Quarterbacks

Start 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Matt Ryan @ NO
In Week 10 the rookie with 2 first names arguably had his best game of the season when he passed for 248 yards and 2 scores against this week’s foe, the Saints. Ryan was shut out in consecutive weeks against Denver and Carolina, but threw 2 TDs against the Chargers last week. He’ll keep it rolling this week as he tries to keep pace with Drew Brees in what should be a high scoring affair.

Matt Cassel @ SEA
Cassel found himself on the other side of the SCR last week and delivered an expected stinker against the Steelers, coming up with zero or negative points in most leagues. He’ll right himself this week against a Seahawks squad that gives up an NFL-high 265.2 passing YPC. Seattle has intercepted only 6 passes this season, which is the third lowest total in the league.

Brett Favre @ SF
Favre struggled last week in the rain against Denver as he couldn’t manage a TD pass for just the third time this season. Despite being shut out in Week 13, he has 5 TDs and 2 INTs in his last 4 games and hasn’t been forcing the ball into coverage. He should produce solid totals against a 49ers team that has given up 11 big passing plays of 40+ yards on the season.

Eli Manning vs. PHI
No Plax? No Problem. Manning threw for a season-high 305 yards last week against the Redskins, joining Tony Romo as the only QBs to throw for more than 217 yards against Washington this year. He has thrown at least 1 TD pass in 11 straight games and that streak will continue in another tough divisional game against the Eagles on Sunday. The yardage may not be there but I am expecting multiple TDs; Philly has allowed 18 aerial TDs this season, tied the 4th highest total in the NFL.

Shaun Hill vs. NYJ
It’s time to give this kid his due. In 4 starts, Hill has 8 TD passes and 3 INTs on the season. He has thrown at least 1 TD in every game he has played. The New York Jets defensive strength lies in their run-stopping ability; they allow 249.2 YPG through the air, the 3rd highest total in the NFL. This adds up to the Jets containing Frank Gore and Hill being forced to throw downfield in a game that the Niners will likely be trying to come from behind.

Bench 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Tony Romo @ PIT
Romo has 6 TDs and just 1 INT in his last 2 games against the suspect defenses of the 49ers and Seahawks. His mettle will be tested this week in the Steel City; only 1 QB (P. Manning) has thrown for more than 200 yards against Pittsburgh. If you have another good option with a solid matchup, use it. The Steelers D is no joke.

Jeff Garcia @ CAR
Garcia is a nice fit for the Tampa offense but his fantasy relevance is at a minimum on Monday night against a tough Panthers D at home. In favorable matchups over the last 2 weeks (@ Det, vs. NO) he has averaged only 142 passing YPG. He has thrown multiple TD passes in a game only once this season; it would come as a surprise if it happens against Carolina, who have allowed 11 aerial TDs - the 4th lowest total in the league.

Jake Delhomme vs. TB
Jake hasn’t thrown an INT since Week 10 (when he had 4), but he has just 3 TD passes in his last 4 games. There are now rumblings of his arm tiring after last season’s Tommy John surgery. It’s hard for me to forget Delhomme’s Week 6 game against the Bucs when he threw 0 TDs and 3 INTs. Tampa is holding opponents to 184.1 passing YPC and they are tied for third in the NFL with 16 INTs.

Chad Pennington @ BUF
Chad has been a blessing for the surprising Dolphins but he shouldn’t be trusted this week in Orchard Park, NY. Buffalo is in the top half of NFL passing defenses, they allow an average of 205 YPG and they play well at home against opposing QBs. Pennington could not deliver a TD pass against the hapless Rams in Week 13 which is disconcerting. There are greener pastures in the next 2 weeks, but play it safe and let Chad alone this week.

Joe Flacco vs. WAS
Flacco has been hot, tossing 4 TDs with no picks over his last 2 games. His Week 14 opponent, the Redskins (despite allowing Eli throw 305 last week) give up under 200 YPG and their 13 passing TDs allowed is the 6th lowest total in the league. This game is shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive contest which will not produce fantasy superstars.

Running Backs