There are some key QB’s who won’t be playing this week with Drew Brees on a bye, Michael Vick injured, and recently-emerging Terrelle Pryor also on a bye. If you need help to finalize your lineup at the QB spot, here are the top 5 options who normally aren’t locked in as starters but make good plays this week due to matchups.
Nick Foles-Philadelphia Eagles
Foles has been scooped up in most leagues already, but he’s in such a good matchup that he’s the best option this week among QBs who aren’t regular starters. Last week, Foles stepped in for Michael Vick and threw three TDs while running for a fourth score against the Bucs. This week, he and the Eagles host Dallas who has allowed more points to opposing fantasy QBs than any other team in the league. This should be a NFC East shootout making Foles a good grab and play whether you own Vick or not.
Andy Dalton-Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton had a huge game last week against Buffalo throwing for three touchdowns and 337 yards and adding another 17 on the ground as he led the Bengals to an OT win over the Bills. Dalton had been struggling before his breakout game and is in a tough matchup, but he has some great weapons and is a decent play if Foles is off the table. He’s lower risk than the other options on this list, but his upside isn’t quite as high either against the Lions secondary which has been decent this season.
Josh Freeman-Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were a mess last week against Carolina and this week they’ll travel to New York for Monday Night Football. They’ll also have a new QB as Freeman steps in under center after being acquired from Tampa earlier this season. Freeman has shown potential in the past and will have some intriguing weapons. This week he’s facing the Giants who have allowed the second most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs making him a high-risk but high-reward play if he can jump in and make plays for Minnesota.
Ryan Tannehill-Miami Dolphins
Tannehill and the Dolphins come off a bye as they host the Bills. Buffalo has been struggling agianst the pass this season allowing multiple passing TDs in all but one of their games and over 300 yards in three of their last four games. Tannehill continues to take too many sacks and needs to due better at avoidign turnovers if he wants to improve on his numbers last year against Buffalo. He’s a growing QB in a decent matchup. There’s risk to be sure, but if you need an emergency start, Tannehill is one to consider.
Mike Glennon-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you’re scraping this low on the QB list, there’s obviously going to be plenty of risk. Glennon definitely carries that as he leads the Bucs into the Georgia Dome to take on the Falcons. Atlanta’s defense is in the top five in most fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs. Last week, Glennon improved to 273 yards and a pair of TDs. This will be his first road start, but if you’re desperate you can go with the rookie signal caller against a injury-depleted Falcons team.