Week 14 of the 100th season is officially in the books. The Ravens took down another top AFC opponent, New England suffered yet another loss, the Rams reminded us why they were in the Super Bowl last season, and the 49ers delivered in an absolutely classic game versus the Saints. Once again, many key games took place in what resulted in a new playoff picture. The race to the playoffs is among the most exciting we’ve seen in a while. Nevertheless, I return with the Week 14 edition of my NFL stock market. Whose stock rose from last week, and whose performance dropped-off?
Stock Up: Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Saints
74.3 completion percentage, 349 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 131.7 passer rating.
To some, it was obvious that Garoppolo was going to reach this level of play sooner rather than later. From carrying the Patriots during Tom Brady’s suspension to his early games with San Francisco, he proved to be a winner. Although the 49ers had an unprecedented start to the season, it wasn’t clear, to me, how legit Garoppolo was. However, after his game against the Saints, I can strongly say that Garoppolo may be ready for prime time playoff football. In the Superdome, it’s difficult to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints. But, what Garoppolo did last Sunday showed the type of quarterback he is.
If you saw how the last drive was constructed, it was more than George Kittle’s massive fourth-down gain. It was Garoppolo’s poise in the pocket all game long. I won’t over-hype him for this huge performance, but I’ll keep an eye on him, as the league prepares to move into the postseason. Garoppolo led the 49ers to victory over one of the top teams in the NFL. If you took anything from this game, it should be that if Garoppolo is reaching his season peak, all NFC teams should be very, very scared.
Stock Down: Tom Brady vs. Chiefs
52.8 completion percentage, 169 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 interception, and a 63.3 passer rating.
The Patriots continue to struggle with Tom Brady being impacted the most from it. It’s not hard to see that Brady is still a great quarterback. The problem lies in the fact that he doesn’t as much talent as he’s had in the past. Against the Chiefs, who aren’t known to have a good defense, Brady struggled, as you can see by his numbers. Having only one passing touchdown and under 200 yards at home against an AFC opponent is just not ideal.
Entering Sunday, Brady and Julian Edelman were undefeated when they both played in a regular season game at home against an AFC opponent. That streak was broken by the Chiefs. Brady, or in fact, Belichick needs to make an adjustment that will better the offense down the line. Brady looks and is playing like a below average quarterback. I think I speak for everyone when I say I don’t think he’s falling off the cliff just yet. It’s a stock down for Brady after a Trubisky-like performance once again.
Stock Up: Drew Brees vs. 49ers
72.5 completion percentage, 349 passing yards. 5 passing touchdowns, and a 138.4 passer rating.
In a loss, Drew Brees looked like prime Drew Brees. His accuracy, as usual, was second to none with an offense that might be the best in the NFL according to the eye test. Brees fed off of his New Orleans home crowd energy to deliver big time in the game of the year in the NFL. New Orleans may have lost against the 49ers, but Brees is getting hot at the right time. He earns a stock up for his personal performance against one of the league’s best defenses.
As a quarterback who’s maintained a steady stream of great play, something is different this time around. A man trying to play it safe would put New Orleans in the Super Bowl. However, in the forever competitive NFC, the Saints may enter the playoffs as a clear favorite if Brees continues to put up these type of numbers.
Stock Down: Russell Wilson vs. Rams
61.1 completion percentage, 245 passing yards, 1 interception, and a 69.8 passer rating.
Remember when I said Russell Wilson is the MVP? That statement is no longer true. Wilson had himself a great stretch to start the season, but for now, Lamar Jackson has overtaken him in the MVP race. The NFC West is the most competitive division in the NFL, and this is a game that Wilson needed to win if Seattle wants to keep pace with San Francisco.
Unfortunately, the Rams defense had a highly successful game plan for the Seahawks’ offense. Wilson passed the ball less consistently than usual and didn’t contribute to any touchdowns. He’s cooling off which really isn’t surprising given the stats he was putting up to begin the season. There’s no doubt that Russell Wilson is still a top-five quarterback in the NFL. However, for this season, I don’t think that the MVP awaits him. He looked average against a Rams team that’s spent all season trying to figure out their identity. It’s a stock down for Wilson after a poor showing.
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