The NFL regular season is more volatile on a week-to-week basis than the Stock Market. A team that lost by several touchdowns the week before can follow up with a blowout victory. Players who are responsible for the blame one week could be responsible for a game-winning play the next.
With Week 3 of the regular season in the books, let's take a look at three AFC East players who saw their stock rise, and three AFC East players who saw it fall.
THREE UP
Tom Brady, quarterback, New England
No one in the NFL is playing at a higher level than Tom Brady. Through three games, Brady has completed 72 percent of his passes for 1,112 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. His passer rating of 119.6 is good for third in the league and he has the Patriots sitting pretty at 3-0. There's no sign of the 38-year-old slowing down, and that could spell trouble for the rest of the league.
Tyrod Taylor, quarterback, Buffalo
Surprisingly, the second-best quarterback in the division is Tyrod Taylor. He's coming off a Week 3 win in which he posted the highest Total QBR (95.3) in Bills history. He's showed that he is capable of leading an NFL offense, and he's done it at a high level. A matchup against the Giants in Week 4 shouldn't spell much trouble for the dynamic quarterback.
Jamie Collins, outside linebacker, New England
Jamie Collins doesn't typically get the recognition that other linebackers in the NFL do, but he's undoubtedly one of the best at his position. Through three games, Collins has recored 3.5 sacks, 22 tackles and two forced fumbles. He's not always used as a pass rusher, but he's already close to surpassing his career sack total of four and is on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
THREE DOWN
Lamar Miller, running back, Miami
The Dolphins had high expectations for Lamar Miller as he entered the final year of his rookie contract, but he's fallen well short through three games. He's carried the ball 30 times in three games and is averaging 3.5 yards per carry -- well short of his 5.1-yard average of last season. If Miller wants a long-term contract, he'll need to improve drastically and prove doubters wrong.
Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle, Miami
The Dolphins made Ndamukong Suh the richest defensive player in NFL history and it's not looking like money well-spent. He hasn't recorded a single sack and has been accused of freelancing and ignoring coaches' play calls. On a defensive line that was believed to be one of the best in the league, Suh has failed to live up to his lucrative contract.
Sammy Watkins, wide receiver, Buffalo
The Bills have a bevy of weapons on offense, but perhaps the biggest playmaker is Sammy Watkins. Unfortunately, he hasn't been that playmaker as he's caught seven passes for 99 yards -- and was shut out in Week 1. Now dealing with a calf injury, it's unclear if Watkins will return to his rookie form in the near future.
