Tom Brady owners looking for a bye week
replacement can take a chance on the man in Baltimore.
Grab a Helmet
Tyrod
Taylor v. NYG: Tyrod Taylor, top 5 fantasy quarterback.
Say that a few times, and let it sink in, because folks, it’s the
truth! Taylor has displayed the athleticism and arm talent we guessed
he might have, as he languished as a backup in Baltimore. Granted,
I’m sure there are a few duds on the horizon, but the coaching staff
is playing to his strengths right now, and he’s playing within the
framework of the offense. He’s averaging 30-plus rushing yards a
game, and has completed a sterling 74 percent of his passes with
8 total touchdowns. The Giants lack any semblance of a pass rush
so another efficient, high-floor day is on the horizon. With Tom
Terrific and Marvelous Marcus on bye, Taylor makes for a strong
QB1 start.
Joe
Flacco @ PIT (THU): Even though I don’t like Flacco,
I do feel sorry for him. Outside of the ageless Smith, this offense
has next to no offensive threats. The run game has disappeared,
and Flacco has hoisted the ball up 94 times in the last two games.
Historically Flacco is at his statistical worst when asked to throw
that much, but back-to-back 360-plus-yard games means it’s time
to pay attention. He currently sits as the QB18 in standard leagues,
but on a short week he gets the shell-shocked Steelers. He threw
for 6 touchdowns last year in three games vs Pittsburgh, and has
a good shot for another 250-plus yards and 2-touchdown game. Flacco
might not win you the week, but he won’t lose it either.
Derek
Carr @ CHI: Another guy swimming in the low end QB2 pool
is Derek Carr. And while I like his game (he throws a great fastball
to go along with touch down the seams), I’m not ready to roll with
him as my starting fantasy QB. But, he’s got some serious upside
this week because he’s got a budding superstar in Amari Cooper to
throw to, a threating run game to keep defenses honest, and is playing
a Chicago team that’s already prepping for the 2016 draft. Going
on the road to Chicago is never easy (the Bears were competitive
vs. Green Bay in Week 1), but Carr has shown me enough to take the
leap. He’s mint in 2-QB leagues, and might be a feisty, cheap option
in daily leagues.
Grab a Headset
Matthew
Stafford @ SEA: The Lions are 0-3, defenses are calling
out their plays, Stafford is playing hurt, and to help right the
ship they get to travel to the Seahawks, who despite earing their
first win, are still fighting for their lives. There isn’t a worse
quarterback match-up in the league this week. Detroit can’t run,
the offense is vanilla, Calvin Johnson has lost his mystique.
I could go on and on about how bad this offense is, but you get
the idea. The schedule has been fairly oppressive to start the
year, but I haven’t seen anything from Stafford to show me he’s
taken positive steps in his development. You would have to be
incredibly desperate to run Stafford out into this buzzsaw, so
stay far away.
Andy
Dalton v. KC: I will admit, the Red Rifle looks like
he has his 2013 mojo so far in 2015. Perched in the top 3 in quarterback
scoring, Dalton has an 8-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, a
career passing day, and a rushing touchdown. He’s hosting a downtrodden
Kansas City team that was dismantled on Monday Night Football,
so shouldn’t he be up above, grabbing a helmet? The Chiefs can
bring the heat, and if it weren’t for some mis-cast players in
the secondary, and a Hall of Famer behind center, they would have
been more competitive against Green Bay. Suspended shut-down corner
Sean Smith returns for the Chiefs which should provide stability
in the back end. If they can get A.J. Green covered (no small
task), I think Dalton will struggle to throw from his spot, and
make a few mistakes. Proceed with caution.
Teddy
Bridgewater @ DEN: Everyone’s darling darkhorse for
a QB1 finish is barely rosterable three games into the season.
With AP back rumbling through, around and over defenders, Minnesota
has put the shackles on Bridgewater and asked him to manage games.
He’s only attempting 24 passes a game, and most of those
are within a few yards of the line of scrimmage. Bridgewater has
been under 155 yards passing in two-straight games, and has accounted
for only 2 touchdowns on the season. Throw in a trip to Mile High
against the league’s best defense, and you have the recipe
for a disaster omlet. Oh look who I may have to start this week
for an injured Roethlisberger in our FFToday league! Let’s
hope you aren’t as lucky as me!
