You only start one quarterback so you better make it count. Quality and upside are important here while securing a solid floor. I know that sounds like a lot so let’s try and keep it simple. Look for a good matchup, a quarterback who has been performing well with a strong supporting cast, a defense that will be favorable to opposing signal callers, and a game script that supports success. For the most part, the quarterbacks at the top of the salary list speak for themselves as elite options, but here we dig deeper. Now that we got that out of the way, who fits that criteria for this week?
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. As a running back it is hard to argue with Kyler Murray ($7,100 DK, $8,400 FD) as he is up to 370 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the season. Murray enters this week’s matchup against Seattle on the heels of rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown last week against Dallas. From a DFS perspective it almost takes away the fact that Murray completed just nine passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. I wouldn’t be too concerned though as he does have 1,487 passing yards and 10 touchdowns on the season while showing chemistry with his plethora of receiving weapons. Perhaps the most important takeaway here though is the fact that the Seahawks have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks so far this season. He almost writes himself into your lineup.
Subscribers can now expect to get six more picks as we take a closer look at some more quarterbacks at varying price points who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the back either which will leave plenty of room for help at running back and wide receiver. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
You paid up for Aaron Rodgers ($7,000 DK, $8,100 FD) last week against Tampa Bay in what was supposed to be a shootout, but instead he left you jilted and alone on the side of the road. After seeing Rodgers throw for just 160 yards along with two interceptions it is reasonable to look elsewhere this week but we are going to bank on a rebound. Including last week’s disaster Rodgers has 1,374 passing yards in five games to start the season with 13 touchdowns for an average of three per game. The two interceptions last week were the first of his season and Tampa Bay does have a tough defense. Things should get easier for Rodgers this week against the Texans, so let’s give him another shot.
While we are looking past last week’s struggles at the hands of strong defenses, let’s take a look at Teddy Bridgewater ($5,800 DK, $6,800 FD) who had to deal with a fierce Chicago team. This week Bridgewater and the Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints in what should both be a high scoring affair and a favorable match-up. With 1,676 passing yards on the season and clear receiving weapons, I’m not worried about Bridgewater throwing the ball downfield. The problem though, and also what is keeping is price down, is that the Carolina quarterback has thrown for just six touchdowns so far this season. If you are looking to save some money at the top of your lineup this week then Bridgewater is your guy.
In some situations blowout victories don’t work out for your starting quarterback. That was the case for Ben Roethlisberger ($6,600 DK, $7,400 FD) and the Steelers on Sunday as all that was required of him was 14 completions for 162 yards. Despite a slow start to the season and last week’s quiet afternoon it’s hard to argue with his success through the first five games of the year with 1,178 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception. With plenty of weapons, arm strength, and an offense with big play proficiency, it’s hard not to like Roethlisberger in a favorable match-up against Tennessee.
Why not just go right to the top with Patrick Mahomes ($7,400 DK, $9,000 FD)? While there are more expensive options out there (at least on Draft Kings) Mahomes is towards the top of the list as he heads to Denver this week. Weather was an issue last week in Buffalo and the Chiefs were in control of the game so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Mahomes threw for just 225 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes isn’t showing any signs of slowing down this season and with 1,699 passing yards along with 15 touchdowns and one interception it’s hard not to feel confident in him. And then we add in his 165 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns as Mahomes once again is one of the better options out there. This week he comes at a relatively affordable price as well on Draft Kings while requiring a sizable investment on Fan Duel.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise since the Patriots lost in a home upset against the Broncos last week, but Cam Newton ($6,300 DK, $7,600 FD) wasn’t very good on Sunday. I will also acknowledge the fact that even mentioning the Patriots loss won’t be well received as they sent a good deal of survivor entries heading to the exits. Newton was not sharp passing the ball and in general he lacks offensive weapons to facilitate a downfield passing attack. With just two touchdowns and 871 passing yards through four games it’s hard to trust Newton although his 225 rushing yards and four touchdowns have given us some false comfort.
The Cowboys have plenty of receiving options but you wouldn’t have known it Monday night as they got blown out by the Cardinals. With both the offensive line and running game struggling nothing went well for Dallas. While they do face a weak Washington squad this week it’s still not enough for me to feel comfortable with Andy Dalton ($6,000 DK, $7,200 FD). Dalton did throw for 266 yards and a touchdown along with two interceptions last week but a lot of that came in garbage time. At first glance facing Washington would be a situation to exploit, but they do have a strong pass rush and Dalton didn’t show enough to make me feel confident in him. If anything, I would want him to be a little cheaper.
