Week 16 of the 100th season is officially in the books. The Packers clinched the NFC North, the Seahawks were upset by the Cardinals, the Cowboys lost yet another game, and the playoff picture became even clearer, at least in the AFC. Even with only one week left in the season, there are three teams in play for the first-seed in the NFC. At the same time, two of those teams can easily find themselves playing only road games. Regardless, I return with the Week 16 edition of my NFL stock market. Whose stock rose from last week, and whose performance dropped-off?
Stock Up: Carson Wentz vs. Cowboys
77.5 completion percentage, 319 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, and a 108.2 passer rating.
It’s crazy to think that the Eagles would be in the position they find themselves in. After winning the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, it looked as if the franchise was on the upside in terms of their overall success. However, that hasn’t been the case. Due to injuries to the Eagles’ receiving corps, the team dug itself a deep hole. And, in this game against the Cowboys, their season was on the line. Carson Wentz, as the leader of this Eagles squad, led them to a victory in what was a win or go home game. The NFC East (despite some terrible records) has been a competitive division all year.
Wentz earns himself a stock up because he shifted the clinching of the division into his team’s hands. He looked like the 2017 version of himself in the game where he needed to the most thus far. Now, Wentz has the opportunity to lead this time against the Giants. The scenario is simple: win and you’re in. He led the Eagles to a win over the Cowboys and will (most likely) clinch the NFC East next week. Despite the many downs this season, Wentz is one step away from a playoff appearance.
Stock Down: Russell Wilson vs. Cardinals
51.6 completion percentage, 169 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, and a 78.6 passer rating.
At the beginning of the season, we were talking about Russell Wilson as an MVP candidate. That’s no longer the topic of conversation because he’s regressed in the second half. In a game that would’ve had the Seahawks one step closer to home-field advantage, they lost. The whole offense looked awful, and that began with a sub-par showing from Wilson. He passed for only 169 yards. Although the Seahawks are still in play for the first seed in the NFC, this isn’t a good sight to see.
Maybe it was a bad game. Maybe it wasn’t. Regardless, Wilson needs to get back on the right track because he has the 49ers coming into town for a showdown for the NFC West crown. Wilson knocked off the 49ers earlier in the season. If he wants to do it again, he can’t have performances like these against below average teams like the Cardinals. It’s a stock down for Wilson for not taking advantage of what would’ve been a great win for the Seahawks and the playoff picture.
Stock Up: Lamar Jackson vs. Browns
64.5 completion percentage, 238 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 120.1 passer rating, 17 carries, and 103 rushing yards.
What more has to be said about Lamar Jackson this season? I said that we need to calm the hype around him following Week One. Now, all the hype is encouraged. Jackson has been phenomenal this season, and it was no different against the Browns. He passed with efficiency and gained over 100 yards on the ground. This performance secured the MVP for Jackson, and there’s nothing anyone can say to refute it.
Jackson earns a stock up, not only for this stellar performance, but for leading the Ravens to home-field advantage in the AFC as well. He’s a threat in all facets, and I can’t wait to see how the Patriots stop him to get to the Super Bowl once again. It’s a stock up for Jackson.
Stock Down: Kirk Cousins vs. Packers
51.6 completion percentage, 122 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 interception, and a 58.8 passer rating.
Kirk Cousins has been one of the most up-and-down quarterbacks in the league this season. He puts up some great numbers, but this game didn’t have those. Cousins is on a Vikings team that, in hindsight, should be in the position the Packers are. With the tons of great skill players that Cousins has at his disposal, it’s almost weird to see them fighting for a playoff spot. Cousins didn’t come through for the Vikings, as they had a chance to turn the NFC North in their favor. Although they clinched a playoff spot, a performance like this won’t carry Minnesota past the Wild Card Round. This is especially true when they’re guaranteed to be playing on the road.
Cousins needs to be consistent, poised, and just a winner. Having the worst record ever on Monday Night Football doesn’t help either. He has the potential to put up a string of 300+ passing yard performances. He just needs to be smarter. Granted, the Packers defense is nothing to play around with, but it’s agreed that Cousins still could’ve been better. It’s a stock down for Cousins who, despite all the great players around him, still couldn’t notch over 125 passing yards.
Stock Up: Michael Thomas vs. Titans
12 receptions, 136 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown.
I can’t guard Mike, and neither can you. Michael Thomas made history as the new single season receptions leader, passing Marvin Harrison. As I said last week, Michael Thomas has been sensational this season. He’s the clear favorite for the Offensive Player of the Year Award. Against the Titans, regardless of the record, he showed out again. His 136 receiving yards gave him his 10th game over 100 receiving yards this season. His 12 receptions gave him his ninth game with double-digit receptions.
Thomas has been that good, and it’s translated to success for the Saints who should be seen as the NFC favorite. He’s the best wide receiver in football. His sharp routes exposed the Titans along with almost every other team he’s played against. Thomas is an offensive juggernaut (sorry Christian McCaffery, winning matters) who earns himself a huge stock up.
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