Honorable mention Start: Jordan Love (GB), Russell Wilson (PIT), Justin Herbert (LAC)
Honorable mention Sit: Josh Allen (BUF), Joe Flacco (IND), Gardner Minshew II (LVR)
Start: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
I’m going back to the well here for the second week in a row, but what can I say – Brock has (most of) his weapons back, and when he does, the 9ers COOK. Four straight top-10 finishes, and he’s going to make it five this week. Jauan Jennings has stepped into the Aiyuk role nicely, and Ricky Pearsall is coming on at the right time. The Seahawks aren’t terrible against the position, but it won’t matter – the 49ers are rolling, and Brock is in the driver’s seat.
Start: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Speaking of rolling right along, hello, Mr. Hurts. Five straight top 10 finishes and three straight in the top three (four straight in the top four). It’s not coincidental that the rushing touchdowns returned consistently (eight in the last four games). The Commanders have turned into a Top 10 defense against QBs, and reinforcements are on the way as Marshon Lattimore looks to suit up this week. So what, with a capital WHAT. Hurts can beat you seven different ways from Sunday, and this team is LOADED. Washington will have their hands full in this one.
Sit: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Interesting nugget – Patrick Mahomes has averaged 41.3 attempts per game over the last three games, and if you expand that to the last seven, it’s 36.8. Know how many top 10 finishes he has during that time? One. I found that both odd and telling. This team lacks explosive play ability at all offensive levels, and while it’s effective in real-life NFL (undefeated), it’s not helping anyone in fantasy (especially considering where he was drafted). Hopkins has been a nice add, and Kelce has started Kelce’ing again, but it’s so mehhhhh to watch, and we’re not even excited to check the box. Oh, and the Bills are pretty good against opposing QBs, ranking at or near 5th all season long.
Sit: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Jayden has been phenomenal this year, no doubt. And this O/U is the second highest of the week, but I don’t like it. The Eagles have been stupid good against QBs over the last four weeks, and it wasn’t just against schlubs. Yes, one was Cooper Rush, and his negative total definitely weighs the average, but still. Huge O/U, so do what you like here. But there’s cause for concern in my eyes. Philly is on a tear, is at home, and this one is a divisional must.