Past results don’t predict future performance, of course, but here’s my analysis for NFL Fantasy fans who’ll make picks this weekend.
NOTE: Stats were compiled from NFL.com, ESPN.com, and Pro Football Focus.com
Best 5
5. Philip Rivers: The Chargers’ extended their winning streak to four games after beating Washington, 30-13. Washington has issues on defense and they showed against Rivers and Co. Chargers’ OC Ken Whisenhunt’s offense finished with nearly 500 yards, including 314 through the air, and WR’s Tyrell Williams (132 yards) and Keenan Allen (111 yards) continue to create problems for defenses. And the Chargers’ offensive line, which allowed only two sacks, deserves more recognition for contributing to LAC’s offensive success.
If Rivers’ keeps playing mistake-free–and his receivers can find a way to stop dropping passes–the Chargers’ will clinch the AFC West to make a deep playoff run.
Rivers: 18/31, 319 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 114.9 rating
Courtesy: Orlando Sentinel.com
4. Blake Bortles: Look out! Blake Bortles has had back-to-back weeks without throwing an interception, the Jags have won six of their last seven games, and the team has taken control of the AFC South. The Jags only generated three points in the first half last week, but Bortles led the offense on three touchdown drives in the third, including an impressive 75-yard touchdown pass.
Jacksonville needs to pick up another AFC South win at home against the Texans. To do that, Bortles needs to continue performing.
Bortles: 18/27, 268 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 123.7 rating
3. Carson Wentz: Wentz’s ACL tear has Eagles’ fans worrying about the season. Wentz played exceptionally well against the Rams—throwing for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns—until his risky running style ended his season (ACL).
Now the Eagles’ will turn to Nick Foles to lead the offense. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery, Wentz!
Wentz: 23/41, 291 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 110.8 rating
2. Jay Cutler: Yes, that’s right: Jay Cutler is #2 this week. After a shaky performance against the Broncos, Cutler bounced back to outperform Tom Brady and the Patriots, 27-20, on Monday Night Football. Cutler threw for 263 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Cutler’s surprisingly successful performance keeps the Dolphins’ wild-card chances alive.
Cutler: 25/38, 263 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 112.1 rating
Courtesy: KDKA
1. Ben Roethlisberger: Roethlisberger is now the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 500 yards in three games. Roethlisberger also ranks second for most pass completions and most pass attempts in a game. Despite posting those explosive stats, Roethlisberger showed yet another of his traits—leadership—by rallying his team after Pittsburgh trailed by 11 in the 4th.
Now the Steelers will play the Patriots in the AFC match-up of the season.
Roethlisberger: 44/66 506 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 99.7 rating
Worst 5
Matt Ryan: The Falcons escaped with a critical NFC South win over the Saints. Ryan’s three interceptions gave Saints control of the game, but Atlanta prevailed thanks to a Matt Bryant 52-yard field goal and Deion Jones’ end zone interception.
Will Ryan have a repeat performance this week against the Bucs on MNF?
Ryan: 15/27, 221 yds, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 55.2 rating
Courtesy: Zimbio,com
4. Kirk Cousins: Washington’s offense stalled all game, finishing with a paltry 201 total yards. The Redskins finished 2-12 on 3rd down, averaged only 4.0 yards per play, and had only nine 1st downs. Cousins finished with only 151 yards through the air.
Washington has lost back-to-back games, including six of the last eight. Is Jay Gruden on the hot seat?
Cousins: 15/27, 151 yds, 1 TD, 1 INTs, 68.6 rating
3. Andy Dalton: The offensive problems for the Bengals start at quarterback. Dalton’s anemic season continued against the Bears. Dalton was unable to complete 60% of his passes for the eighth time this season. Look for the Bengals to play AJ McCarron the remainder of the season.
Cincinnati’s playoff chances are over and the Marvin Lewis/Andy Dalton era might be coming to an end.
Dalton: 14/29, 141, 1 TD, 1 INT, 59.7 rating
2. Marcus Mariota: Mariota’s high INT-to-TD ratio is creating problems for the Titans’ playoff hopes. Last week Mariota failed to eclipse the 200-yard marker for the third consecutive week and his completion percentage is steadily dropping.
With a lousy running game, the Titans were unable to create any offense. If the Titans want to win the AFC South, they’ll need to win out–including a Week 16 matchup against the Jags.
Mariota: 16/31, 159 yds, 0 TD, 2 INTs, 39.6 rating
Courtesy: FanRag Sports
1. Nathan Peterman: The Bills-Colts game was a version of backyard football, played in whiteout conditions. Peterman was able to connect with Kelvin Benjamin on a second-quarter TD, but he left the game soon thereafter due to a hit to the head that put him on concussion protocol.
Peterman was playing because first-stringer Tyrod Taylor is out with injury. And while the rumor mill suggests that Taylor may test free agency at season’s end, the Bills’ front office can ill-afford to let him go. Peterman makes poor decisions, repeatedly throws into double coverage, and misses key pre-snap reads.
Peterman: 5/10, 57 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT, 100.8 rating
