Past results don’t predict future performance, of course, but here’s my analysis for NFL Fantasy fans who’ll make picks this weekend.
Best Quarterbacks
5. Case Keenum: The NFL Thanksgiving games kicked off with another quality performance from Keenum. The Vikings’ offense moved the ball without many issues, scoring two passing and rushing touchdowns. Keenum connected with his favorite receiver, Adam Thielen, eight times for 89 yards on 11 targets. This offense continues to distribute the ball efficiently to different targets every game with six different players receiving a pass against the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Keenum shows he can lead this team on a short or normal week of preparation. There’s no reason why the Vikings should look to start Bridgewater anytime soon.
Keenum: 21/30, 282 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 121.8 rating
Courtesy: SI.com
4. Matt Ryan: Please hear me out on this one! The Falcons lost OC Kyle Shanahan during the offseason (he became the 49ers head coach). The previously #1 offense then fizzled under new OC, Steve Sarkisian. The record? Ryan has thrown more interceptions this season (8) than in 2016 (he finished with 7). Julio Jones has had only three 100-yard receiving games.
BUT (that’s the important word here) against Tampa Bay, Ryan passed for over 300 yards. Jones caught 12 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. That’s why Ryan’s break out game earns him this week’s #4 slot.
Ryan: 18/24, 317 yds, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 111.2 rating
3. Brett Hundley: Is there a QB controversy in Green Bay? Will Aaron Rodgers earn his starting job back? Is Hundley the future for the Packers? Most likely the answers are all no, but Hundley’s leap from #2 Worst QB to #3 Best QB is no fluke. Hundley passed for 245 yards against a good Pittsburgh Steelers defense. GB finally eclipsed 23 points for the first time in the Hundley era.
Hundley has a favorable schedule remaining. If he can find a way to get the Pack in the playoffs, should Rodgers come back to lead another Super Bowl run?
Hundley: 17/26, 245 yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 134.3 rating
Courtesy: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports, Locker Talk Sports
2. Tom Brady: The Dolphins visited Foxborough last week trying to steal a win against a New England team that continues to improve in every facet of the game. But Tom Brady had other ideas. He led the Patriots on two TD drives in the first two possessions, and Brady did it by air and on the ground.
Brady is simply one of the best QBs at utilizing all of his weapons. He connected with eight different targets last week. The Patriots have a great chance of finishing 13-3 and look capable of making another run for a Super Bowl championship.
Brady: 18/28, 227 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 114.1 rating
1. Philip Rivers: Without a doubt, Rivers is #1 this week. He played one of the best games of his career vs. the Cowboys on the road. And, along with Matt Ryan, he was one of only two QBs who wasn’t sacked last week.
The Chargers are enjoying a late surge, having won five of their last seven games after starting 0-4. Rivers is tied for seventh best and fifth best in passing yards and touchdown passes, respectively. Rivers’ success can be credited to great OL play–a line that has allowed only 12 sacks this season.
Rivers: 27/33, 434 yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 149.1 rating
Worst Quarterbacks
5. Blake Bortles: Blake Bortles continues to play like, well, Blake Bortles. The only question is whether the Jacksonville defense can drag Bortles to the Super Bowl.
Bortles: 19/33, 160 yds, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 57.6 rating
Courtesy: milehighreport.com
4. Paxton Lynch: Since Peyton Manning’s first year in Denver (2012) the Broncos have relied on defense. They had Manning on offense. But since Manning retired (2015), the Broncos have rotated QBs — Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian, and Brock Osweiler. Lynch got the nod to start against the Raiders, but that means little for an offense that can’t overcome inconsistent pass blocking with an inexperienced quarterback under center. Lynch’s start on Sunday included four sacks and an interception in Oakland’s end zone. Trevor Siemian took over late in the third quarter. The rotating continues.
This Broncos offense have talented weapons in WR Emmanuel Sanders and RB C.J. Anderson, But without a quality quarterback leading this offense, the Broncos will continue to have offensive issues.
Lynch: 9/14, 147 yds, 0 TD, 1 INTs, 38.4 rating
3. Eli Manning: The New York Giants are ready to forget 2017. From Odell Beckham’s broken ankle to Ben McAdoo’s change in hairstyle, there are very few positives to record. Eli Manning’s rocky season continued on Thanksgiving evening with a loss to the Washington Redskins. Without a deep threat and with limitations at RB, the Giants just aren’t consistent on offense.
NY is now last in the NFC East at 2-9.
Manning: 13/27, 113 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, 44.2
Courtesy: Wall Street Journal
2. Dak Prescott: Dallas can’t neutralize opposing offenses or replace Ezekiel Elliott’s production. The Cowboys also suffer from poor line blocking and have an array of injuries.
Add it all up and it means misery for Prescott. Dak has been sacked 24 times this year (25 during all of 2016), has thrown nine interceptions (four during all of 2016), and has lost three fumbles (four during all of 2016). Yikes!
Last week, the Chargers’ feasted on Prescott’s mistakes, sacking and intercepting the Dallas quarterback twice.
Prescott: 20/27, 179 yds, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 60.6
1. Mitchell Trubisky: Bears’ QB Trubisky faced the stingiest secondary in the NFL last weekend and he struggled as a result. The Bears generated only eight first downs, accumulated just 140 total yards, and Trubisky (of all players) lead the Bears in rushing (paltry total of 12 yards). This Eagles’ defense is sixth best in allowing total yards per game and its secondary is tied for first in interceptions with 16. Philly sacked and intercepted Trubisky twice.
Until the Bears’ front office signs better offensive talent, Trubisky will continue to put up similar stats against high-caliber NFL defenses.
Trubisky: 17/33, 147 yds, 0 TDs, 2 INTs. 38.3 rating
