Quarterbacks can easily win a tight fantasy series. On the other hand, they can also devastate a team with interceptions, fumbles, and more than a few meatball subs. Perhaps a consistent quarterback is facing a tough defense, or a regular underperformer has strong receivers coming back from injury. Either way, here are four quarterbacks worth a second look as Week 7 begins.
Bryce Young – Boom
Bryce Young is making a name for himself.
The third-year quarterback out of Alabama started out with a roller coaster of an NFL debut. Fast forward to now, where Young is playing like a top-five NFL quarterback, with no signs of slowing down. Ranked sixth in the NFL in passing yards with 1,549, Young has only thrown two interceptions and has thrown 11 touchdowns. In his most recent game, he threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns against a struggling Eagles defense.
The Panthers are taking on the Buccaneers this Sunday. Despite the Bucs’ strong run defense, their pass defense ranks 20th, giving up an average of 224 yards a game. As pass-heavy as the Panthers have been, Young will continue his unprecedented success. No matter who his target will be, expect another 20+ point game from Young.
Matthew Stafford – Boom
Despite leading the NFL in passing yards, Matthew Stafford has struggled to stay consistent.
In three games this year, Stafford has scored over 20 FPTS. Solid work from the veteran quarterback in his 18th season. However, his other three games? 4.1, 9.7, and 16.9 FPTS. The Rams’ struggle has been devastating, to say the least.
Regardless of his performance thus far, Stafford was not the problem in the Rams’ close loss to the Cardinals. Stafford threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams are facing the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, a team ranked 24th in passing defense, giving up 237.3 yards per game. The Raiders, with respect to their offense, have been in a shootout every game this season. Even with Davante Adams‘ injury, Stafford has a strong supporting cast.
Expect a lot of check-downs, heavy tight-end usage, and a strong performance from Puka Nacua that will bolster Stafford’s stats.
Jared Goff – Bust
Jared Goff has silently crept up the NFL rankings.
With zero interceptions and 12 touchdown passes, Goff is finding a rhythm in Detroit. Ranked 3rd among NFL fantasy quarterbacks, Goff is undoubtedly a starter in most leagues. Well, until fantasy managers find out the Lions were playing the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers’ defense is doing incredible things, even without Micah Parsons. With only 193.3 passing yards allowed per game and only seven passing touchdowns given up on the season, Green Bay is relentless. A team may find success on the ground, but the passing game is a slippery slope for opposing quarterbacks. Despite the Packers only having six interceptions so far, that number is steadily rising.
The Lions will lean on the success of Jahmyr Gibbs once more. While Goff may have a decent game, expect his usual numbers to dip below satisfactory levels in a tough NFC North matchup.
Patrick Mahomes – Bust
31-year-old Patrick Mahomes hasn’t returned to his fantasy prime.
With an average of 18.8 FPTS/G this season, Mahomes has found some success with a mediocre receiving cast. However, his developing chemistry with Tyquan Thornton was heartbreakingly cut short, and no receiver has yet to fill his shoes. The two-time MVP failed to have a passing touchdown against a winless Chargers team. The recipe for success is clear for Andy Reid: rely on Kenneth Walker III.
If Mahomes has any chance to surge in fantasy football, it won’t be this Sunday. The Seahawks are ranked first in the NFL with only 141.3 passing yards allowed per game and eight passing touchdowns allowed on the season. Clearly, the Seahawks do not have a defensive problem. While their offense may be struggling, they live and die by the defense sword.
Expect a trench-warfare game between these two historic franchises, with Mahomes having a quiet performance behind Kenneth Walker III.
Every fantasy manager wants a difference-making quarterback. It’s part of what makes fantasy football so exciting to begin with. While there are no guarantees in fantasy, research pays off for those who do the work.
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