You have come to the right place for comprehensive week six QB rankings, including the latest analysis of RG3, Ben Roethlisberger, and Michael Vick. This column will help you, whether you selected your QB at the onset of your drafts, or if you chose your signal caller in the middle rounds. It will also be beneficial if you own Drew Brees, Cam Newton or Jay Cutler, who are unavailable due to their bye weeks (as is Blaine Gabbert).
The five QBs that will be discussed immediately below have the most enticing matchups this week, among those who merit consideration as a starter. It does not necessarily mean that they are the top five signal callers from a ranking standpoint, although that might actually be the case in certain weeks. That will be followed immediately by the top 20 rankings for this week. Both sections will provide you with additional insight into each QB’s next encounter. Including facts and statistics to guide you toward the best decision regarding whether or not they should be in your starting lineup.
5 BEST MATCHUPS
Matt Ryan vs. Raiders
Ryan has led the Falcons to a 5-0 record, while adeptly spearheading their aerial attack. He has now thrown for 13 TDs which places him second overall, and he has amassed at least 275 yards in all but one game this season. Even if Atlanta’s OC Dirk Koetter wasn’t placing strong emphasis on the pass, the Falcons would certainly do so for this matchup. Teams have correctly determined that the best way to attack Oakland’s defense, is to throw against their substandard corners. The Raiders’ 28th ranked pass defense is allowing 283 YPG through the air, and has surrendered nine TDs in just four games. Ben Roethlisberger shredded them for 384 yards and four TDs in week three, and Peyton Manning generated 338 yards and three scores against them in week four. Ryan will consistently locate wide open targets, and fantasy owners of Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez will all benefit significantly.
Michael Vick vs. Lions
His two TD passes against Pittsburgh in week five only extended his season total to six, which is exceeded by 16 other QBs. And even though he has rushed for 130 yards, 49 of those were accumulated against the Giants, which leaves him with an average of just 20 YPG in the other four contests. Plus, turnovers have plagued Vick this season, as his six INTs and whopping five lost fumbles will attest. However, the NFL schedule becomes a friend to both Vick and fantasy owners at a most opportune time, as the issue laden Detroit defense will visit Philadelphia on Sunday. The Lions have more inadequacies than a one week bye can address. They are permitting opposing offenses to score 28.5 PPG which places them a lowly 26th overall. And the Lions have failed to pick off a single pass in their initial four games of the season. Detroit has generated nine sacks, but Vick should overcome their pass rush, and generate 300 passing yards with at least two TDs.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Titans
He has now thrown for at least 200 yards in every game this season, while assembling a total of 1,111 along with eight TDs. Plus, only one of his 157 pass attempts has been intercepted. Much of that had been accumulated without the threat of a rushing attack, but the return of Rashard Mendenhall has drastically altered that equation. Mendenhall’s presence will result in the running game being utilized with more frequency in the red zone, yet it also allows Roethlisberger more space to locate Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller. Just in time to face a Tennessee unit that has allowed more points than any other team (36.2 PPG). The Titans are also ranked just 25th against the pass, while permitting 280 YPG. Big Ben should approach the season best yardage total that he attained in week three against Oakland (384), while also producing at least three TDs.
Christian Ponder vs. Redskins
While Ponder does not reside among the league leaders in yardage and passing TDs, he has still managed to assemble a productive season. He has now thrown for at least 245 yards in three of his five games, while surpassing 1,000 yards for the year (1,082). Ponder also has the potential to supply additional fantasy points by generating yardage on the ground, as he has run for 30+ yards in two contests. Plus, he had managed to avoid turning the ball over prior to tossing his first two INTs of the season against Tennessee. This week, the Redskins will have great difficulty containing the most dangerous weapons that are at Ponder's disposal: the highly explosive Percy Harvin, and Kyle Rudolph, who is tied for first in TDs among all TEs with four. Washington is ranked 31st in pass defense, has yielded 329 YPG, and is also permitting opponents to score 29.4 PPG. And they have now surrendered 13 TDs through the air, which is the NFL’s highest total. Ponder has generally taken advantage of favorable matchups this season, and Sunday’s encounter with the Redskins certainly provides him with an opportunity to do so again.
