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 6 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 as we head into Week 7.
THREE UP
Chris Ivory, running back, New York Jets
Another week, another outstanding game from Chris Ivory. For the second consecutive week, Ivory topped 140 yards rushing, the first New York Jets player to do so in 30 years. He leads the league in rushing yards per game and there's no sign of him slowing down any time soon. He's arguably the most important offensive player for the Jets, as displayed by his 196 yards from scrimmage on Sunday.
Cameron Wake, defensive end, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins entered Week 6 with just one sack as a team. In the first half alone, Cameron Wake recorded four by himself. Finally, Wake broke through and filled up the stat sheet as he looks like he could be back on track in being a top pass rusher for the Dolphins. He'll look to build on this breakout performance next week against the Houston Texans.
LeGarrette Blount, running back, New England Patriots
Bill Belichick has been known for rotating running backs more often than most NFL coaches. This season is no different with both LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis playing large roles on offense. However, it appears Blount is taking over as the lead back in New England with three straight games of at least 13 carries and 74 yards rushing. His stock is certainly trending upwards as he's averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has five total touchdowns in his last three games.
THREE DOWN
Mario Williams, defensive end, Buffalo Bills
Mario Williams expressed his displeasure with his role on defense after Sunday's game as he's struggled to make a significant impact this season. In six games, Williams has just two sacks and 11 tackles after recording double-digit sacks in the past three seasons in Buffalo. On a defensive line with Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, and Gerry Hughes, Williams' production should be better than it has been of late. Williams will need to get back on track against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.
Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were dominant in their 38-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, but Ryan Tannehill continued to struggle against a middling defense. For the third straight week, Tannehill threw multiple interceptions. It was an improvement over his Week 4 debacle, but his four fumbles and seven interceptions this season are concerning. Next week, Tannehill will face a more difficult test against the Houston Texans.
Dion Lewis, running back, New England Patriots
Unlike Blount, Dion Lewis saw his stats plummet against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. He had just seven touches for 39 yards and wasn't utilized nearly as much as Blount was. That's not to say Lewis will be completely fazed out of the offense because he's still a dynamic threat in the passing game, but Blount's number of touches could mean a slight shift in New England's backfield.
