Start 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Matt Schaub vs. DET
Schauby has posted back-to-back 300-yard games, totaling four
passing TDs and a rushing score. Alas, he has thrown seven INTs
on the season, but the Lions just picked off their first pass
last week and have presumably reached their monthly interception
allocation. Opposing QBs have garnered a 112.8 QB rating feasting
on the lowly Lions. Look for another 300-yard game and two scores
from Matthew Rutledge Schaub.
Jeff Garcia vs. SEA
Jeff DeCesare…errrr…Garcia’s last two games have seen him complete
over 75% of his passes with two TDs. While it may be a stretch
to expect him to eclipse 300 yards, 200+ yards and a TD, it is
possible. Seattle’s D is not scaring anyone, as they are allowing
30.2 PPG. Injury-riddled WR Joey Galloway may actually play, which
would be a boost. Garcia makes for a solid bye week fill-in for
Warner or McNabb.
Jay Cutler @ NE
The last time Cutler played on Monday Night Football he threw
for 300 yards and two scores - without Brandon Marshall. After
last week’s substandard game, JC will have something to prove
and he should be able to leave his mark against the reeling Patriots.
The Pats passing D has given up 9 TDs and allowed opposing QBs
a 64.9 completion percentage. Watch Cutler pick apart Belichick’s
boys to the tune of 250+ yards and 2 TDs.
Eli Manning vs. SF
Elisha Nelson Manning IV (no, I didn’t make that up) is
coming off of his worst game of the season and he is a little
banged up (chest), but there is no reason to believe the Giants
will struggle again this week. Eli will bounce back against a
49ers defense that has given up 30+ points in 3 straight games.
HC Tom Coughlin will not let the G-men overlook this opponent
and Eli has too many quality weapons at his disposal. He will
not disappoint.
Brad Johnson @ STL
“Prolific” is not a word regularly associated with Brad Johnson.
However, “Checkdown Charlie” is an efficient game manager who
will complete at least 60% of his passes and make few mistakes.
You could do a lot worse than this savvy veteran in a bye week
pinch. With T.O., Witten, Marion the Barbarian and now Roy Williams
on board, James Bradley Johnson will carefully pick his way through
a defense that has given up 32 PPG and 8 TDs through the air if
Romo doesn’t play.
Bench 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Jason Campbell vs. CLE
Campbell has played well and is flashing potential as a reliable
fantasy starter…but he should not be counted on this week.
He hasn’t thrown a TD in his last two games and has found
his #1 WR exactly twice in that timeframe. While the resurgent
Browns are vulnerable against the run, they have proven tough
to throw on (just ask Elisha), rendering fewer than 200 YPG and
only four aerial TDs. Let Soupy ride the pine this week.
Philip Rivers @ BUF
Rivers delivered against the Pats but let’s face it, the
Chargers are set up for a big letdown this week in Orchard Park,
NY. Traditionally, Buffalo has been a tough venue for opposing
QBs and this year the Bills have held opponents to just four passing
TDs and 184 YPG. San Diego has been predictably unpredictable
and can be counted on to lose focus; after this game the Bolts
will board a plane for London to prep for the Euro-matchup against
the Saints.
Gus Frerotte @ CHI
Frerotte is 3-1as the Vikings starter, but that does not necessarily
translate into ‘W’s’ for his fantasy owners.
He is tough, but his numbers are mediocre at best and he cannot
be counted on to produce against the Bears in this divisional
battle, who still have more INTs (6) than passing TDs allowed
(5). Don’t fuss with Gus.
Chad Pennington vs. BAL
James Chadwick Pennington has meant much more to the ‘Fins
than they ever could have hoped for. He is the first Miami QB
since Dan Marino to have a 100+ passer rating in three consecutive
games!! The #1 pass defense of Baltimore and Pennington’s
inability to get the ball deep will combine to put a stop to that.
He cannot be trusted against this angry Ravens D that is looking
for redemption (gave Miami their first - and only - win last year).
Matt Cassel vs. DEN
I can only imagine you are considering starting Cassel because
of his (seemingly) great match up against the Broncos. Don’t be
fooled. The Chargers are equally as horrific at stopping the pass
and Cassel did nothing against them last week. Is Vinny Testaverde
ready to give it another go? At this point, he seems like a better
option for NE.
Running Backs
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