* Rex Grossman and Jason Campbell are not included in this week’s QB rankings. Thursday Night game participants are listed separately each Wednesday.
1. Tony Romo (DAL) – Not even Tom Brady has been as hot as Tony Romo lately, and a dream match up against a struggling 31st ranked Detroit pass defense does not hurt. Romo should be the man this week.
2. Tom Brady (NE) – He is mortal after all. While Brady has still been very impressive in recent weeks, he has seen a decline in his lofty passing numbers. A match up against the NFL’s best pass defense this week does not help matters this week. Brady will still be great, but do not expect him to return to monster status against the Steelers.
3. Peyton Manning (IND) – Manning appears to be solidly back on track after his midseason skid. In his last 2 games, he has thrown for 560 yards and 7 TD’s. In week 14, he will face a Baltimore secondary that now has all their players back and healthy, so this pass defense is better than their ranking of 15th would indicate. Manning will have his work cut out for him, but he is still a must start, and should put together a great game.
4. Carson Palmer (CIN) – There is no question that Palmer has been hit or miss lately, and more miss than hit, but this week offers an opportunity to be a big hit. He will face a struggling Rams pass defense, and a rebound of huge magnitude is likely in order. You should start him with confidence.
5. Derek Anderson (CLE) – After a horrible beginning to last week’s game against Arizona, Anderson finished strong, and produced another solid effort overall. This week he will face a much improved Jets pass defense. While the Jets secondary has played well lately, they are still susceptible to giving up big plays, and that is Anderson’s specialty. You should see another strong effort, start him.
6. Drew Brees (NO) – Brees was not spectacular last week, but he was very efficient. He will have the chance to return to spectacular in week 14 against the Falcons. Although Atlanta ranks 13th against the pass, Brees almost always lights them up. In his last 2 games against them, he has thrown for 568 yards, 4 TD’s, and only 1 interception. Do not hesitate to put him in your starting line up.
7. Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – He continues to play well, and a week 14 match up against a beat up Cardinals secondary bodes well for him. Hasselbeck should be a gem for your starting fantasy line up this week.
8. Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – He has cooled down considerably in recent weeks, but a lot of his down slide can be attributed to bad weather. Unless he has to deal with a monsoon or blizzard this week in New England, Big Ben should bounce back. What looked to be a nightmare match up a few weeks ago against the Patriots has now converted into a favorable one. In their last 2 games, the New England secondary has been torched by the likes of A.J. Feeley and Kyle Boller. If two second rate QB’s can shred them, Roethlisberger should be able to have a field day, right? While a solid game looks to be in the cards for him, the New England defense is more than capable of rebounding this week as well.
9. Brett Favre (GB) – He had to leave last week’s game against the Cowboys early with elbow and shoulder injuries. It may have been for the best as Favre was off to a horrible start anyway, and was showing no indication of improving. While he is still listed as questionable for this week, he did practice with the 1st team on Thursday, and will likely play. Favre has proven that he is capable of a monster game against any opponent, but given the injuries, and the fact that Oakland has a very good pass defense; you should lower your expectations of him this week. (Check injury report: right elbow/left shoulder)
10. David Garrard (JAC) – Since returning from injury, Garrard’s play can only be described as excellent. In his last 3 starts, he has thrown for 742 yards, 5 TD’s, and only 1 interception. He has been the most efficient QB in the NFL this season when healthy, throwing 11 TD passes and 1 interception. Garrard is a must start this week against Carolina. He probably won’t get you huge stats, but he is almost certain to produce very good numbers.
11. Marc Bulger (STL) – He should be back this week after sitting out week 13 with a concussion. Bulger should be in for a nice day as he has a favorable match up against the Bengals 26th ranked pass defense. Despite the great match up, Bulger has been hit or miss in recent weeks, and could be a little risky, but we like his chances. (Check injury report: concussion)
12. Kurt Warner (ARI) – In his last 4 games Warner has thrown for 1,123 yards, 9 TD’s, and 4 interceptions, pretty solid numbers for any gun slinger. This week he will face a pretty average Seattle pass defense, but he may have to do it without top WR’s Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin is definitely out, and Fitzgerald is questionable with a groin injury. Despite the issues with his favorite targets, Warner should prove to be worth the start.
13. Jeff Garcia (TB) – If his sore back is up to the challenge, Garcia should play this week against Houston. If he can go, the match up against the Texans 16th ranked pass defense would be in his favor, and while you should not expect lofty numbers, Garcia should come through with a decent game. Be sure to monitor his status before starting him. (Check injury report: back)
14. Jon Kitna (DET) – Kitna has not exactly been great lately, and a match up against the Cowboys defense seems like a nightmare, but not so fast. While Kitna will likely see his fair share of sacks and interceptions as usual this week, there are some promising spots in this match up as well. For one, the Dallas secondary has been vulnerable against pass heavy offenses, and rank 18th in passing yards allowed. In addition, Kitna absolutely lit the Cowboys up last season, throwing for 306 yards, 4 TD’s and only 1 pick. The Cowboys defense has improved in a year’s time, but the personnel is pretty much the same. Start him at your own risk, but he could be worth the gamble.
