Fantasy Football 2014: 5 Up, 5 Down From Final Roster Cuts

Saturday has been a busy day for NFL teams as rosters cuts were made, players were placed on IR, and sleepers established for the coming season. There are sure to be plenty more moves in the coming hours, days and weeks, but already there haves been some players’ values that have been adjusted due to the moves. Here are five players whose stock is up after today’s moves and five players whose stock is down.

5 Players Value Rising

Chris Polk-RB-Philadelphia Eagles: Polk made the Eagles final roster despite not playing at all this preseason and barely participating in camp due to a hamstring tear. The third-year back out of Washington could get some time as the season goes on in Chip Kelly’s up-tempo attack and is the preferred handcuff for LeSean McCoy. Polk will start the season as the third RB on the depth chart but Darren Sproles would not take over as a workhorse back in case of a McCoy injury. Polk is worth keeping an eye on as the season gets underway, and he’s worth a end-of-the roster spot if you’re a McCoy owner. Bernard Pierce-RB-Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens didn’t make a roster move involving Pierce or any other rusher which is a good sign for his availability week one. The reason he’s on this list is due to the news that he returned to practice on Saturday and looks locked and loaded to be the #1 back in the Ravens offense the first two weeks. I like Pierce as a sleeper all season long and would not be surprised at all if he stays in front of Rice even once the veteran back’s suspension is over.

Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) dives for a touchdown as Chicago Bears free safety M.D. Jennings (37) defends during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Crowell-RB-Cleveland Browns: Crowell made the Browns roster as their third running back after Cleveland released Dion Lewis. Crowell had a huge week 4 of the preseason rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. Crowell is a UDFA out of Alabama State, but there was no way to sneak him through waivers after that breakout performance. With fragile Ben Tate and unproven Terrance West as the only backs ahead of him, Crowell could easily be fantasy relevant at some point this season in Cleveland’s rush-heavy attack. Terrelle Pryor-QB-Free Agent: Pryor was let go by the Seahawks on Friday, but it actually is a boost to his value since it makes him the top available option on the market for QB-needy teams. Pryor would be an interesting dual-QB league sleeper if he caught on with the Rams or another team where he could get onto the field. His unique skill set makes him useful for fantasy since he is an effective rusher. It will be interesting to see where he catches on. Lache Seastrunk-RB-Free Agent: Seastrunk was beaten out for the third RB spot on the Redskins by Silas Redd mostly based on his struggles with pass protection. Seastrunk flashed some playmaking ability and could be an intriguing option for a team in need of running back depth. Like Pryor, his value could actually improve in the right situation, so see where he lands to determine his potential fantasy viability.

5 Players Value Falling

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill (84) on the bench against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Jets 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Hill-WR-Free Agent: The Jets parted ways with Hill in an ugly breakup which is sure to get plenty of attention in the Big Apple this weekend. Hill was a deep league sleeper some people liked this preseason and did show flashes of potential in years past. It will be interesting to see if he gets another shot somewhere else, but his health and drops will probably keep him from being anything fantasy relevant this season. BenJarvus Green-Ellis-RB-Free Agent: The law firm was let go by the Bengals after starting the season last year as their workhorse back. This cut says a lot about the health of Jeremy Hill who will platoon with Giovani Bernard. Green-Ellis could catch on with another team but will probably do so at such a diminished role that he won’t be fantasy relevant again. Daniel Thomas-RB-Free Agent: The Dolphins traded up to pick Thomas in the second round in 2011 out of Kansas State. Over the past few years, Miami has tried to work him into a rotation with Lamar Miller, Reggie Bush, and others, but he missed out on this season after another rough training camp. This year’s Dolphins look ready to roll with Knoshon Moreno, Lamar Miller, and Damien Williams as the top three RB on their roster. Chris Ogbonnaya-RB-Free Agent: Ogbonnaya had played a role in the Brown backfield the last few years and was a flex option for a few weeks last season. He’s now on the open market after he and Dion Lewis lost the third-string battle to Isaiah Crowell. Nate Burleson-WR-Free Agent: Burleson was cut from the Browns who are desperate for WR depth which doesn’t bode well for his chances of catching on with another team. Burleson had signs of potential with the Lions, Seahawks, and Vikings, but his best season was derailed in a car accident when he broke his arm. It’s likely he will be done in the NFL.

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