Quarterbacks

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

Kyle Orton vs. DET
In his last start against the Lions, The Bearded Wonder had his best day ever as a professional QB. This should not come as a surprise as the Lions have allowed 6 of the 7 QBs they’ve played this year to post a new career-high for QB rating. There is no reason to believe that Orton cannot have another big day here. Detroit’s pitiful pass D has allowed 12 TDs while only intercepting 1 pass. Roll with the Dave Grohl look-a-like.

David Garrard @ CIN
Garrard hasn't thrown an interception in his last 4 games and he has managed 5 passing TDs and a rushing score in that span. This week’s foe, the hapless Bengals, haven’t given up big yardage totals (191 YPG) but have been torched for 13 passing TDs. Consider that the Ben-girls have sacked opposing QBs just 6 times and have only 4 INTs in 8 games. DG should be in line for solid totals this week.

Chad Pennington @ DEN
Former Jet James Chadwick Pennington has passed for 898 yards, 4 TDs and two INTs in his last 3 games. The unruffled Pennington has a 100.5 QB rating on the season and he is efficiently managing the ‘Fins passing game working in TEs Anthony Fasano and David Martin along with his top producing WRs Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn Jr. Chad won’t have a problem finding holes in the Champ Bailey-less Broncos pass D that has been getting lit up all season (12 TDs allowed, 2 INTs).

Eli Manning vs. DAL
Eli is enjoying his best season as a pro, throwing for the highest completion percentage (61.4%) and lowest interception percentage (1.8%) of his career. Despite a weak schedule to date, the G-Men have toppled both the Redskins and the Steelers and my gut says they will rise to the occasion again in this divisional battle against the Cowboys. If Plaxico doesn’t break any team rules this week, he will play the majority of offensive snaps, which obviously helps Manning. NY’s excellent offensive line has only allowed 6 sacks in 7 games this season.

Marc Bulger vs. ARI
The St. Louis Rams behind HC Jim Haslett have decided they will not be the whipping boy of the NFL. Tough to lean on Bulger too hard here, but there is no denying the chemistry he is developing with WR Donnie Avery. I like his chances against a suspect Cardinals defense which has served up 14 passing TDs. Look for a special appearance by Torry Holt.

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

Matt Cassel @ IND
In recent weeks, Cassel appears to have improved his decision-making and ability to read the coverages. That being said, he is still not a strong option for big yardage or TDs this week against a speedy Colts defense that has been very tough against the pass. No NFL team has given up fewer passing TDs (2) than the Colts. In a must-win game I would not want Matt starting for me this week.

Jason Campbell vs. PIT
Soupy delivered as expected last week against the lowly Lions, but you might want to reconsider before deploying him against the Steelers on Monday Night. Pittsburgh has kept opponents to an NFL-low 164 YPG and the efficient (but not prolific) Campbell has thrown for under 200 yards more times (4) than he has gone over 300 yards (2). It just doesn’t add up to a big game here.

Jeff Garcia @ KC
I thought Garcia would have had a much easier time than he did throwing on the Cowboys last week. He was able to move the ball between the 20’s, but the Bucs rank 29th in the NFL in red zone efficiency, which hurts him. Despite the Chiefs inability to rush the passer (only 4 sacks on the season!!), most teams choose to rip them on the ground and this week should be no different for Tampa.

Brett Favre @ BUF
Reality check: Tyler Thigpen was the better #4 in last week’s game. In fact, in the 3 games since he exploded for 6 TDs against the Cardinals in Week 4, Brett Lorenzo Favre has thrown 3 TDs and 7 INTs. The Bills, who play notoriously tough at home, will be eager to make up for their poor defensive effort at Miami and Favre coming to town could be just the remedy. Brett can be counted on for a few more INTs as he continues to adjust to the Jets offensive system.

Derek Anderson vs. BAL
Anderson faces an uphill battle this week as the Ravens have held opposing QBs to a 67.6 passer rating while intercepting 9 passes. Over the last 4 games, he is averaging 15.25 completions per game, which seems too slight to be a productive fantasy QB. I don’t think Anderson will kill you here, but there should be better options available.

Running Backs