Top 20 Fantasy QBs - Week 8

 

QBs on BYE: EJ Manuel (BUF), Tyrod Taylor (BUF), Blake Bortles (JAX), Sam Bradford (PHI), Kirk Cousins (WAS)

Rank	Player (Team)	Opponent	Projected Points	NFLRTFantasy’s Last Week’s Ranking
1.	Philip Rivers (SD)	@ BAL	30	3rd
2.	Andy Dalton (CIN)	@ PIT	26	BYE
3.	Tom Brady (NE)	vs. MIA	25	2th
4.	Carson Palmer (ARI)	@ CLE	23	6th
5.	Aaron Rodgers (GB)	vs. DEN	23	BYE
6.	Cam Newton (CAR)	vs. IND	21	5th
7.	Matthew Stafford (DET)	@ KC	20	11th
8.	Andrew Luck (IND)	@ CAR	18	1st
9.	Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)	@ OAK	18	12th
10.	Brian Hoyer (HOU)	vs. TEN	18	17th
11.	Drew Brees (NO)	vs. NYG	17	8th
12.	Russell Wilson (SEA)	@ DAL	15	9th
13.	Eli Manning (NYG)	@ NO	14	13th
14.	Alex Smith (KC)	vs. DET	14	14th
15.	Jay Cutler (CHI)	vs. MIN	13	BYE
16.	Matt Ryan (ATL)	vs. TB	13	7th
17.	Peyton Manning (DEN)	vs. GB	13	BYE
18.	Ryan Tannehil (MIA)	@ NE	13	10th
19.	Joe Flacco (BAL)	vs. SD	11	20th
20.	Teddy Bridgewater (MIN)	@ CHI	11	Unranked

The Elite - Top 5

1. Philip Rivers (SD) @ Baltimore Ravens

This decision was a no-brainer. Philip Rivers, the league’s leader in passing yards, is facing the league’s most generous secondary in the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points to QBs this season, averaging 21.1 ppg allowed. Rivers has the best match up out of all QBs this week and can easily put up 30+ points.

2. Andy Dalton (CIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Andy Dalton, going into his Week 7 bye week, was ranked #1 in fantasy among QBs. Now, he’s going up against an average Steelers defense that has allowed 345 pass ypg. Dalton is averaging 22.2 ppg this season, and has no sign of slowing down. A very good match up this week and will easily continue his success.

3. Tom Brady (NE) vs. Miami Dolphins

Tom Brady has scored over 20 points in each game this year, reigning as the the #1 scoring QB in fantasy. Though, the Miami Dolphins have done surprisingly well against QBs (13th in ppg allowed), despite their team’s overall struggle. However, they have yet to face any elite QBs this season with Blake Bortles being their toughest challenge this season. The Dolphins secondary, and Interim Head Coach Dan Campbell, will truly be tested this Thursday at Foxborough. Tom Brady has been on a roll this season with 14 TDs and only one INT.

4. Carson Palmer (ARI) @ Cleveland Browns

Carson Palmer, ranked 3rd in fantasy scoring among QBs, is on the road vs. an average Cleveland defense that has the 19th ranked defense when it comes to pass ypg. Whether he’s on the road or at home, facing scrub or elite teams, Palmer has been very consistent. Palmer hasn’t scored over 20 points since Week 2, but with Joe Haden possibly out of the Browns’ secondary for this Sunday’s game, Larry Fitzgerald and the stacked WR group will look to help Palmer end that. I’m predicting a 23-point week for Palmer, the most he’s scored since Week 1.

5. Aaron Rodgers (GB) @ Denver Broncos

Nearly 1500 pass yards, 15 TDs, and 160 rushing yards, Aaron Rodgers has had a magnificent season thus far. The reigning NFL MVP will be tested this Sunday against the best defense in football. The Denver Broncos lead the NFL with 26 sacks, T-1st in defensive TDs, and 2nd in defensive INTs with 9. But, there’s a reason Rodgers earned MVP last year, and he’s on pace to earn another. I still see him coming up victorious after the battle, scraping up 23 points. I predict the Packers to take an early lead, and for lacking Denver offense to not be able to keep up.

