Start 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Jake Delhomme vs. ARI
Jake “The Man” Delhomme has been efficient of late,
completing better than 63% of his passes and throwing 2 TDs in
three of his last four games (I’ll let his Week 6 @ Tampa
0-TD, 3-INT hiccup slide). This week he faces the Cardinals, who
have given up an NFL-worst 12 passing TDs; Arizona is one of only
5 teams to allow opposing QBs a rating of over 100.
Donovan McNabb vs. ATL
McNabb’s last game before the Eagles bye was his best effort since
Week 1. With Kevin Curtis returning to start and speedy rookie
DeSean Jackson in the mix, he will continue to find the open target
and deliver the ball to him. The Falcons have given up 10 passing
TDs on the season (at least 1 allowed in each game) including
6 in the last 3 games. Roll with Mcnabb, the Eagles are bound
to get hot.
Jeff Garcia @ DAL
Leadership, 4-straight starts with a TD pass, an incredibly hot
wife – just some of what Jeff Garcia brings to the table
when he suits up for the Bucs. The underrated Garcia has been
excellent running this offense and Week 8 marks Tampa’s
turn to dump on the ‘Boys. In his last 3 starts, Garcia
has completed a ridiculous 75.3% of his passes while throwing
3 TDs and 0 INTs. The Cowboys paper-thin secondary (2 measly INTs
on the season) is more vulnerable than ever. Start him with confidence.
Jason Campbell @ DET
Soupy should be in your lineup this week. The Lions have conceded
251.2 passing YPG - the third-highest average in the NFL - while
allowing 11 aerial scores and intercepting only 1 pass. In his
last start against the Lions, the former Auburn QB completed an
impressive 79% of his passes for 248 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs.
If you’re looking for a breakout game from Campbell, the
wait could be over.
Trent Edwards @ MIA
Against the Chargers last week, Trent Addison Edwards completed
25 of 30 passes (83.3% - whoa!) for 261 yards and a TD. You can
expect similar numbers this week against Miami. In his last game
against the ‘Fins, Edwards threw for a career-high 4 TDs.
While no QB can be counted on regularly for that kind of production,
Trent will not hurt you; he is a solid bye week replacement this
week.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. NYG
If Derek Anderson can drop 300 yards and 2 scores on the G-Men
(Week 6), you know Ben can too. Roethlisberger, who has battled
multiple injuries this year, seems to have turned the corner after
a less-than-stellar start. In his last two games, No. 7 has 5
TDs and only 1 INT. Yes, the Giants defense is tough and physical,
but they are also beatable.
Drew Breesvs. SD (in London)
Brees gets the “no-duh” start of the week - and not
just because the Chargers have the worst pass defense in the league
(254 YPG, 11 TDs allowed). Drew is out for vengeance against the
team that let him go; the only thing that could stop him is soggy
Wembley Stadium field, but the forecast calls for sun. Start him
and enjoy. No duh.
Bench 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Kurt Warner @ CAR
Coming of his bye fantasy owners will likely be disappointed that
Kurtis Eugene Warner is not a great option this week. The problem
isn’t Warner, but more this week’s adversary; the
Panthers have only allowed 1 passing TD in their last 4 games
and have kept QBs to an average of 167 YPG overall. Fantasy’s
#1 QB, Drew Brees’ pedestrian line last week @ Car: 231
yards, 0 TD, 1 INT.
Matt Ryan @ PHI
The rookie with 2 first names proved me wrong last week, but I
just can’t see that happening against the Eagles. They haven’t
given up a passing TD since Kyle Orton torched them for 3 scores
in Week 4. Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson will have the Eagles
D will bring serious pressure all game. Philly is tied for second
in NFL with 21 sacks and they have forced 12 turnovers in 6 games.
The rookie takes a step back this week.
David Garrard vs. CLE
The Browns have been holding their opponent’s passing game in
check and have registered more interceptions (9) than touchdowns
allowed (5). David Douglas Garrard has already been sacked 15
times this season (21 all of last year) and is not getting the
protection he needs to be productive. Starting Safety Sean Jones
has returned to the Browns lineup which further cements their
cause.
Peyton Manning @ TEN
Remember David Garrard’s 1-yard toss to FB Greg Jones in Week
1? Me neither - but that happens to be the last (and only) passing
touchdown the Titans have allowed this year. They haven’t faced
anyone with the pedigree of Peyton Manning, but #18’s numbers
still won’t be what you have come to expect from him. He should
be your starter the rest of the way, but you just can’t expect
a big game on Monday night in Tennessee.
Eli Manning @ PIT
Eli has cooled off recently, throwing 2 TD and 3 picks in his
last two starts without going over 196 yards in either effort.
The Steelers have not given up more than 1 passing TD in any game
this season and are only giving up 158.7 YPG through the air,
tops in the NFL. While he should be competitive, this is not a
great spot for Eli here.
Running Backs
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