As a positive for fantasy football fanatics, this is the last week we’ll have six teams on bye. While there were six teams on bye in Week 9, not many had starting caliber quarterbacks. Things will be a little more difficult in the quarterback department this time around.
Missing from action are Tom Brady, Andy Dalton, Kirk Cousins and Carson Palmer. Brock Osweiler and Jay Cutler are also on bye, but if either one of those guys was your main starter, you’re doing something wrong.
But while there are more top quarterbacks out, there are also a lot of favorable matchups. Maybe that’s because all of the mediocre teams from last week’s bye are playing.
One option I would avoid that some people are on is Trevor Siemian. The matchup looks nice on paper, but the Raiders have been much better defending the pass the last three weeks. In addition, Siemian hasn’t shown much since his return from injury.
Colin Kaepernick may seem like an outlandish option, but don’t sleep on him this week. The Saints travel out west a week after having to deal with the Seahawks. This is a prime let down situation and Kaepernick could benefit. Kaepernick actually hasn’t been too bad fantasy wise, either, helped by 150 rushing yards in his two starts. Maybe he won’t throw for a bunch against a bad pass defense, but his floor looks fairly high in this matchup.
There’s obviously risk, but there could be plenty of reward.
Ryan Tannehill is in that same boat of quarterbacks who you never want to start. And yet, he’s home against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The issue is that Tannehill only has one passing touchdown in his last three games as the Dolphins have taken up a heavy run-first approach.
However, with the Jets having a top-notch run defense, that may force Tannehill into more passes. Whether that’s a good thing or not remains to be seen, but there will be opportunities for him.
One of the safer quarterback free agents actually looks like Josh McCown. He’s only played in two games this year, but he produced in both. That said, his upside is limited in this matchup against the Cowboys. Not only will Dallas have the ball for a good portion of the game due to its run game, but the Cowboys have already held offenses led by Andy Dalton and Aaron Rodgers in check.
Some people may laugh, but Case Keenum deserves a mention on this list. His floor is bigger than most, but he has had a few nice games and a matchup with the Panthers presents a decent chance for one of those nice games. As it stands, I prefer Keenum over Siemian. Slightly.
Sam Bradford would’ve been high on this list given his plus matchup, but it’s extremely hard to trust him and that Vikings’ offensive line right now, even against the Lions. In addition, his upside remains limited in this run-first offense. So even if he finds time to pass, more than two touchdowns would be a surprise.
And if you want to roll with Ryan Fitzpatrick, do so at your own peril.
Here’s my list of top bye-week QBs for the week from top to bottom:
Kaepernick
McCown
Tannehill
Bradford
Keenum
Siemian
