gunning at 100 percent. He might be going into this weekend's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, too.

ESPN.com's Mike Rodak caught up with coach Rex Ryan about the star wideout's status:

"

Rex Ryan says the Bills will wait and see on status of Sammy Watkins and Karlos Williams for Sunday's game at Cincinnati. But says he 'feels good' especially about Watkins.

"

It's important to note quarterback Tyrod Taylor might miss the game, per Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. But Watkins can overcome most quarterback situations if healthy.

While Watkins should be monitored moving forward, he's on the rise in the stock department.

Stock Down: Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos ($4,600)

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Ronnie Hillman remains lost in Denver's running game this year.

On a day he was supposed to assume the role of No. 1 back in the Denver Broncos offense, Ronnie Hillman fell on his face with just seven carries and one catch, good for 3.6 points.

The Broncos just aren't running the ball well at all, ranked 30th in the league with hardly 70 rushing yards per game. It's interesting considering the struggles of Peyton Manning, but owners can't be coaches, too.

To make matters worse for Hillman, Mike Klis of 9News.com wrote that the back "tweaked his hamstring early in the fourth quarter."

So not only does Hillman sit in a miserable situation, it now sounds as if he'll be dealing with a slight injury at a place known to produce nagging issues. His stock doesn't seem close to pulling out of the full-on nosedive.

Stock Up: Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks ($4,800)

Gary Landers/Associated Press

Thomas Rawls has earned more playing time in Seattle.

The man from the intro, the personification of a great stock-market projection, isn't one to ignore going into Week 6. 

Rawls busted off 169 yards and a score on the ground in place of Marshawn Lynch last week. Even if Lynch returns—which he should this week, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times—Rawls deserves consideration from owners.

Why? In the above link, coach Pete Carroll revealed the team will try to get Rawls more involved in the base offense thanks to his strong contributions last week.

While owners would be silly to expect 25-point outbursts in a reduced role, Rawls will serve as an interesting punt option, especially if he can turn 10 or 12 touches into reliable output.

Instead of Rawls' stock tanking, it seems he's earned himself a promotion.

Pricing information and scoring data obtained from DraftKings.com. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus unless otherwise specified.

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