Tomlinson & Larry Johnson Are Falling Fast…

September 14, 2008 at 9:44 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Every week this time of year is pretty darn crazy, as fantasy owners still have no idea what to expect with regards to several things. How will top players battle through slumps? Will guys who blew up last week continue to play well, or are they fool’s gold? Our Week 3 stock market report takes a look at who is rising and falling based on what has happened during the first two weeks of the NFL season.

Rising - Kurt Warner, Cardinals QB - Wow. I know Warner is in a great situation in Arizona, but I don’t think anyone expected him to go off for 361 yards and three TDs in only 24 pass attempts. Warner not only has a lock on the starting job in Arizona, but he’s one of fantasy’s top signal callers as we speak. He has a very solid match-up again next week at Washington and is a borderline must-start.

Rising - Julius Jones, Seahawks RB - With Maurice Morris out, Julius Jones toted the rock 26 times for 127 yards and a TD in Week 2. He looked very capable of carrying the full load against a pretty solid 49ers defense and has a great match-up next week at home against the vulnerable Rams defense. We really like Jones in Week 3, and this game was HUGE for his stock.

Rising - Freddie Keiaho, Colts LB – The 25 year old third year man from San Diego State has a very high ceiling, and solid quickness in pursuit of the ball carrier. He would have been on the radar of many more people had he stayed healthy throughout the entire 2007 season. Keiaho racked up six solo tackles and three assisted tackles against Minnesota in Week 2. Keiaho will continue to develop into one of the top WLBs in the league and a solid IDP option.

Rising - Chad Greenway, Vikings LB – Speaking of up and coming weak side linebackers, Vikings third year former first round pick Chad Greenway is a player we’ve been high on for some time. He is fully healthy for the first time in his career and is leading the Vikings in tackles after racking up six solos in Week 2 against Indy. Not only is Greenway extremely large and fast and a great tackler, but he also plays behind perhaps the best defensive line in the league, occupying blockers for him and making life much easier.

Rising - Jamaal Anderson, Falcons DE – Could this underachieving former first round draft pick finally be living up to his potential? After a disappointing Week 1 performance against Detroit, Jamaal Anderson racked up an impressive six solo tackles against the Buccaneers in Week 2. Anderson squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs, which could result in another very solid week and perhaps his first sack of the season.

Rising - Anthony Gonzalez, Colts WR – Gonzo was Peyton Manning’s main man in Week 2, hauling in nine passes for 137 yards. I mean, Manning didn’t even look at Marvin Harrison all day. It was Gonzo all the way folks. The Colts take on the Jaguars in Week 3, who don’t necessarily have as tough a defense as those that Indy has seen so far this season (Chicago and Minnesota). Look for the second year man from Ohio State to continue to have a great season and be a must start WR3 in all leagues – especially PPR formats.

Rising - John Carlson, Seahawks TE – With the every single wide receiver on the Seahawks roster injured, rookie tight end John Carlson – a second round pick from Notre Dame – has a heck of an opportunity. After hauling in six balls for 78 yards in Week 2, it looks like he’s going to take advantage of it. Consider Carlson roster-worthy in all leagues, as we expect him to be Seattle’s leading receiver until Deion Branch and Bobby Engram return. His dynasty owners may have a gem.

Rising - Bryant Johnson, 49ers WR – Johnson was our sleeper pick of the year, and he started to play like it in Week 2, hauling in six passes for 78 yards and a TD. Expect Johnson to continue to be a top target in Mike Martz’s offense and if J.T. O’Sullivan continues to play with confidence, Johnson could continue to be a very solid weapon and worthy of starting at WR3 in all leagues.

Rising - Lawrence Jackson, Seahawks DE – The Seahawks have a new weapon opposite Patrick Kerney folks. That’s right, not only has the first round rookie DE from USC beaten out Daryl Tapp as the team’s starter, but he has solidified himself as a legitimate pass rusher and run stopper, racking up five tackles and two sacks in Week 2 against the 49ers.

Falling - Joey Galloway, Buccaneers WR – Not only did Joey Galloway only catch two passes in Week 2, but he also left in the fourth quarter with a foot injury. The soon-to-be 37 year old isn’t looking like a great option moving forward, especially with turmoil at QB in Tampa.

Falling - LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers RB – It’s time to just admit it folks. We have – all throughout the off-season – now you should too…LT isn’t what he once was. Sorry, but he isn’t. Blame it on the toe and knee injuries if you must, but the bottom line is that after a 10 carry, 26 yard performance in Week 2, Darren Sproles is the most valuable RB in San Diego heading into Week 3. LT’s dynasty owners may want to try and sell while he still has some value left.L

Falling - Larry Johnson, Chiefs RB – LJ is quickly becoming this year’s version of Shaun Alexander. The major difference though is that Johnson is on an even worse team, running behind much worse of an offensive line than Alexander last season. Things are not getting any better in Kansas City, and LJ looks horrible. He has no burst, and falls right away after the first hit. Like LT, dynasty owners need to try and sell this guy for something – seasonal owners as well.