A lot of recent QB news has centered on rookie signal-callers. This week, we look at the fantasy impact of some of these recent developments for the young’ens:
- Colt McCoy (CLE) will get his first start this week. Unfortunately, he draws a Steelers defense that will take no mercy on the young gun. McCoy doesn’t have much to work with and shouldn’t be considered in any fantasy league.
- Max Hall (ARI) came out of nowhere to become the starter for the Arizona Cardinals. After leading the team to an upset over the Saints, he’s probably got the job for a while, but he isn’t viable outside of the deepest of deep 2-QB leagues. However, Hall does have a very easy schedule, and Kurt Warner’s confidence, so who knows?
- Jimmy Clausen (CAR) may be losing his job to Matt Moore, the opening day starter. At this point though, with that receiving corps, neither are going to be effective.
- Sam Bradford (STL) has been the most successful rookie this year, although he suffered a bad game last week. As I discuss later, I wouldn’t start Bradford this week, but he is worthy of a roster spot in many leagues.
Young and old, here is who to start in Week 6:
| START ‘EM | |
| Eli Manning vs. DET
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Young Manning has been average and disappointing on the whole this year, but he had a great game last week. Against the Texans, Eli blew up for three TDs, although he also threw two interceptions. One reason for his ascendance is the corresponding rise of WR Hakeem Nicks, who’s had 100 yards in two straight games.
This week, I expect both Manning and Nicks to continue their excellent performance against Detroit. The Lions have a subpar pass D and a surprisingly powerful passing offense, so expect a shootout and solid fantasy production from Manning. Eli Manning has been worse at home this year, but I don’t see that as a real issue, so start him this week. |
| Vince Young @ JAC | Vince has had a couple solid weeks of late, and faces a porous pass defense in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are 4th worst against the pass this year. Jeff Fisher is generally conservative but he may test the pass D and give Young a shot this week. Kenny Britt also seems much improved this year. If you are looking for a safe bet, consider Vince Young. |
| Mark Sanchez @ DEN
|
Sanchize had three very strong weeks before regressing in horrible conditions Monday night. The bad game won’t hurt him in the mind of the coaches, who are showing more confidence in the young QB. This week, he goes to Mile High to face the Broncos. Denver hasn’t been very good against the pass versus good or bad QBs. Also, an odd stat, Sanchez’s passer rating goes up 28 points when he plays on grass. Who knows why, but it can’t hurt. Start Mark. |
| Donovan McNabb vs. IND | McNabb has been as inconsistent as it gets, throwing for 426, 236, 125, and 357 yards respectively in last four games. I expect another big game this week versus the Colts. Peyton Manning will force McNabb to step up and put points on the board. I expect McNabb will do just that. |
| Josh Freeman vs. NO | New Orleans is certainly suffering a Super Bowl hangover that does the French Quarter justice. They’ve got to be hanging their heads and missing the edge that took them all the way to the Lombardi trophy last year. After losing to the Cardinals, I don’t expect they’ll be super enthusiastic this week when they face Josh Freeman. Freeman had a big game last week and is a guy to consider if you are scouring the waiver wire for a pick-and-play this week. |
And here is who to sit in Week 6:
| SIT ‘EM | |
| Ben Roethlisberger vs. CLE
|
Big Ben is back, but not better than ever. After an embarrassing offseason, Roethlisberger rejoins a team that had success without him. This means that Mike Tomlin won’t be shaking up the offense to give Roethlisberger a chance to air it out. Why fix what isn’t broken?
This week, Roethlisberger will go up against the Browns. He only has 3 TDs in his last four games vs. Cleveland and Cleveland has surrendered fewer TDs to Ben than Baltimore or Cincinnati. The Browns defense will do it’s best to keep the Colty Mccoy-led offense in the game. Sit Big Ben this week if you’ve got another option, and wait to cash in on your investment. |
| Matt Ryan @ PHI | Matt Ryan has cooled down considerably over the last two weeks against Cleveland and San Francisco. I don’t expect him to bounce back in Philly against a top 10 pass defense. Ryan has been worse on the road in his short career, so consider benching the Falcon. |
| Tom Brady vs. BAL | Whether they fought over hairstyles or not, Brady is certainly going to miss Randy Moss on the football field. Wes Welker will be double-teamed and young, unproven WRs like Brandon Tate will have to step up. In good time, I think this will happen, but I’d be hesitant to give Brady a go this week against a top-notch defense. |
| Sam Bradford vs. SD | I’m finally taking a break from the Bradford bandwagon. San Diego has a stellar pass defense and this is about the time where the team miraculously turns it around every year. Every rookie faces adversity, and it’s Sam Bradford’s turn now that he’s missing Mark Clayton. You won’t have to face the same adversity if you sit the #1 pick. |
| Aaron Rodgers vs. MIA | All indications are that Rodgers will start for the Packers, but you should consider sitting him. Coming off a concussion, no one knows how he’ll perform, but the ceiling is low against the Dolphins’ 4th best pass defense and without Jermichael Finley. Fair or not, the 'Phins will be testing Rodgers by bringing the heat, and Rodgers may not have the experience to persevere through it. Don’t bench him for a scrub, but be wary. |