15. Chris Redman (ATL) – He will get his first start of the season this week filling in place of Joey Harrington. Redman looked solid last week in relief of Harrington, and with a match up as appealing as the Saints 28th ranked pass defense, he could be worth a shot this week. Redman has not really done enough to prove himself as a worthy fantasy option, but the Saints were torched by a 3rd stringer last week, so why not this week?
16. Vince Young (TEN) – You can never be sure what you will get when you start V.Y., and that has never been truer than against San Diego this week. The Chargers defense has been a bit of a mystery in their own right this season. While San Diego ranks a poor 22nd against the pass, they do lead the NFL in interceptions and rank near the top in sacks. He has the tools to put together a great performance, but do not count on it.
17. Jay Cutler (DEN) – While Cutler is capable of a solid game against Kansas City this week, he remains a risk for your starting roster. He is coming off a horrible week 13, and was not exactly spectacular against the Chiefs in week 10.
18. Donovan McNabb (PHI) – He will almost certainly start this week against the Giants after missing the last two games with injuries. The question is, why would he want to? In a week 4 meeting against the Giants, McNabb was sacked a ridiculous 12 times. If the Eagles can game plan to give McNabb adequate protection this time around, he has the talent to be effective, but we would not count on it. He is a very risky start for week 14. (Check injury report: ankle/thumb)
19. Phillip Rivers (SD) – Mr. inconsistent will face the Titans 8th ranked pass defense this week. While Rivers has shown the potential for a solid game, he is way too unreliable.
20. Eli Manning (NYG) – We all know what he is capable of, but I could have put up better numbers than him over the last 2 games. Manning remains a liability for your starting fantasy roster until he can prove otherwise.
21. Kellen Clemens (NYJ)
22. Trent Dilfer (SF)
23. Tarvaris Jackson (MIN)
24. Sage Rosenfels (HOU)
25. Josh McCown (OAK)
26. Vinny Testaverde (CAR)
27. Kyle Boller (BAL)
28. Brodie Croyle (KC) – (check injury report: back)
29. Trent Edwards (BUF)
30. John Beck (MIA)
2. Tom Brady (NE) – He is mortal after all. While Brady has still been very impressive in recent weeks, he has seen a decline in his lofty passing numbers. A match up against the NFL’s best pass defense this week does not help matters this week. Brady will still be great, but do not expect him to return to monster status against the Steelers.
3. Peyton Manning (IND) – Manning appears to be solidly back on track after his midseason skid. In his last 2 games, he has thrown for 560 yards and 7 TD’s. In week 14, he will face a Baltimore secondary that now has all their players back and healthy, so this pass defense is better than their ranking of 15th would indicate. Manning will have his work cut out for him, but he is still a must start, and should put together a great game.
4. Carson Palmer (CIN) – There is no question that Palmer has been hit or miss lately, and more miss than hit, but this week offers an opportunity to be a big hit. He will face a struggling Rams pass defense, and a rebound of huge magnitude is likely in order. You should start him with confidence.
5. Derek Anderson (CLE) – After a horrible beginning to last week’s game against Arizona, Anderson finished strong, and produced another solid effort overall. This week he will face a much improved Jets pass defense. While the Jets secondary has played well lately, they are still susceptible to giving up big plays, and that is Anderson’s specialty. You should see another strong effort, start him.
6. Drew Brees (NO) – Brees was not spectacular last week, but he was very efficient. He will have the chance to return to spectacular in week 14 against the Falcons. Although Atlanta ranks 13th against the pass, Brees almost always lights them up. In his last 2 games against them, he has thrown for 568 yards, 4 TD’s, and only 1 interception. Do not hesitate to put him in your starting line up.
7. Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – He continues to play well, and a week 14 match up against a beat up Cardinals secondary bodes well for him. Hasselbeck should be a gem for your starting fantasy line up this week.
8. Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – He has cooled down considerably in recent weeks, but a lot of his down slide can be attributed to bad weather. Unless he has to deal with a monsoon or blizzard this week in New England, Big Ben should bounce back. What looked to be a nightmare match up a few weeks ago against the Patriots has now converted into a favorable one. In their last 2 games, the New England secondary has been torched by the likes of A.J. Feeley and Kyle Boller. If two second rate QB’s can shred them, Roethlisberger should be able to have a field day, right? While a solid game looks to be in the cards for him, the New England defense is more than capable of rebounding this week as well.
