QB Rankings
- Let’s jump to the solid starter tier because the top eight are all elite talents with generally favorable matchups (Kyler Murray vs MIN! Justin Herbert vs DAL! Tom Brady vs ATL! Aaron Rodgers vs DET!) Dak Prescott leads off the second tier due to his matchup, as I do think there is a ton of talent on the Chargers’ defense. And while Dallas will certainly be one of the most pass-happy teams in the league, we need to remember that they played the ultimate pass-funnel defense in Tampa Bay last week, helping Prescott to a ridiculous 58 attempts. I expect a bit of a more restrained gameplan this week, and with the talent at the QB position, it doesn’t take much to slip. Don’t let Prescott’s ranking fool you, however, he’s still a top-end QB1.
- I’m willing to give the Titans offense a mulligan here, but I’m pretty sure their defense will be a problem all season. I expect some shootouts coming for Ryan Tannehill, and if they can shore up their protection a bit (they do have talent on the offensive line) I expect Tannehill to be in a favorable game script for fantasy scoring. With two big-play threats at receiver and his ability to use his legs (Tannehill rushed for a TD in the opener), Tannehill should have a solid QB1 performance against a Seattle team that I expect to put up points as well.
- The QB1/2 border is a tough call this week, as Matthew Stafford will face a tough Colts defense in Indianapolis that will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start. Stafford looked great in the opener, but he certainly benefited from two massive defensive gaffes from the Bears’ secondary. If the Colts can hold him in check a bit, he will be very touchdown dependent with his lack of rushing upside. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him and Sean McVay lead this offense to another huge week, but it’s just enough to drop him below Tannehill.
- Jameis Winston burst onto the scene with a bizarre five touchdown game on just 20 passing attempts in Week 1, and he even looked — dare I say — elusive on the ground with six carries for 37 yards. I wouldn’t bank on the rushing ability every week, but Winston does look like a new man, and he gets a Panthers defense that doesn’t get to take advantage of an all-rookie offense like they did last week against the Jets. I’d expect some more production out of Marquez Callaway and the pass catchers in a more traditional game script.
- Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins are fine streamers against two defenses that looked better than expected in their openers. I wouldn’t expect Houston to put up much of a fight against the Browns, and while Chandler Jones terrorizing Cousins is a terrifying thought, I’m not ready to call this Cardinals defense a breakout unit after one game.
- I’ve been down on the Bengals offense to start the year, and while they looked very good overall last week, there are still issues. The offensive line gave up 5 sacks on just 32 dropbacks, and the Bears defense, while exploitable, can get after the passer. If the Bears’ offense struggles, I would expect a relatively cautious approach from Cincinnati as they keep getting Joe Burrow back to his old self. I think Burrow will be a good quarterback in Week 2, I really do. But it may look a bit like last week, where Burrow produced a QB16 performance. He’s got a tough one on tap next week in Pittsburgh, but the schedule lightens up after that.
Green=Strong Starter, Yellow=Solid Starter, Red=Look for Better Options
Week 2 QB Rankings