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. Experienced fantasy players know it happens every year.

A player gets hot and sees an increased role, while others struggle and fight to stay relevant. Here we’ll showcase those who have taken important steps forward and those who have taken steps back. Here are the risers and fallers following Week 2 of the 2016-17 NFL season.

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Post-Week 2 Fantasy Football Risers

RISER - New York Giants (D/ST) 

The New York Football Giants spent $200 million this offseason revamping their defense following another poor year from the unit. Newcomers include defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and nose tackle Damon Harrison. While there were plenty of skeptics who viewed this as nothing but hopelessly extreme spending, early results beg to differ.

The unit had a solid performance in Week 1 against the Cowboys, but really displayed their strength in Week 2. Taking on Drew Brees and a potent New Orleans Saints offense, the unit surrendered just one touchdown. Additionally, they limited New Orleans to 41 total rushing yards, the second lowest of the week. On special teams, they even managed a blocked field goal which was returned for a touchdown. At this point, the Giants have aced the early season test and look to be significantly better than initially forecasted.

 

RISER - Sam Bradford (QB, MIN)

There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the quarterback situation today if you’re a Minnesota Vikings fan. After being acquired in the preseason and sitting out the season opener, quarterback Sam Bradford started Minnesota’s home opener and outdueled Aaron Rodgers. The 28-year-old improved as the game went on, completing 22 of 31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He even overcame a nasty-looking hand injury to finish the game as the victor.

Considering the team’s season was turned upside down last month when Teddy Bridgewater’s devastating injury left them void of a legitimate starting quarterback, Bradford’s performance was exactly what they needed. Bradford now presents himself as a viable backup quarterback in the fantasy football world. Of course, not all is perfect, as

Bradford now presents himself as a viable backup quarterback in the fantasy football world. Of course, not all is perfect, as Adrian Peterson’s meniscus tear throws everything for a loop. With the Vikings visiting Carolina next week, Bradford should be benched if owned. A future schedule that features games against the Bears, Redskins, and Lions, however, presents a chance for him provide significant value as a backup when the bye weeks arrive.

 

RISER - LeGarrette Blount (RB, NE)

After a respectable 70 yards and touchdown in New England’s season opener on the road in Arizona, LeGarrette Blount broke loose during Week 2’s victory over the Miami Dolphins. The 29-year-old had 29 carries for 123 yards and another touchdown, providing top running back value. Of course, this wasn’t expected from Blount, as he was projected to be a late-round fantasy pick and perhaps even a third running back option. Early results say otherwise, and Blount could be in for a huge Week 3. With Tom Brady still out for two more games and

With Tom Brady still out for two more games and Jimmy Garoppolo injured, the Patriots will start rookie Jacoby Brissett in Thursday’s matchup against the Houston Texans. Even if Rob Gronkowski returns for the game, it seems logical that the team would have a more run-oriented offense, meaning plenty of carries for Blount. His owners could be in for another highly rewarding week.

 

Post-Week 2 Fantasy Football Fallers

FALLER - Kirk Cousins (QB, WAS)

Kirk Cousins hasn’t exactly gotten off to an ideal start for the Washington Redskins in 2016. While the Michigan State product has amassed nearly 700 yards through the first two games of the season, he’s only managed to record one touchdown while throwing three interceptions. Considering he was ranked as the 13th quarterback in our fantasy rankings, this has been a major disappointment.

On top of that, there are already rumblings of team frustration over his play, with the talk being of a push for Colt McCoy to start. Things don’t appear to be getting better in Cousins’ immediate future, as a matchup with the Giants at MetLife Stadium await him in Week 3. Clearly not a starting-caliber quarterback at this point, Cousins’ owners should strongly consider dropping him from the backup role. Waiver wire finds like

Things don’t appear to be getting better in Cousins’ immediate future, as a matchup with the Giants at MetLife Stadium await him in Week 3. Clearly not a starting-caliber quarterback at this point, Cousins’ owners should strongly consider dropping him from the backup role. Waiver wire finds like Blaine Gabbert and Alex Smith have outperformed Cousins, despite each having played one elite defense already.

 

FALLER - Gary Barnidge (TE, CLE)

Tight end Gary Barnidge already seems destined to be a major bust this season. Considered a top ten player at his position heading into the new season, Barnidge has had painfully poor results thus far. After being targeted twice and recording zero catches in Week 1, he seemed destined for a significant spike in production in Week 2. After all, Josh McCown was back at the helm and Barnidge recorded six of his nine touchdowns last season with the former as the starting quarterback.

While he did see improvement in the sense that he actually recorded a catch this time, he only managed four grabs for 37 yards. Now, with the Browns going with yet another starting quarterback, Barnidge’s situation looks hopeless. This is a huge blow for those who drafted the 31-year-old as a starting tight end. While he shouldn’t be dropped just yet, his owners might want to stick him on the bench this week.

Now, with the Browns going with yet another starting quarterback, Barnidge’s situation looks hopeless. This is a huge blow for those who drafted the 31-year-old as a starting tight end. While he shouldn’t be dropped just yet, his owners might want to stick him on the bench this week.

 

FALLER - Golden Tate (WR, DET)

Following Calvin Johnson’s retirement, 28-year-old Golden Tate appeared poised to take over as the top wide receiver option for the Detroit Lions. As a result, his fantasy projections called for him to be an elite second wideout option, but that simply has not been the case thus far.

Tate has been surpassed by Marvin Jones, who’s caught 12 passes for 203 yards in two games thus far. The former Seahawk has only managed nine catches for 54 yards. Making matters worse, he was targeted nine times this weekend, only managing to catch two of those passes. Aside from Jones’ arrival, Tate is now feeling

Aside from Jones’ arrival, Tate is now feeling serious heat from Anquan Boldin, who caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Competition could reduce Tate’s role with the team, and at this point he doesn’t appear to be the elite number two wideout we imagined. No move should be made at this time and Tate should remain in starting lineups, but some more disappointing performances could see him earn a benching.