Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
It's time to choose your quarterback for your Week 1 fantasy football lineup. Scottie delivers his Week 1 rankings and tips on who has the most favorable matchups in his Week 1 Quarterback Rankings.
At this point, all 32 teams have named their starters and its time for us to pick our starting quarterback for Week 1. If you own Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford or Cam Newton, then it's a no brainer. Some quarterbacks have really great matchups and others are still getting comfortable within their offenses. As you choose, look at the team they're playing and consider whether they'll be playing a strong pass defense or a weak one. Another consideration is their surrounding cast. Has the quarterback had enough reps with his new receivers. Are any of his targets injured or suspended for Week 1?
Here are some quarterbacks who should perform really well in Week 1:
Philip Rivers, Chargers - Rivers is facing the weak pass defense of the Oakland Raiders to begin the season. That right there would move me to start him. Also, since it is the start of the season, Antonio Gates is healthy, which means Rivers will have his best receiving weapon at his disposal. San Diego's running game is weakened with Ryan Mathews injury, so the Chargers should go the air early and often in this one.
Cam Newton, Panthers - He had his way with the Buccaneers in his rookie season. He passed for four touchdowns and rushed for four touchdowns against Tampa Bay. The Tampa defense was atrocious in 2011 and even if they have improved over last year, will not be able to contain or stop Cam Newton. I will be starting Newton myself in all the leagues that I own him.
Matt Schaub, Texans - Schaub will be facing a Dolphins defense that really struggled against the pass. In his game against Miami last season, Schaub was 21 of 29 for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. I know Houston loves to run the ball with Foster and Tate but don't forget that Schaub has a healthy Andre Johnson.
Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars - If you're going to start Gabbert this season, Week 1 would be one of the best weeks to do so. He'll face a very weak Vikings secondary. As long as his offensive line gives him time, Gabbert should be able to find his receivers downfield and have one of his best games of the year.
Robert Griffin III, Redskins - Griffin has a great opportunity to put up good fantasy numbers as he takes on a poor New Orleans secondary. He looked very accurate and poised in preseason, I think he'll come out of the gate with a very strong performance in Week 1.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers - The Pittsburgh running game has a lot of question marks heading into this week. The passing game on the other hand looks ready, especially now that Mike Wallace has reported. If Peyton turns this into a shoot out, Roethlisberger could put up some surprisingly big numbers.
Jake Locker, Titans - Locker is facing the Patriots and I think despite facing this offensive juggernaut, Locker will get an opportunity to put up his own fair share of fantasy points. I know Locker is without Kenny Britt for Week 1 but he still has other receiving weapons. His connection with rookie WR Kendall Wright has looked very strong in preseason.
| Quarterback | |
| 1 | Aaron Rodgers |
| 2 | Drew Brees |
| 3 | Tom Brady |
| 4 | Cam Newton |
| 5 | Matthew Stafford |
| 6 | Michael Vick |
| 7 | Eli Manning |
| 8 | Matt Ryan |
| 9 | Philip Rivers |
| 10 | Robert Griffin III |
| 11 | Tony Romo |
| 12 | Jay Cutler |
| 13 | Peyton Manning |
| 14 | Jake Locker |
| 15 | Matt Schaub |
| 16 | Ben Roethlisberger |
| 17 | Josh Freeman |
| 18 | Joe Flacco |
| 19 | Alex Smith |
| 20 | Russell Wilson |
| 21 | Sam Bradford |
| 22 | Carson Palmer |
| 23 | Andrew Luck |
| 24 | Blaine Gabbert |
| 25 | Matt Cassel |
| 26 | Christian Ponder |
| 27 | Ryan Fitzpatrick |
| 28 | Mark Sanchez |
| 29 | Andy Dalton |
| 30 | John Skelton |
| 31 | Brandon Weeden |
| 32 | Ryan Tannehill |
| 33 | Tim Tebow |
For fantasy football suggestions and weekly starter advice, drop into our SB Nation Fantasy War Room. It takes place every weekday night from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Thanks for reading!



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