At this point in the season, it’s pretty clear-cut who the must-starts are going to be at quarterback every week. But with bye weeks incoming for the next few weeks, the spot can get tricky, especially with Matt Ryan on bye this week.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t quarterbacks this week who should be avoided unless it’s a dire situation for your fantasy team.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Stafford is traditionally known as a bomber who throws it deep to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. But without Johnson, the Lions offense seems to sputter, as it did in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. That matchup won’t be any easier in Week 6, when Detroit faces the Cleveland Browns, home to one of the best defenses in the league.
Johnson has been targeted an average of 10 times per game by Stafford, and has already caught four touchdowns in four games. But there’s a chance Johnson could still be hindered with the knee injury that kept him out against Green Bay, and the Browns are giving up less than a half of a touchdown per game to opposing quarterbacks. Of all the games to not play Stafford this season, this is the one that offers the lowest floor for his fantasy numbers.
Terrelle Pryor, Oakland Raiders
A popular fantasy pickup, Pryor has made a name for himself in the NFL on his dual-threat game, averaging 8.13 yards per completion and 6.2 yards per rushing attempt. The third-year player really shined on Sunday night against the San Diego Chargers, throwing two touchdowns on 221 passing yards. But his Week 6 opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, is quickly becoming the No. 2 overall fantasy defense, and gives up the least amount of points to opposing quarterbacks.
Pryor has been a spot starter in fantasy this year with the decline of Eli Manning and the disappointing performance of Colin Kaepernick thus far, but playing someone like Kaepernick or Cam Newton this week would be a much better play.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Brady usually isn’t a “sit” for fantasy owners, but he’s dealt a pretty rough hand in Week 6, going up against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are the third-best fantasy defenses against opposing quarterbacks, and are only allowing just over one passing touchdown per game to their opponents. Brady could still be without tight end Rob Gronkowski, and Danny Amendola only caught for passes for 55 yards in his return from injury.
The loss in fantasy value is more due to New England’s offensive line than Brady’s talent, however. Brady has been under pressure often, and has thrown three interceptions and has been sacked 11 times. On the other side of the field in Week 6, the Saints have forced seven interceptions, sacked opposing quarterbacks 14 times and have forced four fumbles.
This just isn’t a good matchup for Brady, and until he forms better chemistry with his young receivers, there are better options at quarterback in fantasy.