Updated December 21, 2011
| RANK |
|
OPP |
| 1 |
Tom Brady, NE |
Mia |
| 2 |
Drew Brees, NO |
Atl |
| 3 |
Aaron Rodgers, GB |
Chi |
| 4 |
Cam Newton, CAR |
TB |
| 5 |
Matthew Stafford, DET |
SD |
| 6 |
Tim Tebow, DEN |
Buf |
| 7 |
Matt Ryan, ATL |
NO |
| 8 |
Rex Grossman, WSH |
Min |
| 9 |
Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF |
Den |
| 10 |
Tony Romo, DAL |
Phi |
| 11 |
Phillip Rivers, SD |
Det |
| 12 |
Mark Sanchez, NYJ |
NYG |
| 13 |
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT |
StL |
| 14 |
Michael Vick, PHI |
Dal |
| 15 |
Matt Moore, MIA |
NE |
| 16 |
Eli Manning, NYG |
NYJ |
| 17 |
Josh Freeman, TB |
Car |
| 18 |
Andy Dalton, CIN |
Ari |
| 19 |
Christian Ponder, MIN |
Wsh |
| 20 |
Joe Flacco, BAL |
Cle |
| 21 |
John Skelton, ARI |
Cin |
| 22 |
Dan Orvlosky, IND |
Hou |
| 23 |
Seneca Wallace, CLE |
Bal |
| 24 |
Tavaris Jackson, SEA |
SF |
| 25 |
Carson Palmer, OAK |
KC |
The one saving grace of the Packers losing in Week 15 is that Aaron Rodgers will be forced to play another week to clinch homefield advantage for Green Bay. While the matchup isn't great and the Pack's offensive line is patchwork at best, you have to like that you have your star QB in the lineup for championship week.
The matchup for Cam Newton owners couldn't be much sweeter, as Tampa got dismantled by Tony Romo last week and allowed 37 FPTs to Cam last time these two faced off in Week 13. Matthew Stafford owners should be rewarded this week as well, as the pass-happy Lions are at home against a San Diego team that has shown vulnerability to great QBs this season - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Jay Cutler combined for 10 touchdowns and 82 fantasy points against this the Chargers this season. Tony Romo led teams might be a little worried with the Eagles matchup, and rightfully so, but keep in mind that since Week 9 Romo has had just one bad game (against Miami), and has otherwise thrown 16 TDs and no pics in that time period. While the matchup certainly isn't great, Philly's not unbeatable, and Romo has favorite target Miles Austin back in the fold.
The only real surprise in the Top 10 is Rex Grossman, who must be started against a Vikings defense that has shown no ability to stop the pass this season and ranks last in the league, having allowed 31 touchdown passes.
Outside of the Top 10, a couple of familiar names that you may be skeptical about. Ben Roethlisberger is coming off an absolutely atrocious Monday Night Football game, leading to speculation about his health. And that's okay, but remember he was up against the 49ers. While the Rams are surpsingly decent against the pass, they've struggled against top-tier QBs this year, and the upside for Big Ben is certainly there. Which Mark Sanchez will show up against the Giants? NFC New York is certainly vulnerable to the pass, allowing 16.5 FPTs per game this season, but it's up to you if you want the fate of your season balancing on Mark Sanchez's GQ-friendly shoulders.
Matt Moore makes an interesting play yet again against the paltry New England secondary, and Andy Dalton won't be a bad start against Arizona as long as AJ Green plays and is close to healthy.
