Fantasy Football Week 9 rankings: Top 10 Quarterbacks

Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 9 is almost here, and it’s time to start setting lineups and making sure you’re ready to win your fantasy matchup.

Every week, FanSided will bring you rankings compiled by our duo of fantasy experts. This week, the list was derived from averaging rankings from myself and Zachary Thompson.

Let’s take a look at the quarterbacks and how they rank for Week 9. (Unless otherwise noted, statistics obtained from ESPN Fantasy Football.)

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

With no Peyton Manning this week, Drew Brees assumes the top spot as the best fantasy football quarterback money can buy. The New York Jets don’t have a good enough defense to deter anyone from using this elite player.

2. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons have allowed two or more passing touchdowns in every single game this season. That’s great news for a hot Cam Newton, who should be able to post strong passing and rushing numbers against Atlanta.

Newton has become more efficient and under control in recent weeks, but still shows the ability to break the pocket and gain yards on the ground. That’s the perfect combination for this dual threat star at quarterback.

3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) smiles following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears give up the most yards per passing attempt of any NFL defense, but they are also in the top-10 in interceptions. So Rodgers will likely find some big plays against Chicago, but the possibility exists for a turnover or two.

Any of these top-three quarterbacks are perfect options in any format this week.

4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Despite all their issues on offense, the Houston Texans remain tough against the pass. That means Andrew Luck’s job will be fairly tough this weekend when the Colts take on their division rivals.

But Luck is a reliable producer in a pass-first offense with big play options available. You didn’t draft Andrew Luck to sit him on such a thin week at QB.

5. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Minnesota has allowed the second-most touchdowns through the air in the NFL this season. Enter the Dallas Cowboys, who would love nothing more than to air the ball out to Dez Bryant and company.

Romo will score multiple touchdowns, but will this game be competitive enough for him to rack up serious points? That’s the concern here, and that’s why he’s lower on the rankings.

6. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Don’t let their recent strong performances against passers fool you: The San Diego Chargers are not a good pass defense.

Nor are they a good defense at all. Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings find the Bolts in last place in the NFL in terms of defensive efficiency. Trust every Redskins player you have this week, but especially RGIII.

7. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Oct 14, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls an audible against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Colts 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

On the other side of the high-scoring affair featuring Robert Griffin III will be Rivers and the Chargers, who have been playing very well this season under new head coach Mike McCoy.

The Washington defense is only a few spots ahead of San Diego’s on the DVOA rankings mentioned above, so Rivers should have a similarly easy time getting yards and points.

8. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

After the bye week in Week 5, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fallen apart in their ability to defend the pass. Opposing quarterbacks have figured out how to get players open despite Darrelle Revis’ presence on defense, and have attacked the vulnerable safeties for big plays.

Wilson will look to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing Monday Night Football effort by defending his home turf with a solid game against the Buccaneers.

9. Terrelle Pryor, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders will take on the Eagles this weekend, who give up the second-most yards per game through the air in the league. That’s good news for Pryor, who needs help with the pass more than he does the run.

Expect a solid day through the air and on the ground for Pryor, who is a solid fill-in option for players with bye-week issues.

10. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Coming off of a dominant performance against the New York Jets, Dalton and the Bengals have a Thursday night game against the Dolphins which is a perfect opportunity to extend momentum.

Thursday games can be weird and ugly. But with very few other options, Dalton’s hot hand might be the best play as a low-end QB 1 this week.

Honorable Mention: Josh McCown, Chicago Bears

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