- Schaub and other big-name QBs answered fantasy owners' prayers by returning to form in Week 2.
Week two brought a return to normal for Quarterbacks. Except for surprises Mark Sanchez and Shaun Hill, the top 10 QBs were all familiar names: Matt Schaub, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers and the like. Week 3 should be similar as most of the marquee names have favorable matchups.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to get complacent when choosing who to play at the QB Position. If you want to keep up the success or get back on the winning horse, make sure you are making the smart choice at quarterback.
START ‘EM |
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| Carson Palmer vs. CAR |
Palmer has had two rough weeks, only putting up satisfactory numbers in garbage time in week one. Last week, he was worse than his numbers conveyed, missing a wide open Ochocinco and being saved by two Ravens who dropped easy interceptions.This week, he will have to perform against a Panthers D that has shut down the run so far this year. Unlike his last two opponents, the Panthers don't have a veteran defensive backfield. Carolina had a tough time slowing down Eli Manning in week one and Josh Freeman in week two. I expect Palmer to get on track with his bevy of targets and light up the scoreboard in Charlotte. |
| Michael Vick @ Jac | Before you continue reading, go make sure Vick isn’t still a free agent in your league. OK, back? Vick has looked like his former self this year and was just named Philadelphia’s starter for the foreseeable future. This week, he and the Eagles face the Jaguars, who have been unable to stop opposing quarterbacks. Vick will run and throw all over the Jags and put up fantasy points again this week. |
| Jay Cutler vs GB | Mike Martz seems to be working his magic with Cutler. He has put up great numbers, embarrassing those who had any doubt that the former Bronco could be a starter in this league. This week, he gets the Packers. Green Bay hasn’t faced a top tier QB this year, and this matchup will be a shootout, benefiting both quarterbacks. |
| Donovan McNabb @ STL | Washington’s recent acquisition matched Matt Schaub blow-for-blow on Sunday, before falling in overtime. In the process, McNabb put up 426 yards and shut up anyone who said he was done in the NFL. McNabb gets to spring off that performance when he faces the Rams this week. In his long career, McNabb has been extremely successful in domes, especially against the Rams. |
| Tony Romo @ HOU | Strength meets weakness in Houston this week. Houston has given up big games to Peyton Manning and the aforementioned Donovan McNabb. This week, they have to stop Tony Romo, who is 2nd in the league in passing yards. Don’t be surprised if both teams put up 50 this week. |
SIT ‘EM |
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| Alex Smith @ KC |
Smith looked much-improved in week 2 against the Saints on Monday night. He had several impressive late drives and kept the 9ers in the game until the end. Many analysts are back on the the Alex Smith bandwagon.However, he will disappoint this week in Kansas City. After a draining Monday Night game, expect San Fran to come out flat this week. Smith will also be in a hostile environment where QBs rarely succeed. The crowd will be louder than ever for a Chiefs team that is on a roll and showing promise for the first time in years.
The 49ers do have a lot of favorable match-ups coming up though, so don't give up on Alex Smith after his bad week in KC. |
| Joe Flacco vs. CLE | So far, 2010 doesn’t seem to be the breakout year for Flacco that everyone predicted. The improved receiving corps hasn’t helped Flacco, who is dead last in the league in QB rating. Historically, September is his worst month, so keep him on the team, but sit him this week. |
| Kyle Orton vs IND | Orton, who is 6th in QB rating, has been an amazing surprise thus far. However, neither of his opponents looked good in their other match-up. This is week will be different when the Colts come to town. They have slowed Matt Schaub and Eli Manning already, and will do the same to Orton. Don’t be lulled into complacency by his great start. |
| Jimmy Clausen vs. CIN | Clausen officially has the job in Carolina, but he won’t be the next rookie to step in and succeed. The receiving corps is mediocre and young, and the team will rely more on the run with the first-year under center. In a deep keeper league, he might be worth checking out, but don’t touch him otherwise. |
| Eli Manning vs TEN | Yep, I’m down on Eli for a 3rd straight week. This time, he goes up against the Titans, who have shut down QBs in the first two weeks. They lead the league giving up only 85.5 yards a game through the air. However, the Titans have been less successful against the run. The Giants will try to pound the ball and Manning will put up disappointing numbers. |
