Empty the Bench

Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

As a programming note, we’re keeping the ranks previews relatively short this week in order to get everything set for Thursday’s “clash” between the Bears and 49ers. Be sure to get your lineups set in advance of that, nothing worse than forgetting you have Isaac Bruce locked into your Flex spot.

Speaking of that matchup, those of you extremely desperate for a spot starter or in two-quarterback leagues may consider Alex Smith. He’s far from a strong option, but Smith has quietly put up 6 TDs over the last three weeks and he’ll be at home on Thursday against a Bears unit that gave up 5 passing TDs (4 in the first half) with 0 INTs and just 1 sack a week ago. To say Chicago’s defense looks soft right now is an understatement. Just keep in mind that it’s a reach and don’t expect too much.

Vince Young is also another sneaky play. We have him all the way down at 18 for a reason, but there’s a decent chance Young puts up some rushing yards and scores on the ground against a Bills defense that has already allowed 12 rushing touchdowns and is ceding over 170 yards on the ground per game. Again, it’s a reach, but if you’re in need …

See also:
- Week 10 RB Rankings
- Week 10 WR Rankings
- Week 10 TE Rankings
- Week 10 DEF Rankings

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints @ STL
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts vs. NE
3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. DAL
4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots @ IND
5. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
6. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles @ SD
7. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals vs. SEA
8. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens @ CLE
9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers vs. PHI
10. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys @ GB
11. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears @ SF
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CIN
13. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals @ PIT
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks @ ARZ
15. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons @ CAR
16. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers vs. CHI
17. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs @ OAK
18. Vince Young, Tennessee Titans vs. BUF
19. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins vs. TB
20. Davis Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars @ NYJ
21. Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers vs. ATL

Drew Brees Photo Credit: Kevin Reece/Icon SMI