Kaepernick up as Bryant sinks
These players saw their fantasy football values increase or decrease the most based on their performances in Week 9:
SIZZLERS
uQB Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: Two yards shy of 400 passing, San Francisco dominated the New Orleans Saints defense, albeit in a losing effort. Kaepernick’s performance was more an example of how horrid the Saints are defensively than how good the 49ers are offensively, but it is good to note that there might be some fantasy gas left in Kaepernick’s tank.
uWR Rishard Matthews, Tennessee Titans: In a barnburner, the Titans and San Diego Chargers lit up the scoreboard Sunday. Matthews was targeted a healthy 10 times and boosted his fantasy day by scoring twice. Matthews can be hit or miss, but last weekend he was an undeniable hit.
uWR Taylor Gabriel, Atlanta Falcons: Gabriel has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Falcons with Tevin Coleman out. He caught all five of his targets and rushed twice for 24 yards and a touchdown. When you add up his variety of contributions, it added up to a decent fantasy day at the office for the upstart Falcon.
uTE Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams: Very quietly, Kendricks has strung together three good games in a row. Last weekend, he was targeted 12 times, catching seven for 90 yards. Those struggling at the tight end position should take a long look at Kendricks as a promising waiver-wire pickup this week.
uRB 49ers: With starting running back Carlos Hyde out, San Francisco promoted the fourthstring running back over Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn to carry the load. While Harris’ 10 rushing attempts for 59 yards were not that scintillating, his five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown were.
FIZZLERS
uWR Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys: Shutdown cover cornerback Joe Haden had a lot to say about this one with Bryant managing just one catch on four targets as the Cowboys’ game plan emphasized short passing and high-percentage plays in their victory against the Cleveland Browns.
uWR Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions: This could be the last week we put Jones on the fizzler list as lower expectations are starting to become more the norm. Considering how well he played the first several games, one catch for 5 yards in an overtime win is his most disappointing effort of the season.
uWR Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs: To be fair, he was coming into the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars nursing a sore groin, but Maclin was cleared to play. After aggravating the injury, he was removed from the game without scoring a fantasy point.
uWR Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders: Crabtree did not receive the attention fellow wideout Amari Cooper did in a victory against the Denver Broncos. Although he has been solid this season, he has his games in which he disappears from the game plan. Last weekend was one of those times, catching two balls on six targets.
uRB Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos: With starting running back C.J. Anderson having knee surgery, much was expected when Booker took over the role. However, he managed just 22 yards on 10 carries and one reception on three targets Sunday. As a result, Kapri Bibbs should get more carries going forward.
Tony Holm, FantasySharks.com