Now that months of preparation spent determining which QB(s) could be entrusted as your starters have transitioned into evaluating their first performances in regular season action, how did you feel about their output in Week 1? If you have Tony Romo on your roster, you were hardly enamored with the disastrous first half of his matchup with San Francisco.
Conversely, Matt Ryan owners should be ecstatic with his franchise record output against the Saints. But the production by some QBs who underwhelmed in Week 1 should be more favorable this week, while other owners will experience frustration. Their specific identities will now be revealed with this week’s rankings, followed by the best and worst QB matchups. And once again, those of you who play in 2QB and Superflex leagues will not be forgotten.
Top 25 Rankings
1. Peyton Manning vs. Chiefs
It may be surprising to see Manning just 10th in yardage after his opener, but he will accrue a more sizable total, along with at least four TDs against the Chiefs.
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Jets
While the Jets are fully capable of smothering Green Bay’s ground game, the Jet secondary is not capable of containing the Packer passing attack. That will allow owners to collect a much higher return on their investment than what they received in Week 1.
3. Drew Brees at Browns
He has now generated at least 300 yards in 72 different games as a Saint, and should collect number 73 against the same Cleveland unit that just surrendered 365 to Ben Roethlisberger.
4. Andrew Luck vs. Eagles
The Colts are thoroughly dependent upon their third year signal caller to utilize his, arm, legs, and decision making capabilities, and he remains an unquestioned start against Philly.
5. Nick Foles at Colts
His owners were beyond nervous after the Eagle attack was thoroughly stifled in the first half. But Foles rebounded with two second half TDs, and should sustain that momentum in Indy.
6. Colin Kaepernick vs. Bears
Kaepernick will benefit from a second consecutive contest against a vulnerable defense, and should supply owners with favorable numbers once again.
7. Matt Ryan at Bengals
He punished what was thought to be an imposing New Orleans pass defense for a franchise record 448 yards and three TDs last Sunday. While it will be difficult for him to replicate those numbers when he steps outside the Georgia Dome to face the Bengals, he will not disappoint his owners.
8. Matthew Stafford at Panthers
Carolina will offer more resistance to Stafford and the Lion aerial attack than the Giants were able to assemble on Monday Night. However, he should still supply owners with a desirable number of fantasy points.
9. Tom Brady at Vikings
He enters Week 2 a mere 16th in passing, and an amazing 32nd in completion percentage. Now he must deal with a Viking unit that generated a league best five sacks last Sunday.
10. Ben Roethlisberger at Ravens
He will not sustain his current standing as the league's third ranked QB, but he should burn the Ravens repeatedly on Thursday Night.
11. Jay Cutler at 49ers
He finished fourth among all QBs with 349 yards in Week 1, and threw two TDs. But his INTs stil impede what can otherwise be a dominating attack. And it does not bode well for this week’s encounter with the resourceful 49ers defense that just forced four turnovers in Dallas.
12. Cam Newton vs. Lions
There is a sizable degree of good news for owners, as Newton will be returning to the Panthers’ lineup, and will begin collaborating with a burgeoning WR1 in Kelvin Benjamin.
13. Andy Dalton vs. Falcons
This is a great week for owners to entrust Dalton in their lineups. Only 5 teams permitted more yards through the air than the Falcons in Week 1 who also failed to register a sack.
14. Tony Romo at Titans
Owners who exercised patience during their drafts, in hopes that an eventual selection of Romo would still enable them to attain a highly competitive roster, were forced to witness a dreadful first half performance that included three unsightly interceptions. Redemption will not come easily against a fervent Titan defense in their home opener.
15. Russell Wilson at Chargers
He remains effective in engineering Seattle’s attack. But keep in mind that 25 QBs attempted more passes than the 28 that he launched in Week
16. Robert Griffin III vs. Jaguars
Neither RG3 nor the Redskin offense appear particularly proficient at this point, and the third year signal caller is barely trustworthy.
17. Jake Locker vs. Cowboys
18. Carson Palmer at Giants
19. Philip Rivers vs. Seahawks
20. Ryan Tannehill at Bills
21. Ryan Fitzpatrick at Raiders
22. Joe Flacco vs. Steelers
23. Geno Smith at Packers
24. Josh McCown vs. Rams
25. Alex Smith at Broncos
Best Matchups
Peyton Manning vs. Chiefs
It may be surprising to see Manning just 10th in yardage after his opener, but he will assemble a sizable total, along with at least four TDs against the Chiefs. KC's defense has been weakened with the loss of Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito. Plus, the deficiencies within KC's offense will result in short possessions, forcing their defense to labor extensively on the field.
Andy Dalton vs. Falcons
OC Hue Jackson has proven that he will take advantage of all resources, rather than simply pounding the ball with Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Dalton generated 38 passes while surpassing 300 yards in Week 1, and will be asked to attack a deficient Falcon pass defense that yielded 333 yards in the Georgia Dome last Sunday.
Jake Locker vs. Cowboys
Locker presents owners in deeper leagues with an intriguing streamer option. Not only can he accumulate fantasy points by connecting with the dangerous tandem of Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter, but he will be facing the league's most deficient pass defense.
Worst Matchups
Matthew Stafford at Panthers
Of course you will be starting him, but he will be facing a formidable defensive unit. Carolina limited Tampa Bay to just 162 passing yards in Week 1, while collecting two INTs and three sacks in the process.
Tony Romo at Titans
Just because Romo and the Cowboy offense should perform more proficiently than they did in their opener, that does not mean that a turnaround will occur this week. Tennessee allowed a mere 178 passing to Kansas City last Sunday, while torturing Alex Smith and the Chief offense with three INTs and four sacks.
Philip Rivers vs. Seahawks
You do not want to rely upon Rivers against the NFL's premier pass defense, which limited Rodgers to just 219 yards and a lone TD in Week 1.