9. Brett Favre (GB) – He had to leave last week’s game against the Cowboys early with elbow and shoulder injuries. It may have been for the best as Favre was off to a horrible start anyway, and was showing no indication of improving. While he is still listed as questionable for this week, he did practice with the 1st team on Thursday, and will likely play. Favre has proven that he is capable of a monster game against any opponent, but given the injuries, and the fact that Oakland has a very good pass defense; you should lower your expectations of him this week. (Check injury report: right elbow/left shoulder)
10. David Garrard (JAC) – Since returning from injury, Garrard’s play can only be described as excellent. In his last 3 starts, he has thrown for 742 yards, 5 TD’s, and only 1 interception. He has been the most efficient QB in the NFL this season when healthy, throwing 11 TD passes and 1 interception. Garrard is a must start this week against Carolina. He probably won’t get you huge stats, but he is almost certain to produce very good numbers.
11. Marc Bulger (STL) – He should be back this week after sitting out week 13 with a concussion. Bulger should be in for a nice day as he has a favorable match up against the Bengals 26th ranked pass defense. Despite the great match up, Bulger has been hit or miss in recent weeks, and could be a little risky, but we like his chances. (Check injury report: concussion)
12. Kurt Warner (ARI) – In his last 4 games Warner has thrown for 1,123 yards, 9 TD’s, and 4 interceptions, pretty solid numbers for any gun slinger. This week he will face a pretty average Seattle pass defense, but he may have to do it without top WR’s Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin is definitely out, and Fitzgerald is questionable with a groin injury. Despite the issues with his favorite targets, Warner should prove to be worth the start.
13. Jeff Garcia (TB) – If his sore back is up to the challenge, Garcia should play this week against Houston. If he can go, the match up against the Texans 16th ranked pass defense would be in his favor, and while you should not expect lofty numbers, Garcia should come through with a decent game. Be sure to monitor his status before starting him. (Check injury report: back)
14. Jon Kitna (DET) – Kitna has not exactly been great lately, and a match up against the Cowboys defense seems like a nightmare, but not so fast. While Kitna will likely see his fair share of sacks and interceptions as usual this week, there are some promising spots in this match up as well. For one, the Dallas secondary has been vulnerable against pass heavy offenses, and rank 18th in passing yards allowed. In addition, Kitna absolutely lit the Cowboys up last season, throwing for 306 yards, 4 TD’s and only 1 pick. The Cowboys defense has improved in a year’s time, but the personnel is pretty much the same. Start him at your own risk, but he could be worth the gamble.
15. Chris Redman (ATL) – He will get his first start of the season this week filling in place of Joey Harrington. Redman looked solid last week in relief of Harrington, and with a match up as appealing as the Saints 28th ranked pass defense, he could be worth a shot this week. Redman has not really done enough to prove himself as a worthy fantasy option, but the Saints were torched by a 3rd stringer last week, so why not this week?
16. Vince Young (TEN) – You can never be sure what you will get when you start V.Y., and that has never been truer than against San Diego this week. The Chargers defense has been a bit of a mystery in their own right this season. While San Diego ranks a poor 22nd against the pass, they do lead the NFL in interceptions and rank near the top in sacks. He has the tools to put together a great performance, but do not count on it.
17. Jay Cutler (DEN) – While Cutler is capable of a solid game against Kansas City this week, he remains a risk for your starting roster. He is coming off a horrible week 13, and was not exactly spectacular against the Chiefs in week 10.
18. Donovan McNabb (PHI) – He will almost certainly start this week against the Giants after missing the last two games with injuries. The question is, why would he want to? In a week 4 meeting against the Giants, McNabb was sacked a ridiculous 12 times. If the Eagles can game plan to give McNabb adequate protection this time around, he has the talent to be effective, but we would not count on it. He is a very risky start for week 14. (Check injury report: ankle/thumb)
19. Phillip Rivers (SD) – Mr. inconsistent will face the Titans 8th ranked pass defense this week. While Rivers has shown the potential for a solid game, he is way too unreliable.
20. Eli Manning (NYG) – We all know what he is capable of, but I could have put up better numbers than him over the last 2 games. Manning remains a liability for your starting fantasy roster until he can prove otherwise.
21. Kellen Clemens (NYJ)
22. Trent Dilfer (SF)
23. Tarvaris Jackson (MIN)
24. Sage Rosenfels (HOU)
25. Josh McCown (OAK)
26. Vinny Testaverde (CAR)
27. Kyle Boller (BAL)
28. Brodie Croyle (KC) – (check injury report: back)
29. Trent Edwards (BUF)
30. John Beck (MIA)
