Empty the Bench

We learned a few things last week, or at least had some facts strongly reinforced:

- Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the rest of the Patriots passing attack can still bring a weak-kneed secondary, like Tennessee’s, to tears. If you were trying to buy low on Brady, that window has closed; conversely, if you were waiting to sell high, there’s no better time than the present.

- Drew Brees and his seemingly endless cadre of interchangeable parts/weapons can light up anybody. Anybody. The New York Giants pass defense was the NFL’s top-ranked unit heading into their much-anticipated clash with the Saints in New Orleans… and they’re still holding down the top spot despite last week’s torching at the hands of Brees. Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson… they should probably all be owned and, at a minimum, stashed in case one of their colleagues suffers a semi-serious injury. It’s a plug-and-play operation there in New Orleans, and it’s hard to stop.

- As far as fantasy production goes, Brett Favre is back and should be considered a weekly start unless you have a much-better option. Maybe just not this week on the road against Pittsburgh, especially with Troy Polamalu back in the lineup.

- The Detroit Lions secondary should be exploited as much as possible: if there’s ever a time to start guys also-rans like Marc Bulger and Donnie Avery, it’s in Week 8 when they travel to Detroit. Same goes with Derek Anderson and Mohamed Massaquoi in Week 11… actually, don’t start either of them. Ever.

Onto the ranks… why Manning over Brady? Manning is indoors and coming out of a bye week, while Brady is on the road in London, where the weather and playing field tend to be terrible.

See also:
- Week 7 RB Rankings
- Week 7 WR Ranks
- Week 7 TE Rankings
- Week 7 DEF Rankings

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts @ STL
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. TB (In London)
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints @ MIA
4. Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. ARZ
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIN
6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers @ CLE
7. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans vs. SF
8. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons @ DAL
9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers @ KC
10. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears @ CIN
11. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CHI
12. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals @ NYG
13. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles @ WSH
14. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings @ PIT
15. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys vs. ATL
16. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs vs. SD
17. Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers vs. BUF
18. Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers @ HOU
19. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets @ OAK
20. Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams vs. IND

Possibly Related Content:

1. Fantasy Football – Week 6 QB Rankings


2. Fantasy Football – Week 4 QB Rankings


3. Fantasy Football – Week 13 QB Rankings


4. Fantasy Football – Week 12 QB Rankings


5. Fantasy Football – Week 11 QB Rankings