Often, the difference between a fantasy team making the playoffs or missing by the skin of its teeth is the consistency an owner gets from the quarterback position.
Tom Brady owners, for example, have been doomed from the start of 2008. When Brady went down with a season-ending knee injury, there were no sure things on the waiver wire. Most Brady owners do not carry a backup quarterback to begin with, so hitching your season to the right arm of Matt Cassel—who had not started a game since high school—in week two was not the most awe inspiring move an owner could make.
It took Cassel several weeks to blossom into a start-able fantasy quarterback. And even now, after his breakthrough performance
against the Jets on Thursday night football, Cassel’s consistency has yet to be seen. Until he puts up back-to-back solid efforts, Cassel owners would be taking a huge risk in starting the guy in these oh-so-important fantasy weeks.But like the old adage goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Despite being an inconsistent, waiver-wire frequenter all season, Cassel could come up huge for fantasy owners on the fringe of the playoffs with the right match up. And he is not the only discarded or recycled fantasy quarterback who could come up big down the stretch.
Week 12
- Sage Rosenfels @ Browns: As long as Matt Schaub does not make a miraculous return to face the Browns next week, Rosenfels could put up some big numbers against a secondary that has now been labeled as quitters. With a plethora of weapons at his disposal (Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels), Rosenfels will air it out to keep the Texans competitive.
- Jeff Garcia @ Lions: Detroit is going to show up on this list again because they have been giving up a good amount of fantasy points through the air the last five weeks. Despite handling Jake Delhomme in week 11, the Lions got torched on the ground again. But with a less-than-impressive running game, the Bucs could rely on Garcia to move the ball with the short and intermediate passing game. That means lots of yards, a low probability of turnover and plenty of chances to score.
- Marc Bulger @ Bears: If Bulger ever is going to have a serviceable fantasy performance, it could be against a struggling Bears’ pass defense at home in St. Louis. Without weather to deal with, the Rams could get the offensive attack
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about 1 month ago
What about Shaun Hill?
about 1 month ago
Pretty good, but being a Raider fan and watching their games, JaMarcus looks lost. The whole offense cannot get out of its' own way. I also agree that Shaun Hill shou;ld be on this list. He has @BUF in week 13 and the Jets at home in week 14.
about 1 month ago
i am a miami dolphins and chad does not have the arm to be a quarterback in the NFL
about 1 month ago
I like you affirmation of Tyler Thigpen. I do believe he will be a solid start for the remainder of the season against some pretty fair passing defenses...Buffalo (13th)...Oakland (12th)...Denver (29th)...San Diego (32nd)...Miami (20th).
about 1 month ago
How can you possibly even consider putting JaMarcus Russell on this list? He has been terrible all season, and that offense is distinctly the worst in the NFL. McFadden's play has been mediocre at best (although this may not be his fault), and they have no threats at wide receiver. I think Peyton Manning has five or even six better options to throw to than the best target Russell has. By the way, Russell is overrated for his potential (and McFadden might be, too).
about 1 month ago
Good write up, I have tickets to Houston@Jacksonville on MNF so hopefully you are right about Garrard.
about 1 month ago
Thigpen kills this list anyone who thinks otherwise should have their head examined!!!
about 1 month ago
I watched Russell at LSU and am still amazed that he got drafted at all, he couldn't read college defenses. My friend still thinks he will be a star and I still think he will be gone in 2 years.
about 1 month ago
When I saw the headline "Hitch Your Playoff Hopes to These Nine Quarterbacks" - I thought this was going to be a story on the best quartbacks in the league, not a bunch of bums!
about 1 month ago
Russell....you should have said ANYONE else.
But Russell?
Sorry man, you can't honestly think people will take you seriously with that.
about 1 month ago
Where is Kyle Orton in this equation? The Bears actually have a chance to make the playoffs and this long shot quaterback has exhibited the skills and leadership to get them there. The Bears have an underrated offense with an average offensive line but skilled running backs and tight ends. I predict that Orton will end the year in the top tier of quaterback ratings.
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