Top 10 Fantasy Quarterbacks for Week 2 Based on Matchups

Top 10 Fantasy Quarterbacks for Week 2 Based on Matchups

There are some very exciting games on slate for the second week of the 2013 NFL season. Many experts are predicting close games throughout the league, which means fantasy football owners will need a big day from their quarterback.

Fantasy owners that started Peyton Manning and Colin Kaepernick enjoyed big outings from the signal callers that probably allowed 99.9% percent of those teams to cruise to victory. Both players are must starts in Week 2, along with some other major players from the first week of the season. With that being said, there will be some new quarterbacks jumping into the top 10, which is why it is important for fantasy owners to research as much as possible before finalizing their starting lineup.

Numerous NFL teams played very well on defense in Week 1, with some even coming off as a surprise. It certainly has to be a concern for some owners who are still having a difficult time deciding which quarterback to start this week.

The following slideshow is taking into consideration not only what the 10 quarterbacks did last week, but more importantly, what the defense they will be going up against in Week 2 will give them. For instance, Terrelle Pryor recorded 19 fantasy points in Week 1, which was good for 13th among quarterbacks. However, the fact that he is playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that struggled with the read-option offense in Week 1, means he is a lock for a solid performance in Week 2.

Make sure to click through the slideshow to see the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 2 based on matchups.

10. Terrelle Pryor

As I already stated, Pryor is a must start for someone that needs an unexpectedly productive day from their quarterback. The fact that he is only owned in 21.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football leagues means you could be one of the very few people who take advantage of a layup in Week 2.

9. Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler is in a contract year, which means anyone who has him on their roster is going to enjoy some solid performances throughout the season. It may not be every week that Cutler comes through because he is still going to through those picks. However, the Minnesota Vikings surrendered a whopping 357 passing yards and two touchdowns last week. Considering Cutler has Brandon Marshall on his side, expect a big game from the quarterback.

8. Eli Manning

The New York Giants’ running game is dismal at best. The fact that they are not exactly sure who will take first-team reps this Sunday is a huge issue. What does that mean? Anyone with Eli Manning on their fantasy team better start him. It is true that he might through an interception or two, but the fact that he will be passing the ball all day long will make up for it.

7. Colin Kaepernick

If Kaepernick were not playing the Seattle Seahawks this week, he would definitely be higher on this list after his dismantling of the Green Bay Packers’ defense. However, the Seahawks have arguably the best pass defense in the league, which means Kaepernick will be slowed. With that being said, his 30 fantasy points from Week 1 means he still is a must start.

6. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford will be going up against an Arizona Cardinals defense that allowed 299 yards through the air and two passing touchdowns in Week 1. Not to mention, the Cardinals proved to be solid against the run, which means Stafford will be passing frequently. With Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson having big-time performances in Week 1, expect Stafford to target the same playmakers on his way to another great fantasy week.

5. Cam Newton

Anyone who owns Cam Newton certainly was disappointed with his Week 1 fantasy performance. However, expect the signal caller to step it up this week against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are not exactly familiar with the read-option offense, which means Newton is going to rack up the rushing yards. Also, Buffalo’s secondary still has some injuries so expect a big day through the air, as well. Sitting Newton because of his lack of fantasy points on Sunday would be a massive mistake.

4. Michael Vick

Michael Vick exploded in Week 1 to record an unexpected 25 fantasy points. Many owners believed it was possible for Vick to step up to this level, but there were still some doubters considering it was Chip Kelly’s first game as a NFL head coach. After Matt Schaub rocked the San Diego Chargers’ defense (329 surrendered passing yards, three touchdowns) on Monday night, expect Vick to do the same thing.

3. Drew Brees

Drew Brees had a solid performance against a quality defense in Week 1. Most owners signed up for more than 20 fantasy points from the quarterback, but nonetheless, it was a good start. Brees could have another slow week after seeing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense step their game up. However, I believe Brees will come out firing, even if Tampa Bay’s defensive numbers suggest otherwise.

2. Peyton Manning

The way Manning dismantled a talented defense during the NFL season opener was quite the sight to see. Fantasy owners cannot expect the veteran to put up seven touchdowns every weekend, but they can expect a solid performance against the Giants in Week 2.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay receivers locked out of sync in the first half of Sunday’s contest. However, after they picked things up in the second half, Rodgers finished the game with 24 fantasy points. It was not exactly what owners who selected him in the first round had in mind, but it is certainly nothing to complain about. There is no way Rodgers will allow the Packers to lose their home opener and fall to 0-2 on the season, which means owners can expect a boost from the signal caller in Week 2.