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Lamar Jackson Soars: Ravens QB Sees Stock Skyrocket

Stock Up, Stock Down Following the Start of the NFL Season

The NFL season is underway, and with the first wave of games in the books, it's time to assess whose stock is rising and whose is falling. This early evaluation isn't just about wins and losses—it's about performances that hint at trends, surprises that could reshape fantasy leagues, and disappointments that might linger. From breakout stars to struggling veterans, here's a deep dive into the players, coaches, and teams making waves (or sinking) after the initial action. We'll break it down category by category, highlighting key moments, stats that matter, and what it all means moving forward.

Stock Up: Quarterbacks on the Rise

Leading the charge in the quarterback department is none other than Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson. Coming off a somewhat uneven preseason, Jackson exploded in the opener, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him an MVP. Against a tough defense, he threw for over 250 yards, added a couple of touchdowns through the air, and rushed for nearly 100 yards, including a game-sealing scamper. What stands out isn't just the numbers—it's the poise. Jackson looked comfortable in the pocket, making reads that silenced doubters about his passing game. If this is the new normal, fantasy owners who drafted him late are grinning ear to ear. His stock is skyrocketing, potentially vaulting him back into the top tier of QBs.

Not far behind is the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow. After a calf injury hampered his training camp, there were whispers of rust. But Burrow dispelled those notions with a surgical performance, completing over 70% of his passes and leading multiple scoring drives. His connection with Ja'Marr Chase was electric, reminiscent of their LSU days. Burrow's ability to extend plays and avoid pressure suggests he's fully healthy and ready to carry the Bengals' offense. For teams in the AFC North, this is a warning sign—Burrow's stock is up, and so are Cincinnati's playoff odds.

On the rookie front, Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams deserves a nod. The No. 1 overall pick didn't light up the stat sheet, but his decision-making and arm talent were evident. He avoided turnovers, managed the game well against a veteran defense, and showed flashes of why he was so hyped. It's early, but Williams' stock is climbing as he acclimates to the pro level, potentially making him a waiver-wire gem in deeper fantasy formats.

Stock Down: Quarterbacks Struggling Out of the Gate

Conversely, some signal-callers had rough starts. Take Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. Expected to rebound after a suspension-riddled tenure, Watson looked out of sync, throwing multiple interceptions and failing to generate consistent rhythm. The Browns' offense sputtered, and Watson's accuracy issues—completing under 60% of his passes—raised red flags. If this persists, Cleveland's defense might not be enough to salvage the season, and Watson's stock is plummeting, possibly leading to benchings in fantasy lineups.

Another downer: New York Giants' Daniel Jones. Fresh off a contract extension, Jones regressed in the opener, turning the ball over and struggling with protection. His decision-making under duress was questionable, and without a strong supporting cast, it amplified his flaws. Jones' stock is down, and the Giants might be rethinking their quarterback situation sooner than expected.

Stock Up: Running Backs Gaining Ground

Shifting to the backfield, Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs is a name buzzing. The second-year back exploded for over 150 all-purpose yards, including a touchdown reception that highlighted his versatility. Gibbs' speed and elusiveness in open space make him a nightmare for defenses, and with David Montgomery handling the tough yards, Gibbs is positioned for a breakout campaign. His stock is soaring, especially in PPR leagues where his receiving skills shine.

In Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley made an immediate impact in his Eagles debut. Barkley rushed for over 100 yards and added a score, looking explosive behind Philly's elite offensive line. Free from the Giants' woes, Barkley's stock is up, validating the Eagles' offseason splash and making him a top-5 fantasy RB contender.

Don't sleep on the Los Angeles Rams' Kyren Williams either. After a solid 2023, Williams picked up where he left off, dominating touches and punching in short-yardage scores. His vision and burst suggest he's the clear lead back, boosting his value significantly.

Stock Down: Running Backs Losing Steam

On the flip side, Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson disappointed in his sophomore debut. Despite high expectations, Robinson was underutilized, managing modest yardage against a stout defense. The Falcons' play-calling seemed conservative, limiting his opportunities. If this trend continues, Robinson's stock could dip further, frustrating fantasy managers who invested high draft capital.

Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard also saw his value take a hit. Transitioning from Dallas, Pollard struggled to find holes, averaging under 4 yards per carry. The Titans' offensive line issues didn't help, but Pollard's lack of burst was noticeable. His stock is down, potentially making him a sell-low candidate.

Stock Up: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Stealing the Show

Wideouts like Houston Texans' Nico Collins are ascending rapidly. Collins hauled in over 100 yards and a touchdown, building on his chemistry with C.J. Stroud. His route-running and contested-catch ability make him a WR1 in waiting, with stock rising as the Texans' offense gels.

For tight ends, Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce remains evergreen, but it's Chicago's Cole Kmet who's surging. Kmet was heavily targeted, scoring and racking up yards in a Bears offense that leaned on him. His red-zone prowess boosts his fantasy appeal.

Emerging star: Las Vegas Raiders' rookie Brock Bowers. The tight end made an instant splash with key catches, showing why he was a first-round pick. His athleticism suggests big things ahead.

Stock Down: Pass-Catchers Fading

Pittsburgh Steelers' George Pickens had a quiet opener, overshadowed by the team's quarterback woes. Limited targets and drops hurt his output, dropping his stock amid uncertainty.

Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, despite his talent, was contained, failing to eclipse 60 yards. Defensive attention is intense, and without better protection for Dak Prescott, Lamb's stock could stall.

Team and Coaching Angles: Broader Implications

Beyond individuals, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs are stock up after a gritty win, proving their dynasty isn't done. Patrick Mahomes' magic, combined with defensive stops, reinforces their contender status.

Stock down for the New York Jets, whose hyped roster underperformed, raising questions about Aaron Rodgers' age and the team's cohesion.

Coaching-wise, Sean Payton's stock is up with the Denver Broncos, as his schemes unlocked Bo Nix effectively. Conversely, Matt Eberflus of the Bears is under scrutiny if early defensive lapses continue.

Defensive Standouts and Sleepers

Defensively, the Seattle Seahawks' unit is stock up, forcing turnovers and pressuring QBs relentlessly. Players like Devon Witherspoon are emerging stars.

Stock down for the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense, which got torched in coverage, exposing secondary weaknesses.

Fantasy and Betting Takeaways

From a fantasy perspective, this week's risers like Jackson and Gibbs are must-starts, while down stocks like Watson warrant benching or trading. Bettors should eye over/unders involving high-flying offenses like the Ravens.

Looking ahead, Week 2 matchups will test these trends. Will Jackson sustain against a rival? Can Robinson rebound? The NFL's beauty is its unpredictability, but these early indicators provide a roadmap.

In summary, the season's start has separated contenders from pretenders. Stock up players are those adapting quickly, while stock down ones face pressure to adjust. As games pile up, expect volatility—but for now, these evaluations set the stage for what's to come. Whether you're a fan, fantasy player, or analyst, keeping tabs on these shifts is key to understanding the league's evolving narrative. The grind continues, and so does the stock watch. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Jets Wire Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/stock-stock-down-following-start-154506355.html ]