Oct 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With many top fantasy football quarterbacks entering a bye week, filler options should still be available for owners everywhere that should still yield similar production.
Coming into Week 7 we have some pretty valuable fantasy quarterbacks on a bye. This week’s bye removes Andy Dalton, Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning (if you haven’t already benched him due to his lack of consistency). Most fantasy worthy quarterbacks have already been drafted which doesn’t leave you many options. But, that’s not a problem!
You don’t need star quarterbacks to win, you just need points. Strategically breaking down the teams and their opponents will be far more valuable than going with household names. We will see this happen this week based on which quarterbacks are truly entering favorable matchups.
Without further adieu, here are the top 5 quarterback fillers to start for this week.
Next: 5. This Lion is the definition of a sleeper quarterback
Sep 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
5. Matthew Stafford
If Matthew Stafford is still available after last week’s incredible fantasy blowout, he is a great Week 7 filler. After hitting his season high with over 400 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, he leaves us wondering where he’s been hiding all season long.
Coming off of their first win of the season, the Lions prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings. As Stafford continues to build his relationship with players like Calvin Johnson, who had 166 yards and a touchdown last week, there is no way Stafford will be an upset this week. As the Lions look to bounce back against the Vikings, this match-up seems promising for Stafford.
Next: 4. The man ready to change the Cowboys this season
Nov 10, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; A detail of a Dallas Cowboys helmet prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
4. Matt Cassel
The Dallas Cowboys announced that Matt Cassel will start this week over Brandon Weeden in the their division match-up against the New York Giants. Although he hasn’t had much quarterback action, Cassel is no NFL rookie.
Cassel’s debut start was in 2008 for the Patriots after Brady was injured in Week 1. This starting position led Cassel to the Chiefs which resulted in a Pro Bowl and the playoffs.
Although for the last several years Cassel has been passed through numerous teams and has had several season ending injuries, he is healthy and prepared to bring his new team a big victory. So far this season, the Giants have found difficulty in bullying opposing quarterbacks. With that said, the Giants won’t match-up to Cassel and the Cowboy’s offensive line so expect him to thrive this week.
Next: 3. This Redskin is looking for redemption
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback
(8) warms up before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins is going to be a huge sleeper this week. Although he has not had a great season and has not been consistent, there is no reason he cannot match-up well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which ranked 31 on ESPN this week on defense.
Even with the Redskins missing DeSean Jackson and possibly Jordan Reed, Cousin’s capabilities seem promising in this week’s game. Keep in mind he is just a filler for this week but matches up incredibly well against a defense that he should be able to carve up for some nice yardage and touchdowns.
Next: 2. The Golden Boy in Oakland is returning to work
Oct 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Derek Carr
Coming off a bye week, Derek Carr is rested and ready for his Week 7 match-up against the San Diego Chargers. Although Carr is not a fantasy favorite, he has the ability to score big this week as long as he keeps Amari Cooper in-sight at all times which he has been successfully doing all season long.
The Chargers come into this week giving up a little more than 130 passing yards per game. This is Carr’s time to shine thanks to having a week to rest up and get extra game planning against the Chargers. With the Raiders’ offense having the capabilities to shut down the Chargers’ defense and their pass rush, this week’s match-up is a no-brainer to start Carr in this favorable match-up.
Next: 1. This Brown is your final resort
Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) warms up before the gam against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
1. Josh McCown
Coming off Week 6, Josh McCown doesn’t seem like the obvious choice. McCown threw less than 215 yards and even decided to play for the opponents when he offered two picks to the Denver Broncos in last week’s loss.
McCown goes into this week facing the St. Louis Rams, who have the third best defensive line in the NFL. Despite the harsh scrutiny McCown is receiving, he will offer enough fantasy points to get by as a Week 7 filler since he was able to keep those chains moving. It is definitely a last resort but he could surprise this week since he did throw for 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions last week, maybe he can bounce back by not coughing up turnovers.
Next: Jets have some truly incredible defensive statistics