The NFL regular season is more volatile on a week-to-week basis than the Stock Market. A team that lost by several touchdowns one week can follow up with a blowout victory the next. Players who are responsible for the blame one week could be responsible for a game-winning play the next.
With Week 5 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
Charcandrick West, running back, Chiefs
Meet the favorite to take over in the Chiefs' backfield. West (4.4 yards per carry) had himself a stellar preseason and stuck on the 53-man roster. There's a difference between exhibition play and assuming Jamaal Charles' old spot, though. The Abilene Christian product took 18 snaps after No. 25 went down with an ACL tear.
Antonio Gates, tight end, Chargers
The future Hall of Famer wasted no time reconnecting with his longtime quarterback. On Monday Night, Philip Rivers immediately looked to Gates in the red zone. They connected on an early 12-yard score (Gates' 100th career touchdown) and again on an 11-yard toss in the fourth quarter.
Shane Ray/Shaquil Barrett, outside linebackers, Broncos
Ray has two sacks in only 96 total snaps. Barrett has been a sensation this fall; he's coming off a seven-tackle, one sack afternoon against the Raiders. Both will see their snap counts increase with DeMarcus Ware (back) out on Sunday. It'll be up to Ray and Barrett to apply pressure opposite Von Miller.
THREE DOWN:
Jeremy Maclin, wide receiver, Chiefs
The Chiefs' prized free-agent addition has had better weeks. He dropped one drive-extending catch early against the Bears. More importantly, he juggled another sideline pass on the team's final drive that would've shortened a potential game-winning field goal. Maclin will be asked to do even more now that Charles is lost on the year.
Latavius Murray, running back, Raiders
Murray disappeared yet again in the second half of Sunday's divisional game againts the Broncos. Head coach Jack Del Rio dispelled the notion that Murray is hurt, but the second-year back is hurting his team's chances. He managed only 39 yards on 13 carries through three quarters.
Sebastian Janikowski, kicker, Raiders
When "Seabass" struggles, you know the NFL's kicking rule change is having an effect. The left-footed legend missed one field goal and had another attempt blocked vs. Denver. Both kicks could've helped the Raiders pull even with the Broncos in a 16-10 loss.
