📈 Ryder's NFL Stock Report Through Week 2 📉

We are basically two weeks through the 2026 NFL Season. (I am writing this in the 2nd quarter of the MNF game between the Giants and Rams)

There has been a great deal of drama already in the NFL through the first two weeks with upsets, hot starts, and injuries.

Every few weeks, I'll post a blog with my Stock Report with a Buy section, Sell Section, and Hold section. This can be about teams, players, fantasy related, etc.

BUY NOW:

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Umm... folks. The Bengals have a defense. This was always the hope when they spent draft capital and money to retool their defense to try and help out the offense that has carried them for so long. Through two weeks, they have looked the part with dominating performances over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. If they can continue to protect Joe Burrow up front and stay healthy, look out for this team to be there at the end in the AFC.

BRYCE YOUNG — This is mainly a fantasy buy if you have struggled with finding a solid, reliable QB. Through 2 weeks, Bryce Young is the No. 2 scoring QB in fantasy and has put up great numbers albeit not against great defenses. However, his next two weeks are against the Browns and the Lions. We saw what Tyler Shough and Josh Allen did against that Lions defense, so I would be confident in throwing Young in your starting lineup over the next couple of weeks until his bye in week 5.

Other buy now candidates: Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers

SELL NOW:

Let's get into a couple of teams that have started off hot that I expect to slip a little bit as the first quarter of the season continues.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS – A 2-0 start is something that nobody can take away from you. The Vikings have managed to beat two division opponnents in the first two games. (In large part due to Shawn Hochuli in the first game) The defense has looked absolutely electric and that continued in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears on the road. The NFC North seems to be wide open, too. However, with Kyler Murray returning, I just don't believe this offense is going to be able to keep them in games if that defense ever falters just a bit. It's been nice to see Dallas Turner emerge as the pass rusher Vikings' fans thought he could be, but relying on Aaron Jones, Murray, and hoping that Jefferson can carry the load might be too much to ask this year.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — A team that pulled off a major week two upset is on major sell alert to me. Through two games, Tyler Shough has been electirc to watch for better or for worse, but I don't think he can contineu to bail them out in late games. The Saints almost crawled back to beat the Lions in week 1 and were down 14-3 late in the first half on Sunday before an electric kickoff return allowed them to get three points right before halftime. To me, teams that constantly have to crawl back into games by having things go exactly write just aren't teams that I can buy into. They have proven to have no rushing attack through two games, but someone has to win the NFC South I guess. (Plus, why the hell did Derrick Henry get five rushing attempts in the second half?) I will say their schedule is great and very well could start 4-0 before hosting the Vikings on October 11.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Probably the most obvious loser team through two weeks. I'm tired of Justin Herbert defenders who want to try and talk about how bad Jordan Love is after I've watched Herbert these first two weeks. Granted, his offensive line is terrible and Hampton has been a turnover machine through the first games, but let's not act like Herbert has been out of this world. Ball security was an afterthought for the Chargers on Sunday against the Raiders. They coughed up the ball for an unbelievable six fumbles, and while they lost only one of them, the turnover came at a critical time as it ended a fourth-quarter drive. I really fell for the trap that Mike McDaniel would be able to fix all in LA. Up next for Los Angeles: at Bills, at Seahawks, vs. Broncos, at Chiefs, at Rams, vs. Texans, at Ravens. Goodnight, folks.

Other sell now candidates: Justin Herbert (fantasy), New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers.

HOLD (FOR NOW):

DENVER BRONCOS — The Broncos had a tough week 1 divisonal road matchup that ended poorly at Arrowhead. Week 2 looked to be off to a rough start, but the Broncos prevailed over the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13. Jaylen Waddle finally looked like himself in his new offense with eight catches for 138 yards. I was really hoping to see Bo Nix take that next step as an elite QB in the NFL, but the interception below and his perfromance through two weeks has me watching this team closesly for fraud alert.

LOS ANGELES RAMS — As I'm writing this blog, the Rams are beating the Giants 14-0 in the second quarter of Monday Night Football. They are winning without Puka Nacua which is a positive sign to see. I think I came away more impressed with the 49ers in week 1 with their performance in Australia than being more concernced about the Rams. With Sean McVay as your head coach, I believe all things are possible. This team just needs to gel together and will be better as the season goes on.