Five NFL players trending upwards with rising stocks heading into Week 4

The 2014 NFL season is still young, but heading into the fourth week of action, there are a number of players outperforming early expectations. As a result, their respective teams are reaping the benefits with a vital boost through the early part of their schedules.

Let’s take a look at five players with rapidly-rising stocks.

Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

The Brent Celek era may be over in Philadelphia, but the Eagles are reaping the benefits for it. Zach Ertz looks like the stud many projected him to be coming out of Stanford.

In three games, Ertz has caught nine passes for 177 yards (a 19.7 yards-per-reception average) with one touchdown. 163 of those yards have come in the last two games.

The 2013 second-round pick possesses spectacular hands with dangerous speed and makes him a favorable target for quarterback Nick Foles down the middle of the field. He should be a major player in the Eagles’ offense going forward.

Knile Davis, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

There was a time when it was uncertain the former South Carolina running back’s knees would ever allow him to play a down in the NFL. But in two straight games in place of the injured Jamaal Charles, Davis has firmly entrenched himself as a key player in the Chiefs’ backfield.

He has racked up 211 yards on 54 carries (3.9 yards per carry) with three touchdowns in two starts for Charles. He has also caught seven passes for 29 yards. His prowess running the football helped lift the Chiefs to a 34-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 and snapped a two-game losing streak to start the season.

With Charles’ status still up in the air, Davis should continue to contribute for Kansas City. The Chiefs’ offensive attack hinges on a quality running game to set up the pass. Davis has proven he is fully capable of handling the responsibility of being the bell cow in those situations, at least until Charles is able to return.

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

The salsa-dancing superstar didn’t start the season off so hot. He had five drops in two games and his slump had a dramatic impact on the Giants’ offensive output.

In Week 3, he made drastic improvements and helped the passing attack put its best performance together against a quality Texans defense. He finished the afternoon with five receptions for 127 yards and his first touchdown reception since Week 4 of last season.

Eli Manning’s success is largely dependent on Cruz as far as his production and the coverage he draws. He is the team’s only dynamic threat in the passing game, so he must play at his best if the Giants are going to have a successful 2014 campaign. His Week 3 performance was a step in the right direction.

Kyle Fuller, CB, Chicago Bears

The first-round draft pick is living up to the billing. The rookie already has three interceptionswhich leads the leagueand forced two fumbles during the Bears’ 27-19 victory over the New York Jets.

Fuller is sixth in opposing passer rating (43.6), allowing eight catches on 15 targets, per Pro Football Focus (via SI.com).

For a defensive unit that gives up yards at will and is predicated on forcing turnovers, Fuller’s presence is a welcomed addition. Injuries have decimated the secondary, but the rookie from Virginia Tech has helped mask a lot of their problems early on.

His performance against the run has been just as noteworthy. Fuller ranks third among all NFL cornerbacks, according to PFF, registering three stops in 56 run snaps (5.4 percent).

A.Q. Shipley, C, Indianapolis Colts

Shipley is nothing like the player he once was—and that is absolutely a compliment.

Shipley was one of the worst offensive lineman in the league during the 2013 season with the Baltimore Ravens. But a move to Indianapolis has revitalized the former Penn State Nittany Lion’s NFL career.

He ranks as the league’s fourth-best pass blocking center, according to PFF’s rankings. He has been equally as impressive in the running game, where he did a superb job opening up some holes during the Colts’ 44-17 win over the Jaguars in Week 3.

Andrew Luck was one of the most-hit quarterbacks in 2013, so improved offensive line play is undoubtedly appreciated by the Colts gunslinger. The addition of Shipley could prove to be the boost Indianapolis needs to go deeper into the postseason this winter.

About Lou Musto

Lou Musto is a staff writer here at The Sports Daily. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.

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