Editor's Note: Updated to reflect Mike Glennon starting over Josh Freeman.
The start of the bye weeks can bring some uncertainty especially if you drafted only one quarterback. Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton are on bye this week, raising questions marks for two teams in every league. If you own one of these two stud quarterbacks, let's examine the options that may be available to you.
Geno Smith hasn't set the world on fire but he bounced back from the poor performance against the Patriots. The Jets look to be developing an identity and balance on offense with the running game finally coming around against Buffalo. I can't fully endorse Smith yet, as he's averaged two interceptions through the first three games. He faces Tennessee this week on the road and they haven't been generous to passing games thus far. I would only roll with Geno this week if I absolutely had to.
Smith's fellow AFC East rookie quarterback, EJ Manuel, has been both accurate and safe with the ball. I really like that he's thrown at least one touchdown in each game so far. Another positive for Manuel is that CJ Spiller may not carry as heavy a load, after an injury against the Jets. Manuel faces Baltimore, who in years past was a tough matchup. Although so far this season, they have allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 270 passing yards and only intercepted one pass. I like Manuel this week and wouldn't hesitate to use him.
I never though I'd be typing this but Terrelle Pryor looks like a real NFL quarterback. Not just in fantasy but in reality too. I was impressed by his work in the pocket against Denver and of course, where possible he kept the play alive with his wheels. He was blown up at the end of the game and has to pass the NFL concussion protocol this week. If he's available and is good to go, I would definitely start him against Washington. They have been giving up so much yardage and points to opposing offenses it's not even funny. Pryor is the best bye week fill in for Week 4.
In Brian Hoyer's case, was it Minnesota underestimating him or is he just that good? I would probably lean closer to the former in this case. Hoyer had quite a few bright spots in Sunday's win but turned the ball over too much. I love the weapons he has at his disposal in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, which gives his value a small boost. I think we'll have a much better gauge on him after this week, as he faces the Cincinnati defense. If you're in a tough spot, start Hoyer because you can do much worse.
Last but not least, we have Jake Locker. He's coming off his best week of the season and scored through the air and on the ground. I'm not a Locker fan at all, mainly because of the accuracy issues, but there is a little bit of value here. I don't think that value will be manifest this week against the Jets. They have been very stingy against the pass and Locker will struggle. Keep an eye on Locker in the second half of the season when his schedule becomes much easier.
My sleeper pick was horrible last week in Eli Manning, and I apologize, but who really saw that coming. I certainly didn't. This week my sleeper is Terrelle Pryor. I love the matchup against Washington's defense. I have a feeling that Pryor will account for three touchdowns and his total yardage will be over three hundred yards.
Listed below are the top three quarterbacks for passing touchdowns:
1. Peyton Manning - 12
2. Philip Rivers - 8
3. Aaron Rodgers - 8
And the top five quarterbacks for passing yards:
1. Peyton Manning - 1,143
2. Aaron Rodgers - 1,057
3. Drew Brees - 1,021
4. Matthew Stafford - 1,020
5. Robert Griffin III - 975
Quick Notes: Matt Flynn may possibly get the start against Washington this week......Geno Smith completed four passes of more than forty yards against Buffalo in Week 3.....Cam Newton tied his career high with three touchdown passes against the Giants
Quarterback | |
1 | Peyton Manning |
2 | Drew Bress |
3 | Michael Vick |
4 | Matthew Stafford |
5 | Matt Ryan |
6 | Robert Griffin III |
7 | Tom Brady |
8 | Tony Romo |
9 | Colin Kaepernick |
10 | Andrew Luck |
11 | Alex Smith |
12 | Ben Roethlisberger |
13 | Russell Wilson |
14 | Philip Rivers |
15 | Sam Bradford |
16 | Eli Manning |
17 | Joe Flacco |
18 | Andy Dalton |
19 | Ryan Tannehill |
20 | Jay Cutler |
21 | EJ Manuel |
22 | Matt Schaub |
23 | Carson Palmer |
24 | Christian Ponder |
25 | Brian Hoyer |
26 | Terrelle Pryor (concussion) |
27 | Jake Locker |
28 | Geno Smith |
29 | Mike Glennon |
30 | Matt Flynn |
31 | Blaine Gabbert |
32 | Chad Henne |
33 | Matt Cassel |
More fantasy football news from SB Nation:
• Get live advice daily in the Fantasy War Room
• Week 3 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST