Start 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Kurt Warner vs. DAL
Kurtis Eugene can hint at retirement all he wants; the two-time
NFL MVP seems to be a lock for 250+ yards and multiple TDs each
week. The Cowboys defense is not dominant – the secondary
has allowed 6 scores through the air and picked off only 1 pass.
The first-place Cardinals (gasp!!) play better football at home.
You just have to hope he keeps the turnovers to a minimum.
David Garrard @ DEN
Two straight weeks of 200+ yards +TD and a trip to Denver this
week easily qualify Mr. Garrard for the list. The Broncos defense
can be beat through the air (8 TDs allowed, 2 INTs) and the Jaguars
big, tall receivers should give fits to Denver’s smaller
secondary. Garrard also has a good shot for a rushing TD.
Kyle Orton @ ATL
Count ‘em: 3 straight multiple TD performances from The
Bearded Wonder. Orton set career highs in yards passing, completions
and quarterback rating last week against the Lions. While it is
hard to believe, he is fantasy-relevant. The Falcons have yielded
9 passing TDs and Kyle’s confidence is skyrocketing. Ride
the hot hand.
Jason Campbell vs. STL
Campbell is off to a great start this year with 6 TDs and 0 INTs.
Last week marked his first game without a touchdown pass, but
that trend won’t continue this week against the lowly Rams,
who have given up 8 passing TDs in just 4 games. Look for another
solid game of 20+ completions, 225+ passing yards and 2 TDs from
Soupy.
Gus Frerotte vs. DET
Frerotte, known more for spraining his neck in a self-inflicted
injury, showed his big arm on Monday Night and proved that he
can still chuck it downfield when HC Brad Childress decides to
open up the attack. He’s developed a nice rapport with speedy
WR Bernard Berrian and both should be in line for good numbers
against the Lions, who have allowed opposing quarterbacks to post
an NFL-worst 122.1 QB-rating.
Bench 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Matt Ryan
vs. CHI
It’s hard to trust a rookie QB with two first names, but even
harder when that signal-caller is facing the NFC North-leading
Chicago Bears, winners of 2 straight games. While the Bears are
prone to giving up some yards, they have intercepted more passes
(6) than TDs allowed (4), they have game-changing playmakers on
defense, and they play good football away from Soldier Field.
Derek Anderson
vs. NYG
My condolences if you are still starting Anderson. While some
believe that the Browns and their dormant offense will wake up,
it is a stretch to think it will come at the expense of the NY
Giants. He is NOT a good replacement for Big Ben. Anderson is
completing less than 50% of his passes and he has thrown twice
as many picks (6) as he has touchdowns (3). The Giants and their
#3 ranked D will harass Anderson and the calls for Brady Quinn
will ring longer and louder.
Peyton Manning vs. BAL
Peyton still has very un-Peyton-like numbers (5 TDs/5 INTs) despite
coming off his best game of the season. The Colts, who we’re gift-wrapped
a victory thanks to Parsley Sage Rosenfels, face the NFL’s top
defense in the Ravens. While he won’t hurt you, that big game
you’re still waiting for Peyton to deliver isn’t going to happen
this week.
J.T. O’Sullivan
vs. PHI
The luck o’ the Irish seems to be eluding John Thomas – for the
third straight week his QB rating and completion percentage have
declined. He faces an angry Eagles defense that has something
to prove. D-Coordinator Jim Johnson will have his unit ready.
Sully shouldn’t be used against the league’s best defenses, but
hang on to him for some juicy matchups on the horizon.
Matt Cassel @ SD
With the supporting cast that Matt Cassel has around him, his
numbers should be better than they are. The temptation will be
there to start him considering how poorly the San Diego’s
defense has played, but the Chargers will rise to the occasion
at home in front of a national Sunday night audience and force
Cassel into mistakes. He may end up with a TD, but expect a costly
turnover or two and passing yardage under 200.
Brian Griese/Jeff Garcia vs. CAR
HC John Gruden hasn’t named his starter yet, but that doesn’t
matter because you shouldn’t be starting either against
the Panthers, who own the NFL’s third-best passing defense.
Carolina hasn’t given up a touchdown since week 3 and the
Bucs QB’s were ineffective at moving the ball against a
Broncos defense that has been burned through the air all season.
Running Backs
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