Quarterbacks

Could Impress: Aaron Rodgers. Let’s just re-name this the ‘Will Impress’ section. Usually I write about an under the radar guy here, but it’s time to give props to Rodgers. He has yet to put up less than 21 points and has been the top fantasy player so far this year. Simply put, we haven’t seen a fantasy football season like this in some time.

Could Disappoint: Matt Ryan. His subpar fantasy season will continue into the bye week. Detroit has been the fourth-best team against fantasy quarterbacks and the defensive line should have a field day against a beat up Falcons offensive line.

Keep an eye on: Carson Palmer. It took all of 12 hours after acquiring him for the Raiders to name him as the starter. He’s got a big arm and Oakland likes to air it out. He has not taken a meaningful snap in 10 months, so don’t play him right away. But with matchups against Chicago, Miami, Green Bay and Kansas City awaiting him at the end of the year, he could be a big addition for down the road.

Injury Replacement: Tim Tebow. He’ll get you fantasy points with his legs, and faces a Miami team that his hemorrhaging fantasy points to opposing QBs. There will be plenty of bumps in the road, but Tebow is a good play this week.

QB Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers GB (@ Minnesota)

2. Drew Brees NO (vs. Indianapolis)

3. Matthew Stafford DET (vs. Atlanta)

4. Ben Roethlisberger PIT (@ Arizona)

5. Philip Rivers SD (@ New York Jets)

6. Tony Romo DAL (vs. St. Louis)

7. Cam Newton CAR (vs. Washington)

8. Matt Schaub HOU (@ Tennessee)

9. Josh Freeman TB (vs. Chicago)

10. Joe Flacco BAL (@ Jacksonville)

11. Jay Cutler CHI (@ Tampa Bay)

12. Matt Ryan ATL (@ Detroit)

13. Matt Hasselbeck TEN (vs. Houston)

14. Tim Tebow DEN (@ Miami)

15. Matt Cassel KC (@ Oakland)

16. Sam Bradford STL (@ Dallas)

17. Colt McCoy CLE (vs. Seattle)

18. Kevin Kolb ARI (vs. Pittsburgh)

19. Carson Palmer OAK (vs. Kansas City)

20. Curtis Painter IND (@ New Orleans)

21. Mark Sanchez NYJ (vs. San Diego)

22. John Beck WAS (@ Carolina)

23. Matt Moore MIA (vs. Denver)

24. Charlie Whitehurst SEA (@ Cleveland)

25. Christian Ponder MIN (vs. Green Bay)

Running Backs

Could Impress: Ryan Mathews. Don’t be deterred about the matchup against the Jets. New York B has allowed more rushing scores than anyone in the league this season. The only question is the health of Mathews calf, but coming off a bye, he should be good to go.

Could Disappoint: James Starks. He’s seeing more action than Ryan Grant, but the second-year back has had a backslide after a relatively good start. He’s only put up ten points in the past two weeks, and the Vikings have a top-5 rush defense. This might be the week to consider benching Starks.

Keep an eye on: Montario Hardesty. If Peyton Hillis’ hamstring sidelines him this week, Hardesty will get the bulk of the carries Sunday. Even if Hillis can go, the coaches will still give Hardesty plenty of playing time.

Injury Replacement:  DeMarco Murray. The Oklahoma product will get the first crack at filling in for Felix Jones. The Rams have given up the fourth most rushing yards to opposing teams, so Murray should at least see around 15 carries and 70 yards.

RB Rankings