Andy Dalton vs. Browns
In week two, Dalton generated 318 yards and three TDs against a Haden-less Cleveland defense. Haden’s return can only bolster a unit that has degenerated to just 26th against the pass, while yielding 1,140 and nine TDs in the past four games alone. But even though Haden will strengthen the Browns’ secondary, they will remain susceptible to giving up big plays. Only one team has allowed more TDs through the air than the 12 surrendered by Cleveland. Meanwhile, Dalton has now earned his way into legitimate QB1 status, even if his production against Miami was somewhat disappointing. He is seventh among all QBs both in passing yards (1,345), and TDs (nine). Having A. J. Green as his primary target certainly helps. The second year wideout is fifth in the league with 493 yards, tied for third with four TDs, and is capable of winning one on one battles with any corner. Which of course bodes well for Dalton's chances of success on Sunday. He should deliver his third 300+ yard game of the season.
1. Matt Ryan (vs. Raiders)
Far more talented defenses have failed to neutralize Ryan and the Atlanta passing attack this season. The helpless Oakland corners will yield enormous chunks of yardage, along with multiple scores.
2. Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Titans)
He is performing well, and has a growing arsenal of weapons. And he has the luxury of matching up against a defense that is overflowing with shortcomings.
3. Peyton Manning (vs. Chargers)
Seven of his 11 TDs passed have occurred at home. But after generating 345 yards along with three scores in New England, he has proven to be lethal regardless of where he is throwing.
4. Michael Vick (vs. Lions)
He has an exceptional opportunity to generate his best numbers of the season. At a minimum, he should deliver a highly productive game for his owners.
5. Andy Dalton (vs. Browns)
He continues to feast on enticing matchups, while providing fantasy owners with sizable rewards on their draft day investments. The pattern will continue on Sunday.
6. Tom Brady (vs. Seahawks)
Seattle’s fifth ranked pass defense presents a formidable challenge, as do CBs Brandon Browner and Richard Marshall. But Brady has too many weapons for the Seahawks to contain.
7. Christian Ponder (vs. Redskins)
Ponder should generate high quality numbers against Washington's 31st ranked pass defense, and could produce additional yardage on the ground.
8. Robert Griffin III (vs. Vikings)
If he is available to line up under center it is advisable to start him. Because he has now surpassed 300+ passing yards in three contests, and his 241 rushing yards continue to lead all QBs. But it is time to recognize how formidable Minnesota’s defense has become.
9. Aaron Rodgers (vs. Texans)
The Packers have had many things going against them recently, which now includes the injury to Cedric Benson. While Houston’s fourth ranked pass defense supplies a daunting task for Rodgers, the lack of a running game means that he must throw frequently.
10. Matt Schaub (vs. Packers)
Green Bay's pass defense fell to 16th after they permitted Andrew Luck to throw for 362 yards. Schaub won't match that total, but don't be afraid to use him.
11. Philip Rivers (vs. Broncos)
Rivers will attempt to extend his career record against the Broncos to 10-3 against a Denver pass defense that has surrendered nine TDs.
12. Andrew Luck (vs. Jets)
He has thrown for over 300 yards in three of his initial four games despite the absence of a dangerous rushing attack. He should provide another acceptable performance by generating a similar yardage total.
13. Eli Manning (vs. 49ers)
Fantasy owners should not expect a 300-yard game, as San Francisco’s second ranked pass defense is limiting opposing offenses to just 181 YPG. But Manning possesses enough weapons to produce reasonable numbers.
14.Joe Flacco (vs. Cowboys)
Even if he improves somewhat upon his disappointing output in Kansas City, owners should not expect enormous numbers versus the NFL’s top ranked pass defense.
15. Tony Romo (vs. Ravens)
In his last three contests, Romo has produced just two TD passes while throwing seven INTs. He will attempt to get untracked against a Baltimore unit that ranks just 22nd against the pass despite its loftier reputation.
16. Kevin Kolb (vs. Bills)
Kolb is now a viable starter in deeper leagues after rebounding sizably from a dismal start. He is averaging 285+ yards in his last two contests, and how has accumulated seven TDs with just two INTs.
17. Matthew Stafford (vs. Eagles)
Entering week six of 2011, Stafford had already thrown for 13 TDs with four INTs. One year later, he has matched those four INTs but has only managed three TDs. Philly's secondary will not allow him to get untracked just yet.
18. Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. Cardinals)
He is third in the league with 12 TD passes, but his NFC West tour won't become any easier against Arizona. The Cardinals are fourth in the league with 17 sacks, and have surrendered only five TDs through the air.
19. Alex Smith (vs. Giants)
He is the NFL’s top rated passer, but is just 21st with 1,087 passing yards. However, he should add to his TD total (eight) versus the 22nd ranked Giant pass defense.
20. Josh Freeman (vs. Chiefs)
He is rarely included in this column. But the talented yet vulnerable KC secondary has allowed 10 TDs, which gives Freeman a chance for respectable numbers at home.
