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 6 in the books, let's take a look at three NFC North players who saw their stock rise, and three NFC North players who saw it fall as we look ahead to Week 7.
THREE UP
Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Detroit Lions
The Lions' first win of the season was also Calvin Johnson's first 100-yard game, and that was no coincidence. Johnson displayed his old deep-play ability for the first time in 2015, as he hauled in six passes for 166 yards and a touchdown (long gain of 57). Once Megatron got going, most everything else fell into place in the Lions' 37-34 overtime win against the Bears.
Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, Chicago Bears
The Bears offense got a big boost from Alshon Jeffery in Week 6. The fourth-year receiver came back from a hamstring injury against the Lions and nearly lifted the team to victory with eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown. Jeffery's presence provided Chicago's offense with an additional dimension, as Detroit's defense had to respect him as a dangerous deep threat.
James Starks, running back, Green Bay Packers
The Packers' only source of offensive firepower seemed to be James Starks in Week 6. The sixth-year running back averaged 11.2 yards per carry in Green Bay's 27-20 win over the Chargers, thanks in large part to a 65-yard scoring sprint. In addition, his only reception of the game went for a five-yard touchdown. With Eddie Lacy playing at less than full strength, Starks' contributions have gone a long way toward keeping the Packers undefeated.
THREE DOWN
Randall Cobb, wide receiver, Packers
Without consistent play on the outside, there hasn't been much room for Randall Cobb to exploit in the slot. Opposing defenses seem to be containing the Pro Bowl receiver with ease, as he's failed to eclipse 50 receiving yards in each of the past three games. Cobb's numbers should bounce back when Davante Adams and Ty Montgomery get healthy and start contributing regularly.
Kyle Fuller, cornerback, Bears
After putting together a promising rookie campaign, Kyle Fuller's second season has been disappointing. The weakest point of Chicago's defense is its secondary, and Fuller has done little to establish himself as a true No. 1 cornerback. He has yet to record an interception this season and has only defended two passes. Fuller gave up a few big completions during the Bears' overtime loss to the Lions in Week 6.
Teddy Bridgewater, quarterback, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings beat the Chiefs this past Sunday, but Teddy Bridgewater helped keep the game close with a couple costly mistakes. The second-year quarterback threw an interception in the end zone on the opening drive of the game. Then he threw another while trying to seal the victory in the fourth quarter. Bridgewater has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) this season.
