Week Eight of the 100th season is officially in the books. It brought us one of the best performances of the season from the 49ers, the return of Drew Brees, and the rise of Aaron Jones. This week of NFL action gave us some huge performances from players on teams who are Super Bowl contenders. The biggest thing I noticed is that it’s going to be a fight to make the NFC playoffs. Nevertheless, I return with the Week Eight edition of my NFL stock market. Whose stock rose from last week, and whose performance dropped-off?
Stock Up: Aaron Jones vs. Chiefs
Week 8 Stats: 13 carries, 67 rushing yards, 7 receptions, 159 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns.
Is the emergence of Aaron Jones upon us? Jones has been the top weapon for Aaron Rodgers this season since Davante Adams suffered a turf toe injury in Week 4. First, Jones got it done against the Cowboys, and this past week, he torched the Chiefs. It seems to me that he’s not afraid of the bright lights, and against some of the best teams in the league, he’s had his best games. Jones earns himself a stock up because I finally see the Packers as a contender in the NFC.
On top of that, the Packers might just be the biggest threat to the Patriots and 49ers. Aaron Jones is turning himself into a bigger problem each and every week, and this past week was no different. It’s worth noting that Jones is a running back who notched himself a hefty 159 receiving yards for the Packers. If Jones can keep up his production as a receiver along with his already productive rushing skills, the Packers offense will be on fire for the weeks to come.
Stock Down: Sam Darnold vs. Jaguars
Week 8 Stats: 70.0 completion percentage, 218 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 73.3 passer rating.
I praised Sam Darnold hard after his win against the Cowboys. Sadly, I, along with many New York Jets fans, spoke way too soon. Darnold is back to being a terrible quarterback. I give him somewhat of a pass though because he has the worst head coach in the NFL (tied with Freddie Kitchens), in my opinion. Three interceptions are inexcusable for a Jets’ offense that shouldn’t be struggling as much as they are. Besides the Ravens, the Jets have a favorable schedule where Darnold very well can turn his woes around. However, he’s going to need someone different leading the team. Darnold had a bad performance, leading to a heavy stock down.
Stock Up: Drew Brees vs. Cardinals
Week 8 Stats: 79.1 completion percentage, 373 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 116.4 passer rating.
Drew Brees is back to lead the team that looks like the NFC’s best. Brees looked like his usual self after beating his estimated timetable for return. He was advised by many fans and analysts to just come back after the Saints’ bye this upcoming week. However, Brees wanted to play, and it paid off big time. He commanded that Saints’ offense the only way he sees fit. His 79% completion rate is usual for him, and his overall performance just shows why everyone should have the Saints in the Super Bowl this season. Although I have the Cowboys representing the NFC, the Saints are right up there with them. With Drew Brees back, the rest of the league should fear New Orleans.
Stock Down: Kyle Allen vs. 49ers
Week 8 Stats: 51.4 completion percentage, 158 passing yards, 3 interceptions, and a 28.9 passer rating.
I don’t expect any Pro-Bowl numbers from Kyle Allen. However, he did have a good stretch of games before this past Sunday. His performance against the undefeated 49ers was just awful. The 49ers have (for now) the NFC’s best record. However, you should be able to put up better numbers against a defense that has had no talk surrounding them outside of Nick Bosa. There’s nothing more to say about that. Allen simply had a bad outing. I wonder if a performance like this gives Carolina second thoughts about keeping Allen at quarterback when Cam Newton is healthy.
Stock Up: Cooper Kupp vs. Bengals
Week 8 Stats: 7 receptions, 220 receiving yards, and 1 passing touchdown.
Cooper Kupp continues his fantastic season with a stunning outing against Cincinnati. He had a career-high in receiving yards which totaled to over 31 yards per reception. Kupp had it all going this past Sunday and continues to be the reason the Rams’ offense is still somewhat tolerable. We all know the issues that Todd Gurley is going through this season, hence the reason why the offense hasn’t looked its usual self.
Despite that, Kupp continues to hold down his role as the Rams’ number one receiver. If Gurley is producing less than he should be, then Kupp is there to pick up the slack. The Rams are a team that no one is talking about in terms of a Super Bowl appearance. Los Angeles is going to have to catch San Francisco if they want to win the division. That’ll mean some more big games from Cooper Kupp.
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