Each week, it is hard to predict which QB will be the breakout star of the week. You know the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are almost guaranteed to throw for 250-plus yards and at least two TDs. But, who else is likely to have that type of a week? We already know that, with six teams on a bye, Ryan Tannehill, Joe Flacco, Case Keenum and Eli Manning are some of the names that will not be on this list. This just means that we need to dig even deeper than what we normally would.
Remember: These columns do not include your every-week starters. For this week, players like Cam Newton and Matt Ryan are not considered. This article goes deeper than that.
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Best Start Possible – Jameis Winston v. OAK
Any time a QB starts against the Raiders, pick him up. Oakland is the only team allowing more than 300 passing yards per game. In seven games, Winston already has three games throwing for three or more TDs, including a four TD against the Falcons. Also, he also has three games throwing for 269 yards or more, which includes a 405-yard performance against the Rams. Going against a weak pass defense and having Mike Evans on the outside should lead to a strong outing for the second-year QB.
Quality Start – Sam Bradford @ CHI
This may not be the most popular name on the waiver wire, but it is someone who might make sense for you if all of the big names are already on someone else’s team. In four out of the five games he has played in, Bradford has thrown for at least 224 yards and one TD. It was not until last week against the Eagles that he threw his first interception on the young season. And, while the Bears are in the middle of the pack in terms of pass defense, Bradford has shown that he can fare well in division games, considering he beat up the Packers en route to 286 yards and two TDs. With a questionable running game this week, this is a fate that Bradford could enjoy once more.
Worst Start Possible – Tyrod Taylor v. NE
History, or earlier this season, would suggest that Taylor is a decent play against the average Patriots defense. In that previous match, Tom Brady was not on the field, meaning that Buffalo was able to play with the lead all game. This weekend, Brady will more than likely have the Pats ahead early, forcing the Bills to abandon the run and make Taylor throw more often. This could spell disaster for the team. While the second-year starter has only thrown two interceptions this season, the Pats DEF allows less yards per game through the air (258 ypg) than Taylor averages through the air (185 ypg). This does not fare well for Taylor.
Not a Good Start – Kirk Cousins @ CIN (@ London)
Cousins is in a similar position to Taylor on Sunday. Cincinnati is starting to put everything together and could easily get ahead of the Redskins early. Like Taylor, this would force Cousins to throw, early and often. Even though this is not a problem for Cousins, given that he has thrown at least 34 passes in six of the seven games, he has also thrown at least one interception in five of those games. This is yet to even state that the Bengals are ranked 12th in pass defense, which has shut down the likes of Tannehill and Ryan Fitzpatrick. This is a receipe for disaster for Cousins.
Next week, we return to look at what some people call the hardest position to judge or the easiest to judge. We are talking quarterbacks and some quarterback controversies.
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