Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick, Vick -The fantasy world is ablaze with talk of the much-maligned former and present star. Michael Vick has more fantasy points (in a lot of leagues) than every other quarterback playing the game, despite not being the starter going into the year. With 170 yards and a TD rushing to go along with 750 yards and 6 TDs through the air, Vick has looked as good as he did in the old days, if not better. Needless to say, you’ve got to start the guy until he shows a flaw. Now let's look at some harder decisions at the QB position:
Here is who to start this week:
START ‘EM |
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| Sam Bradford @ SEA
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Bradford has overcome the typical rookie struggles to play incredibly consistent so far this year. In default leagues, he has recorded 11, 12, and 13 points through three weeks. Last week, he took a big step by beating the Redskins and veteran Donovan McNabb. The confidence can only help him in the future.This week, he has the chance to improve even more when he goes up against Seattle. The Seahawks are 30th in passing defense.
Even if you wouldn’t start the #1 pick this week, stash him on the bench, as he has several great matchups in upcoming weeks. Bradford is likely to improve with age and experience, so don’t miss out. |
| Matt Hasselbeck @ STL
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The vet gets to face the good ‘ole Rams again this week. Hasselbeck is often successful against the Rams, especially over the last three years. Also, Hasselbeck has seen a rebirth under the tutelage of Pete Carroll. Even though he has impressed, the QB probably still has growing room in a new offense. Playing in a dome against a weak opponent, Hasselbeck is a safe start this week. |
| Matt Ryan vs SF
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Besides week one at Heinz Field against the premiere defense in the NFL, Matt Ryan has been tearing up defenses this year. Granted, it’s only two weeks, but Ryan really looks like he’s coming into his own now that the running game is back. This week, Matty Ice gets San Francisco, who he dominated the last time they matched up. Ryan is taking the league by the storm, so don’t regret being the fool who sits him. |
| Chad Henne vs NE | Fellow 2008 draftee Chad Henne is doing his part to make that draft class one of the best of all-time. Last week, he torched the Jets vaunted D for 363 yards. This week, he gets the Patriots, who have given up the 8th most passing yards to opposing QBs. Henne has succeeded on Monday nights in the past, and will do so again. If you’re looking for someone to start this week, consider Henne. |
| Bruce Gradkowski vs HOU | Out of the who-would-have-thought category, I present Bruce Gradkowski. Once again, he is called upon to replace an underachieving starter. Gradkowski is likely to succeed this week as he goes against Houston, whose defense has give up more passing yards than any other in the league. Also, the Texans will, in all likelihood, pull away, forcing the Raiders to throw for most of the game. If you’ve got to find someone on the waiver wire, give Bruce a look. |
And here is who to sit in Week 4:
SIT ‘EM |
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| Mark Sanchez @ BUF
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Sanchize has had a couple stellar weeks, but I’m not completely sold yet. First, he’ll have to beat the Bills, this week’s opponent. Last year, Sanchez was putrid against Buffalo.
One reason for his recent success is the weather. Sanchez played in favorable conditions in weeks 2 and 3, but Ralph Wilson Stadium will be a chilly 40something degrees on Sunday. In his short career, Sanchez has played worst when the temperature is in the 40s or 50s. I don’t doubt his ability to perform at the NFL level. However, I do doubt his ability to contribute to your fantasy team this week. Sit the Jet. |
| Joe Flacco @ PIT | Flacco and the Ravens drew the short straw and will have to face the Steelers this week. Pittsburgh has given up the 5th lowest QB rating to opponents, and shut down Matt Ryan in week one. The Ravens will play this game conservatively and hope their defense can out-Steeler the Steelers. It’s nothing personal with Joe; it’s just that you’d have to be insane to start a QB against Pittsburgh this year. Sit him. |
| Alex Smith @ ATL | Another disappointing week in the books for Alex Smith. This week, the 49ers are trying to bail him out with a new offensive coordinator. It may be the right long-term move, but it certainly isn’t a quick fix. Smith was awful in his last matchup against the Falcons and doesn’t have a reputation for performing well on the road. The good news for Smith is that he has had success in domes, but that isn’t enough for me to forget all of the cons. |
| Jay Cutler @ NYG | The Gunslinger regressed on Monday Night, putting up only adequate numbers. He’s likely to continue his slide again this week in New York. The Giants have given up the 4th fewest passing yards and have an incredible defensive line. Cutler will have probably have a respectable game, but not near his early numbers. If you’ve got other good options, consider sitting Jay cutler. |
| Donovan McNabb @ PHI | All eyes will be on Philadelphia this week as McNabb returns to his former team and former fans. It’s unclear how he’ll play in the situation. Donovan may feed off the emotion and put up huge number, but I expect the opposite. He’s never been one to step up in big games, and this one qualifies in that category. Also, the Eagles have shut down opposing passing attacks. Watch the game, but sit McNabb in Week 4. |
