AFC South Stock Market: Week 5
The NFL regular season is more volatile on a week-to-week basis than the stock market. One team that lost by several touchdowns the week before can follow up with a blowout victory. Players who are responsible for the blame one week could be responsible for a game-winning play the next.
With Week 4 of the regular season in the books, let's take a look at three AFC South players who saw their stock rise, and three others from the division who saw it fall.
THREE UP
Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
Making his first start in nearly three years, the 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck guided the Colts to a 16-13 overtime win against the Jaguars. The 17-year-veteran completed 30-of-47 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown filling in for the injured Andrew Luck. His steady performance helped Indianapolis take possession of first place in the AFC South.
T.J. Yeldon, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars
T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville's second-round pick in this year's draft, broke the 100-yard mark for the first time in his brief NFL career -- rushing for 105 yards on 22 carries in the team's overtime loss to Indianapolis. The rookie from Alabama continues to emerge as a dependable contributor.
DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver, Houston Texans
In what was an otherwise ugly day for the Texans, Hopkins again demonstrated why he's a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, catching nine passes for 157 yards against the Falcons. The three-year veteran is well on his way to huge season, with 31 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns through the first four weeks.
THREE DOWN
Jason Myers, kicker, Jacksonville Jaguars
Myers, who beat out Josh Scobee in training camp, missed two potential game-winning field goals in Jacksonville's loss to Indianapolis. The rookie kicker now has missed three field goals and one extra point attempt through the first four games. Head coach Gus Bradley continues to preach patience, but if Myers continues to struggle, the team may be forced to reassess his spot on the roster.
Josh Robinson, running back, Indianapolis Colts
Sunday's win over the Jaguars was one Robinson would probably rather forget, at least from an individual standpoint. The rookie out of Mississippi State carried the ball three times for just two yards and lost a fumble. With the Colts bringing in veteran Ahmad Bradshaw for an audition this week, the team appears to be looking for an upgrade behind starter Frank Gore.
Ryan Mallett, quarterback, Houston Texans
Mallett struggled mightily in Houston's blowout loss to the Falcons, completing 12-of-27 passes for 150 yards, with one interception and a passer rating of just 46.8. Texans head coach Bill O'Brien demonstrated his short leash once again, benching Mallet in favor of Brian Hoyer in the third quarter. With the Texans on a short week due to the Thursday night game, O'Brien said he plans to stick with Mallett this week. However, the first four weeks have proven Mallett won't get a free pass if the Houston offense sputters again.