The Starters - (6-12)

6. Cam Newton (CAR) vs. Indianapolis Colts

Speaking of MVP seasons, no has helped the Carolina Panthers reach their 6-0 start more than Cam Newton has. Granted, he performed badly on paper last week, throwing 3 INTs and less than 200 yards, but he also accounted for a TD through the air and on the ground. His national performance racked up an average 13 points. This week, he’s facing a Colts defense that allow the 12th most ppg to QBs and have the 7th worst run defense. If the Panthers plan to dominate this Monday Night, they’ll be using Newton’s ability to both pass and run. If he didn’t find the endzone with his legs this week, I’d be very surprised.

7. Matthew Stafford (DET) @ Kansas City Chiefs

This is a good case of a good quarterback, Matthew Stafford, performing like an elite one facing a below average Chiefs defense, who allow the 11th most ppg to QBs this season. Every week, the Lions’ offense is improving, along with their best player in Calvin Johnson getting more targets. Stafford and Megatron have connected in the endzone the past two weeks. Stafford has also been on a hot streak of 6 TDs to only 1 INT over the past two games, averaging 330 ypg, while the Chiefs have surrendered at least 17 points to QBs in 5 out of 7 games this year.

8. Andrew Luck (IND) @ Carolina Panthers

The first half of last week’s game vs. the Saints was a rough one, but Andrew Luck and Co. came together and put up 21 unanswered points through the arm of Luck in their comeback attempt. What looked like a dud day, became a stud day for the QB. Yes, I did have him ranked #1 last week, but it was a good match up and I had my reasons (you can read them here). I dropped him down to the #8 spot this week, simply because the Colts’ offense line are who we thought they were. Between multiple holding penalties and collapsed pockets for Luck, they weren’t allowing him to play at the elite level. It’ll be no different this Monday in Carolina, facing a Panthers defense that has allowed T-8th least pass ypg. Unless you’ve got any QB listed above him on this list, Luck is still a must-start. In his last two games, Luck is averaging 25 ppg. Despite the 3-4 record, Luck is producing.

9. Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) @ Oakland Raiders

Maybe the best thing that happened to the Jets this season, was Geno Smith suffering a broken jaw after the locker room altercation. The wily veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick has given the Jets the kind of quarterback play that is needed to be able to contend for the AFC East, or at least a wild card spot in the playoffs. He’s thrown for 250 yards and 2 TDs in each of his last two games. Having elite weapons like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker has allowed Fitzpatrick to have the most successful season he’s had in years. Facing a Raiders defense that has allowed at least 17 points to QBs in 5 of 6 games this season, Fitzpatrick will continue his hot streak and crush the Raiders, putting up at least 20 points.

10. Brian Hoyer (HOU) vs. Tennessee Titans

Aaaannndddd speaking of veterans, Brian Hoyer, the former Tom Brady back up, has taken his opportunity by the horns and has made the most of it. In his last four starts, Hoyer has thrown 10 TDs to 2 INTs. He hasn’t scored below 17 points, and is facing a Titans defense that has surrendered double-digit points to QBs in every game this season. He’s available in 87.1% of leagues, and is also my QB sleeper for the week. There’s no reason he won’t put up at least 18 points.

11. Drew Brees (NO) vs. New York Giants

The Saints came out with a convincing win last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, putting up 20 points in the first half and allowing none. However, this New Orleans offense is more balanced than it has been in recent years, not relying on the arm of Drew Brees. The QB still put up 12 points in a game where he threw for over 250 yards, a TD, and an INT. Brees and the Saints are playing at home this week against the 3rd-worst pass defense, the New York Giants. In the Louisiana Superdome, it can get loud, and Drew Brees is going to make some noise. Expect around 17 points.

12. Russell Wilson (SEA) @ Dallas Cowboys

As long as Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are out of this game, and Matt Cassel is the starter, it’ll belong to the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, Russell Wilson played game manager against the 49ers, and will primarily do the same thing against the Cowboys. Don’t expect a 300 yard game with a couple of TDs. Expect a game similar to last week’s, in which he threw for 235 yards and 1 TD. Marshawn Lynch and the running game is still the center of Seattle’s offense, and Wilson will manage it beautifully, but not rack up huge numbers. Again, expect an average 15 points.

Lower Tier (13-20)

13. Alex Smith (KC) vs. Detroit Lions

Despite all the flak Alex Smith has received his whole career, he has done a solid job this season, ranking at 13th in fantasy scoring among QBs. He’s been averagely consistent, scoring at least 13 points in the last five games. Smith also has a great match up against the Detroit Lions, a team that allows 18.2 ppg to QBs. If you’re QB1 is on a BYE this week, consider picking up Alex Smith.

