Bye Weeks: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco
Thanks to a subpar running game and two
capable receivers, Blake Bortles is top ten fantasy QB.
Grab a Helmet
Blake
Bortles @ BAL: I think the fantasy world needs to get
used to Blake Bortles being a weekly QB1. In a spot I thought he
was ripe for a serious fall last week on the road against the Jets,
Bortles impressed with a strong 381-2-2 line. He completed over
60% of his passes, and despite some more turnovers, moved the ball
against a defense that isn’t playing as well as it should be right
now. Robinson and Hurns are catching everything, and give Bortles
weapons in all levels of the passing game. This young Jags offense
has talent, and the defense is just bad enough to force the offense
to have to score to stay in games. The Ravens are still giving up
the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving Bortles a juicy
match-up.
Peyton
Manning v. KC: Old Man Manning hasn’t exactly found the
fountain of youth these past few weeks, but he certainly looks more
efficient and has more zip on the ball. Last week on the road against
Indy he threw for 280 yards and two scores, but once again threw
two ugly interceptions. Coming back home after a sickening loss
to the Colts, look for the Broncos to come out passing, hoping to
get a lead on the division rival Chiefs. Manning had one of his
best games of the season Week 2 against KC when he threw for 256
yards and 3 scores. The Chiefs defense has been greatly improved
against the pass, giving up only 3 touchdowns and picking off 6
passes in their last three games. But that was against the likes
of Landry Jones, Matt Stafford, and Teddy Bridgewater. Manning knows
his way around this defense, and makes for a fine QB1 option this
week.
Kirk
Cousins v. NO: Yes it pains me greatly to have Cousins
in this spot, but I’d start myself against a Saints defense that
has surrendered a whopping 13 passing touchdowns in their last three
games! Playing at home against a team that is giving up nearly 30
fantasy points a game to opposing quarterbacks, Cousins was great
against the last chump defense (Tampa) he played at home. He’ll
have a healthier DJax this week, so look for some deep connections
on Sunday. Cousins could make a very sneaky DFS play this week,
and if there was ever a time to run him out there as a starter,
it’s now!
Grab a Headset
Jay
Cutler @ STL: With another solid game Monday night
on the road against the Chargers, Cutler continues to put the
Bears in position to stay competitive in games. But this week
is a serious match-up downgrade for Smokin’ Jay. Even without
starting ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, the Rams defense stifled
the Vikings passing game last week. With a few key defensive players
back, Cutler faces an uphill battle on the road. St. Louis has
given up a league low 5 touchdown passes, so Cutler might be best
avoided, especially in weekly leagues.
Marcus
Mariota v. CAR: The former Oregon Duck sits 11th overall
in fantasy points per game with nearly 24 a start. He has two
4-touchdown games in his first six starts, putting him in incredibly
rare company. So while I’m very high on Mariota’s dynasty and
season long potential, he sits in a very tough spot this week
versus the undefeated Panthers. Against the competent defenses
of the Bills and Dolphins, Mariota could only manage 406 yards
passing, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. He’ll have more QB1
level games this year, but this week isn’t likely to be one of
them.
Carson
Palmer @ SEA: Palmer has been one of the most consistent
fantasy quarterbacks this season, so it’s likely you won’t
be in a position to sit him this week. Despite their struggles
the Seahawks defense can still be dominant, especially at home,
and Palmer face planted with a 178-yard, 4-interception day in
2013. Look for the Cardinals to be run heavy and pick their spots
against Seattle, meaning a low attempt total. Points could be
at a premium this week, so expect a low ceiling, and tempered
expectations for Palmer.
