The NFL regular season is more volatile on a week-to-week basis than the Stock Market. One 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 West players who saw their stock rise, and three AFC West players who saw it fall.
THREE UP
Derek Carr, quarterback, Oakland
The last time a Raiders quarterback threw for 300 yards in back-to-back games? Rich Gannon ... in 2002. Carr carved up a potent Browns defense with 314 passing yards and proved once and for all that he's the franchise's future.
Amari Cooper, wide receiver, Oakland
Those way-too-early Tim Brown comparisons might've been on time. Cooper toyed with a Pro Bowler in Joe Haden; it only took him one half to go over 100 yards receiving. That makes him the first Raiders rookie receiver to go over the century mark in back-to-back games since James Jett in 1993. And he's the first Raiders receiver to do that since Randy Moss.
Keenan Allen, wide receiver, San Diego
The good news? Keenan Allen showed up to play on Sunday in Minneapolis. The bad news? He might disappear again; Allen followed up a breakout Week 1 with a 16-yard afternoon in Week 2. The Chargers will take his 12-catch output, in a losing effort, but they'll pray he can maintain that production.
THREE DOWN
Philip Rivers, quarterback, San Diego
San Diego's offensive line fell to shambles against the Vikings. The running game couldn't get going whatsoever. The defense couldn't corral Adrian Peterson and fell behind. All three factors worked against Rivers, who was under constant duress as he tried to throw his team back in the game.
Alex Smith, quarterback, Kansas City
Once again, it took Alex Smith far too long to get things working in the passing game. When the Packers built a big lead, and the defense backed off in coverage, he got things going in the second half -- it was too little, and too late. Smith needs to focus on getting the ball into the hands of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Travis Kelce earlier and more often.
C.J. Anderson, running back, Denver
Anderson can't stay healthy enough to prove he's the "it" back for the Broncos. Now, his team is turning away from a run-heavy approach and back toward a shotgun offense conducted by Peyton Manning. Reserves like Ronnie Hillman might merit more of Anderson's snaps -- especially if he can't stay healthy.
