Sometimes owners can be a little impatient with their QBs and it results in a lot of differences on the waiver wire. There isn't too much demand for the position, so it's not too wild for an owner to cut a backup QB who is owned in most formats instead of a back that has an ownership of just 20 percent or so.
If you find yourself needing a quarterback, the best way to address it is to just look at your waiver wire. Some leagues of mine have Michael Vick on the wire while Joe Flacco is popping up on others. The point is that no league or team is identical.
This week was a bad one for injuries. Jay Cutler is going to miss a month while Sam Bradford is out for the year with a torn ACL. Neither guy was a must-start guy and their backups will hardly have owners running to the waiver wire.
Terrelle Pryor (owned in 32 percent of leagues)
It's a little surprising that Pryor is so under-owned. He has 285 rushing yards in five games and is doing better in that department than some first-round picks in most fantasy leagues -- sorry, C.J. Spiller owners.
He was roughed up a little bit in his last game, but the Chiefs have taken out some pretty good quarterbacks throughout the season. In his previous two starts, he had 10 yards per attempt in each game and didn't throw any interceptions. He seems to be getting on the same page with Denarius Moore, who can really excel on the deep balls. He should be a must-own player with his high ceiling thanks to the rushing numbers.
Geno Smith (owned in 13 percent of leagues)
He's been on a roller coaster all year and the Jets have alternated their wins throughout the entire season. He's had some dreadful games like his 6.5 QBR against the Steelers, but also was outstanding against the Falcons with a passer rating of 147.7.
The Jets are obviously committed to him and he's looked a lot better as the season has gone on. He's starting to trust his offensive line more and isn't afraid to stare down the proverbial gun barrel. The rookie is also starting to find his go-to guy. Jeremy Kerley converted six third-downs on Sunday and a young QB finding a favorite target can help limit turnovers.
Geno's completion percentage isn't quite up to snuff at just 58.3 percent, but he's throwing the ball down the field. Considering the low percentage, his 7.7 yards per attempt is above average. He'll take on the Bengals and a secondary that is less than 100 percent with the loss of Leon Hall (Achilles). If he can avoid the sacks, he could go for 300 and a few scores. There's obviously a lot of risk here, though.
Carson Palmer (owned in 32 percent of leagues)
The Cardinals still haven't quite got into a rhythm on offense, but that's never easy coming off two games against the 49ers and Seahawks. They were able to score 20 points in each of those games and things are going to get better. This week they get the Falcons, then a bye, then the Texans, Jaguars, Colts, Eagles and Rams.
Palmer has some good weapons with Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts, so now that he has almost half a season under his belt, things are looking up. Plus, the team has established a ground game with Andre Ellington toting the rock. Ellington is also an adept pass catcher for their offense.
The Falcons just gave up 23 points to the hapless Bucs O, so there's a chance AZ can drop 30 points.
Josh McCown (owned in one percent in leagues)
The Bears are going to be without Jay Cutler for a month. While Josh McCown is hardly a talented guy, he wasn't terrible on Sunday against the Redskins. He completed 14-of-20 for 204 yards and a TD, good for a 119.6 rating including a sterling YPA of 10.2.
They have a lot of talent and the use of Matt Forte out of the backfield could help McCown put up some stats. They're on a bye this week, but he could be a sneaky play against the Packers on Monday Night Football on Nov. 4.
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