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Dennis looks at NFL players whose fantasy football values have risen and fallen heading into Week 3 of the preseason. Who saw their fantasy football stock affected the most?
Welcome back RotoBallers to our stock watch report. Another NFL preseason week of games is in the books, and Week 3 of preseason games are here.
Fantasy football managers are scrambling for news items that will give them the edge for their fantasy drafts. So be sure to download our brand new mobile fantasy football news app with free push notification alerts for injuries, breaking news, top headlines and more.
Today let's look at whose fantasy football stock is rising and falling after the second week of the NFL preseason.
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Fantasy Football Stock Rising
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Rookie fourth-round wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been the Green Bay Packers training camp star. Doubs scored a touchdown for the second straight week and appeared to have established a role in the Packers' offense. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has praised Doubs about his camp performance, "He's gonna be expected to play based on his performance so far in camp."
The Packers will be looking for playmakers on the outside with the losses of Devante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Doubs will battle the unproven trio of fellow rookie wideout Christian Watson, Allen Lazard, and Sammy Watkins for targets. The rookie wideout has the opportunity to shine in the Packers' offense, but hopefully, Doubs proves himself to Rodgers.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens rookie tight end Isaiah Likely had four receptions on four targets for 44 yards in the preseason opener. In his second preseason game, Likely caught each of his eight targets for 100 yards and a score and looked unstoppable.
Of course, his ceiling is capped by elite TE Mark Andrews, but the Ravens could turn to more two-tight end formations with an unproven wide receiver group. Nevertheless, his production should play a more significant role in the Ravens' offense and present late-round value as a tight end depth piece or a vital handcuff for fantasy managers who roster Andrews.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Carolina Panthers
In an expected move, the Carolina Panthers named Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback for the Panthers in Week 1, ironically against the Cleveland Browns. Once the Panthers traded for Mayfield, it seemed inevitable that he would be their starter. However, the Panthers have seen enough of Sam Darnold to realize that he is not the guy to lead the team.
The Panthers are hoping that Mayfield is fully recovered from his torn labrum. Mayfield will have the opportunity to revive his career in Carolina with elite weapons in Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore. Look for Mayfield as a good Superflex/QB2 option for fantasy managers.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Even though rookie running back Dameon Pierce did not play this past weekend, he is a definitive winner. Pierce has established himself as the starting running back and has supplanted the veteran competition of Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead.
Last week, Pierce had five carries for 49 yards against the New Orleans Saints. The rookie continues to stand out and will play behind an improved offensive line. Fantasy managers know that new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton loves to run the football. As a result, his fantasy stock is rising, and he is projected as a low-end RB2. Pierce will be a three-down back due to being an excellent pass blocker and productive pass-catching ability.
Fantasy Football Stock Falling
Kenyan Drake, RB
The Las Vegas Raiders have released the veteran running back Kenyan Drake. His lofty contract and the emergence of rookie Zamir White and the resurgent Ameer Abdullah to back up Josh Jacobs have left Drake looking for another NFL team in 2022.
Drake returned to the Raiders after breaking his ankle late in the 2021 season. He is a versatile back whose pass-catching skills have made Drake a valuable contributor. However, look for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Atlanta Falcons to possibly give up Drake an opportunity.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins
Mike Gesicki has never been known to be much of a blocker, but the new Miami Dolphins coaching staff is forcing Gesicki to focus on his blocking skills, even though Gesicki claims he has always been a wide receiver.
Gesicki has played plenty of minutes in preseason games, and the concern is that he won't match the 50+ catch seasons he has produced in three consecutive seasons. As a result, Gesicki will be a fantasy bust this season.
Ronald Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Ronald Jones didn't play a snap this past weekend in the first half. Jones continues to disappoint this preseason and is a likely candidate to be released by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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