Perhaps more than any other, the NFL is a league that experiences ups and downs at a rapid pace. With only 16 games, there’s little room for error and seemingly endless opportunities for improvement. The same goes for fantasy football, and managing rosters effectively is key to winning that championship.

Throughout the season, players get hot and see an increased role while others struggle and fight to stay relevant. Experienced fantasy players know this happens every year. In this weekly column, we’ll showcase those who have taken important steps forward and those who have taken steps back. These are the risers and fallers heading into Week 10 of the NFL season.

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Post-Week 9 Fantasy Football Risers

RISER - Melvin Gordon (RB, SD)

Remember last season, when rookie running back Melvin Gordon played in 12 games and finished with just 641 yards and zero touchdowns? That seems like decades ago now, as the 23-year-old is on an absolute tear in his sophomore season. Gordon has already eclipsed his yardage total from last year, and has scored 11 touchdowns in nine games. One of the bigger draft risks this season, he's paid off big time for those who gambled on him.

In San Diego's Week 9 victory over the Tennessee Titans, he rushed for 196 yards and a touchdown, while catching four passes for 65 yards. At this very moment, Gordon is the best fantasy running back in the league and the only player at his position ranked in the top ten fantasy football scorers this season. With matchups against the Dolphins, Buccaneers, Raiders, and Browns awaiting, he should continue to be an elite fantasy scorer.

 

RISER - Michael Thomas (WR, NO)

We've had our eye on Michael Thomas for some weeks now, but he's finally reached our risers of the week heading into Week 10. In a receiving unit that features Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, the 23-year-old rookie is leading the team in receptions, tied for the most targets and touchdowns and just 23 yards away from the receiving yards leader, Cooks.

Thomas has quickly formed a solid relationship with Drew Brees and has become a strong waiver wire pickup option. He's made at least four receptions in every game and has scored his five touchdowns in his past six games. Playing in an offense-driven division, you can expect Thomas to have a string of productive games in his future with games against the Lions, Falcons, and two against the Buccaneers awaiting him. Considering the quarterback he plays with, Thomas is very well-positioned to continue his success and close out his rookie year in terrific form.

 

RISER - Mike Evans. (WR, TB)

Way back on Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were defeated at home by the Atlanta Falcons in a  high-scoring affair. While Matt Ryan and company got their much-deserved credit for the victory, Mike Evans had his best game of the season. The 23-year-old native of Galveston, Texas caught 11 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, leading all wideouts with his performance this week. This season he's caught at least one touchdown in six of his eight games played and continues to assert himself as one of the best young wide receivers in the league.

It might actually be a stretch to refer to him as a riser, seeing as he's been a top-level wideout since he entered the league. Considering he only caught three touchdowns last year, however, his eight through eight games this season means he could be headed for a career year and gold mine status for his fantasy owners.

 

Post-Week 9 Fantasy Football Fallers

FALLER - Brandon Marshall (WR, NYJ)

The New York Jets seem headed towards complete disaster status after their horrendous 27-23 loss against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. One of the team's leading figures is the 32-year-old veteran Brandon Marshall, who himself had a day to forget. While he did catch six passes for 45 yards, he couldn't find the end zone for the fourth consecutive game and seventh in nine this year. At just two touchdowns on the season, he's been severely disappointing, but it's not entirely his fault.

The Jets' quarterback situation has been a total mess, as Ryan Fitzpatrick has been shambolic, while Geno Smith suffered a major injury. Yesterday things finally seemed to reach a breaking point for Marshall, at least publicly. He was seen arguing with Fitzpatrick on the sidelines, having to be separated by fellow teammates. The way things appear to be heading for the Jets, Marshall might be a player to bench for some weeks. He obviously can't be cut considering his ability to explode in any particular game, but with his quarterback options such a mess, he doesn't appear to be a smart play.

 

FALLER - Jarvis Landry (WR, MIA)

Another wide receiver on the field at Hard Rock Stadium yesterday with disappointing results is Miami's Jarvis Landry. The 23-year-old, fresh off his first 1,000-yard season, caught just three passes for 33 yards and no touchdowns. Landry has managed just one measly touchdown this season and hasn't managed 100 receiving yards in a game since late September.

While he's miles ahead of his teammates in terms of targets, receptions and receiving yards, he's one of four with just one touchdown, trailing team leader Kenny Stills by two. Like Marshall previously, Landry could be hurt by his quarterback situation, as Ryan Tannehill continues to look like someone not capable of being a franchise quarterback. The former LSU standout continues to be owned in practically all leagues, but he appears headed for another disappointing season, despite his lead wide receiver status.

 

FALLER - Matt Asiata (RB, MIN)

Even despite the loss of Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings were coasting through the NFC North about a month ago. The team was undefeated at 5-0, with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata as the new starting running backs behind a confident Sam Bradford. Since then, however, the team has lost three straight and is spiraling out of Super Bowl contention, if they haven't completely done so already.

Asiata, who still leads the team in rushing yards, has only managed to record two touchdowns since taking over the reins. Minnesota's lack of an effective ground game has played a major role in the team's decline and losing streak, and those who initially jumped at Asiata have seen major disappointment. He should be cut from fantasy teams, as other waiver wire options emerge the more we move through the season. It seems like it's time to give up on this project.