NFL Trade Deadline: 5 Fantasy Football Players Whose Stock Has Skyrocketed

Some news was made on Monday and Tuesday as the NFL trade deadline came and went. Brandon Lloyd, who was the league's top receiver last year, was dealt to the St. Louis Rams. Running back Ronnie Brown, who was once a fantasy beast with the Miami Dolphins, was traded to the Detroit Lions. 

The biggest news came when Carson Palmer, who very publicly refused to play anymore games for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, was traded to the Oakland Raiders for two first round draft picks. 

These trades don't turn the fantasy football world upside down, yet they do change some things up. Here are five players who stock just went way up. 

5. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders

Darrius Heyward-Bey, DHB for short and for cool points, is the type of receiver that Carson Palmer loves. 

He has speed and size that is very similar to Chad Ochocinco, (formally Johnson) who of course had the best years of his career in Cincinnati with Carson Palmer throwing to him. 

In Oakland, Palmer will need to establish a favorite target that he looks to frequently and reliably, and DHB has the best chance to be that guy.  

4. Ronnie Brown, RB, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a complete football team and second-year running back Jahvid Best is their man in the backfield. That will not change, but Ronnie Brown will definitely get some looks, and it could happen sooner than later. 

Best is apparently fighting a concussion and could be ruled out in week seven. If that happens, Brown would likely share carries with Maurice Morris, and I think Brown would produce much more than Morris. 

Additionally, even if/when Best is healthy, Brown is the type of big, strong running back who is well-suited for goal line carries. Brown has at least 30 pounds on Best and could prove to become the Lions goal line running back with his ability to plow through defensive lines. 

If you own Best, definitely pick up Brown for security. 

3. Brandon Lloyd, WR, St. Louis Rams

It might not seem like anyone's stock could go up when they get traded to an 0-5 team, yet Brandon Lloyd's trade actually puts him in a very favorable situation. 

He is now reunited with Josh McDaniels. McDaniels (Aka "McHoodie," "Lil' Belichick," "angry leprechaun") was formerly the head coach and offensive play caller on the Denver Broncos. It was his aggressive, downfield offense that helped Brandon Lloyd win the receiving title last year. McDaniels is now the offensive coordinator in St. Louis, and Lloyd is exactly what he needs to make his offensive plays work out. 

This move benefits St. Louis QB Sam Bradford quite a bit, as well. 

2. Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos

With Brandon Lloyd out in Denver, Eric Decker becomes the de facto number one receiver in Denver. 

Decker has been extremely impressive this season and has been a great fantasy surprise.

His results will not come instantly, as he needs to develop trust in new quarterback Tim Tebow and compete with fellow wideouts Eddie Royal and DeMaryius Thomas, yet Decker has the greatest odds of succeeding in Denver following Brandon Lloyd's departure. 

1. Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland Raiders

Is it possible for someone's stock to go up more when they go from watching games on a couch to playing for a 4-2 football team?!

Carson Palmer, who had tremendous statistical success during his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, will try to start the next chapter in his NFL career. 

He's coming into a favorable situation as well. He joins a team that is playing its best football in years. They have a stud running back in Darren McFadden, a group of talented, young receivers, and a defense that's been holding its own. 

As long as the Raiders offensive line can protect Palmer, he has everything he needs to succeed in Oakland.