14. Eli Manning (NYG) @ New Orleans Saints

On the road, Eli Manning averages 11 ppg. At home, the New Orleans Saints average 16 ppg allowed to QBs. Take the average of that, and that’s what you should be expecting: 13.5 points. In some leagues, you can’t score .5 points, so we’ll throw Eli a bone, and round it up to 14. Eli Manning played absolutely awful in last week’s game vs. Dallas, only scoring six points. SIX POINTS!! In the past two weeks, he’s only scored 14 points combined (I won’t repeat that stat). Inconsistency is Eli’s game, and I’m not one that’s wanting to play.

15. Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Chicago Bears have seemed to find their groove, winning two in a row before their BYE week. Since returning from injury in week 4, Jay Cutler has scored at least 17 points in his last three games. Why such the low ranking then? Well, I’m glad you asked. The Minnesota Vikings allow the 6th least amount of ppg to QBs this season with 13.6 ppg allowed. On the road, they’re even better, only surrendering 9 ppg. The last game Cutler played against the Vikings, he scored a lowly 6 points. Between his season restart, and the tough Vikings’ defense, I see him dipping down to 13 points.

16. Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matt Ryan and the Falcons really stunk up the joint last week vs. the Tennessee Titans. Ryan targeted Julio Jones 17 times and only scored 10 points, including 2 INTs. I can’t help but lose a lot of the confidence I once had in Matt Ryan. In his last three games, he’s thrown only 3 TDs, with 6 turnovers. With breakout star Devonta Freeman quickly becoming the main focus of this offense, Matt Ryan might be handing the ball of more this week than throwing.

17. Peyton Manning (DEN) vs. Green Bay Packers

Father Time has certainly caught up with 18th year veteran Peyton Manning. He’s average only 11 ppg, and hasn’t scored double-digits since Week 3. Honestly, the only reason he is even considered in this top-20 list is because he is, after all, Peyton Manning. That, of course, won’t last long if he continues to perform like he has the last 3 games (23 points combined). Manning is facing a Packers defense that just got torched by Philip Rivers (503 yards, 2 TDs) in Week 6. Coming off the BYE week, maybe Manning found out what Rivers was doing right and how to exploit the Packers’ defense. Hopefully he did, because the Packers are 10th against the pass this season. Since Manning is coming off a BYE as well, I expect him to put up double-digit points. If he can’t, don’t expect him on this list next week.

18. Ryan Tannehill (MIA) @ New England Patriots

Ryan Tannehill had a record-breaking game last week, throwing for 25 straight completions (over two games) and had 4 TDs in the first half. The Dolphins let off the gas in the second half, giving their back up RB Jonas Gray 12 carries and even back up QB Matt Moore made an appearance completing one pass. However, Tannehill and newly appointed Interim Head Coach Dan Campbell are heading to Foxborough to face off against the Patriots for the first time time year. In Tannehill’s three games at New England, he has averaged 258 ypg, 3 TDs and 5 INTs. Tannehill has struggled against New England, especially at Foxborough. Against other division opponents this season, Tannehill has averaged 13 points, and that’s what you should expect again in Week 8.

19. Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. San Diego Chargers

Joe Flacco played like Joe Flacco on Monday Night against the Cardinals, putting up a pedestrian 14 points. He’s back in Baltimore this week against the Chargers, who two weeks ago held Aaron Rodgers to 18 points. The thing about Joe Flacco, is that he’s been very inconsistent and is a risk starting him every week. Week 1 he scored 0 points, while in Week 4 he scored 7. In the last 3 weeks, he’s thrown just 4 TDs to 3 INTs, not exactly ideal. If you’re QB is on a BYE, take a risk and think about starting Flacco.

20. Teddy Bridgewater (MIN) vs. Chicago Bears

Normally, Teddy Bridgewater wouldn’t break this top 20 list, but his match up is favorable. The Chicago Bears allow the 4th most ppg to QBs (19.2 ppg) and Bridgewater is starting to gain some momentum after an impressive game last week vs. Detroit (316 yards, 2 TDs - 0 INTs). If you’re QB is on a BYE, Bridgewater is a good start, especially in 12-14 team leagues.