Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Week 1 of the 2009 season is officially in the books, and it feels like it took forever to get to this point. The first week of the season saw some great performances by quarterbacks, including six touchdowns by Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, as well as some downright atrocious ones, like the four-interception performance by Jake Delhomme of the Carolina Panthers.

In injury news, Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, Donovan McNabb, went down in the third quarter with broken ribs, after throwing for only 79 yards. The good news, he did have three total touchdowns before the injury. McNabb was replaced by Kevin Kolb. McNabb is hoping to play this week against the Saints, but he is listed as questionable and the Eagles did go out and sign Jeff Garcia as insurance. Should McNabb not be able to go, Kolb would get the starting nod this week, but this is a situation all McNabb owners should keep a close eye on this week.

And so we don’t get too far off topic, here are the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 2 Quarterback Rankings.

1. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) @ Miami

In the off-season, one of the main things the Miami Dolphins wanted to address was their pass defense. The Dolphins made a few additions, most notably safety Gibril Wilson, but that didn’t stop them from yielding 229 passing yards and two touchdowns to Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. The Indianapolis Colts lost wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, a popular preseason sleeper, to injury and he’ll be out 2-6 weeks, but that shouldn’t affect quarterback Peyton Manning too much. The Dolphins were very susceptible to passes to the tight end against Atlanta, and the Colts have one of the game’s best in Dallas Clark at that position so expect a good game from Manning.
Point Projection: 24 Points

2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) vs Cincinnati

Aside from the fluke 87-yard touchdown pass Brandon Stokely caught off a tipped ball from cornerback Leon Hall, the Cincinnati Bengals defense actually played pretty well against the Denver Broncos last week. But, the Broncos are in a state of transition right now and quarterback Kyle Orton is limited in what he brings to an offense. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are not limited at all and should have no problem exploiting mismatches against the Bengals secondary, which is still not good against the pass. Rodgers had only a pretty good game against the Chicago Bears last week as he had 184 yards with just one touchdown and no interceptions, but he played well when the team needed him the most. This week against the Bengals you can expect much more favorable state line from Rodgers.
Point Projection: 22 Points

3. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) @ Philadelphia

Brees and the Saints looked unstoppable in the preseason and they continued that trend with a dominating performance in the win over the Lions last week. Brees was especially on point as he threw for 358 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. Will Brees throw six touchdowns every week? Of course not, but he’s still in the top three this week even though he’s going against a good Philadelphia defense that forced four interceptions last week. Brees and the Saints offense are much better than Delhomme and the Panthers so even though the New Orleans quarterback won’t come close to replicating his performance last week in this game, he’ll still have a good showing.
Point Projection: 21 Points

4. Tom Brady (New England Patriots) @ New York Jets

The Jets had the pieces in place for a good defense, and it appears new head coach Rex Ryan has started to shape those pieces into an elite defense like he had when he was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore. However, it’s a lot easier to game plan for the Houston Texans and Matt Schaub than it is for the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Though Brady started slow last week against the Buffalo Bills, he ended the game strong as he finished 39-for-53 for 378 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Expect another good game from Brady, though not one as good as last week.
Point Projection: 20 Points

5. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks) @ San Francisco

Last week against an overwhelmed St. Louis Rams defense the Seattle Seahawks passing game looked incredible. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck repeatedly took advantage of mismatches and rolled up 279 passing yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh along with Nate Burleson - who combined for 13 catches for 122 yards - helped a lot but it was the play of tight end John Carlson that really allowed Hasselbeck to be successful. And this week against the San Francisco 49ers the Seahawks will likely use a similar scheme on offense. The 49ers don’t have anybody to match up with Carlson when they have 3-4 wide receivers on the field, which is what makes Hasselbeck another good play this week.
Point Projection: 19 Points

6. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers) vs. Baltimore

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers did not get off to the start he had hoped in the game against the Oakland Raiders last week. Perhaps frustrated at his play early in the game or the poor offensive line play, Rivers bounced back in the second half. Even though he’s going against a tough Baltimore defense, it’s the same defense that allowed Kansas City quarterback Brodie Croyle to throw for 177 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
Point Projection: 18 Points

7. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Carolina

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had no trouble playing well against a supposedly revamped Miami secondary, and while some of that credit goes to his growth as a quarterback, the majority of it lays with tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez helped the Falcons find the holes in the Dolphins secondary, which proved to be particularly effective on third down. The Panthers didn’t give up a lot of yards in their opener, but did allow 38 points. The Panthers will find it hard to come up with a game plan that will stop Ryan, Gonzalez and running back Michael Turner so expect another good game from the second-year quarterback.
Point Projection: 18 Points

8. Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit

The story from the Minnesota Vikings’ first game was running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Peterson’s play was so good that perhaps it overshadowed a solid and efficient performance by quarterback Brett Favre. In the win over the Browns, Favre went 14-for-21 for 110 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Since Favre is still getting acclimated to the team and the playbook, and the Vikings have Peterson, Favre probably won’t be posting any 300-yard games anytime soon. However, this week he’s matched up against the Lions, who found a way to give up six touchdown passes last week. Thus, Favre should have a solid day.
Point Projection: 18 Points

9. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) vs. New York Giants

Could it be that the departure of wide receiver Terrell Owens is just what the Dallas Cowboys offense needed? After the way the offense and quarterback Tony Romo played in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week it appears that way. Romo went 16-for-27 for 353 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. And the Cowboys displayed often the ability to create big plays as Romo’s touchdown passes were 42, 66 and 80 yards long. The Giants have a good secondary and one of the league’s best defensive lines, but that may not be enough to stop Romo in this game.
Point Projection: 17 Points

10. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Chicago

One thing became abundantly clear about the Pittsburgh offense in the team’s overtime win over the Tennessee Titans last week and that is the Steelers can’t run the ball. Now, obviously Tennessee features one of the best run defenses in the league, but the Chicago Bears aren’t exactly a bunch of slouches either. To win this game, the Steelers will need to rely on the arm of Big Ben, who apparently has found a new favorite receiver in Santanio Holmes. Roethlisberger may throw a pick or two in this game but it won’t outweigh his production.
Point Projection: 17 Points

11. Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals) @ Jacksonville

After playing so well last season, quarterback Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals offense struggled in a losing effort to the 49ers last week. Warner did throw for 288 yards and a touchdown but he also threw two interceptions and completed just 59 percent of his passes. The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to keep the game with the Colts close last week, but they did give up 294 passing yards in the process. Arizona still has some issues to iron out on offense, especially if the running game continues to suck, so while Warner should be a solid play this week, don’t expect an explosive performance.
Point Projection: 16 Points

12. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) @ San Diego

The growth made by quarterback Joe Flacco from his rookie season has been tremendous, and it was evident how much the Baltimore Ravens trust him as he was allowed to operate out of multiple formations and make a ton of different throws in the win over the Kansas City Chiefs last week. Consider that Flacco is working with one of the game’s premier offensive coordinators in Cam Cameron, who helped develop Rivers in San Diego, and it’s easy to see why Flacco will be leaned upon this season instead of being asked simply not to lose games. The match-up with San Diego is not an easy one, but Flacco will play well as the Chargers will focus a lot of attention on stopping the running game.
Point Projection: 16 Points

13. Trent Edwards (Buffalo Bills) vs. Tampa Bay

Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards had a wildly inconsistent preseason as he tried to learn the new no-huddle offense, and heading into a week one match-up with the Patriots, well, things didn’t look good. But, Edwards went out behind a young and inexperienced offensive line and handled the Patriots like a true professional, including leading the late fourth-quarter touchdown drive that almost won the game for the Bills before Leodis McKelvin screwed everything up. Expect another solid performance this week against a weaker Tampa Bay defense.
Point Projection: 16 Points

14. Eli Manning (New York Giants) @ Dallas

The New York Giants are known for their strong defense and good running game, yet it was the play of quarterback Eli Manning that helped lead the team to a win over the Washington Redskins last week. Manning went 21-for-29 for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception against an improved Redskins defense. Defense was supposed to be a strength for the Cowboys, but they allowed Byron Leftwich to throw for 276 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Manning can expect a similar performance this week as he had in week one.
Point Projection: 15 Points

15. Chad Pennington (Miami Dolphins) vs. Indianapolis

Faced with a match-up against a tough Atlanta defense Miami quarterback Chad Pennington still played well as he was 21-for-29 for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception. It’s important for Pennington to play well because most teams know the Dolphins are going to try to run the ball a lot, which should keep things open for Pennington. Indianapolis does have a solid defense, but without safety Bob Sanders, Pennington should enjoy another solid game.
Point Projection: 15 Points

16. Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears) vs. Pittsburgh

There’s no other way to spin it other than Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was terrible in his regular-season debut with the Bears as he threw four interceptions in a loss to the Packers. It could have been worse as there were at least two other passes from Cutler that could have been intercepted. We know Cutler isn’t that bad, that it’s just more of a case of him still getting used to the offense and trying to make a play. He should be better this week even against a tough Steelers defense, which will be stronger against the run than the pass.
Point Projection: 14 Points

17. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Green Bay

Don’t expect Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer to go out and throw four interceptions to the Packers defense like Cutler did last week. Palmer did throw two interceptions last week, but one came on a tipped pass and the other came on a Hail Mary play at the very end of the game. Palmer is more efficient with the ball, and he’ll need to be against a surprisingly strong Green Bay defense.
Point Projection: 13 Points

18. Matt Cassel/Brodie Croyle (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Oakland

At the time this article was written, it was still unclear if Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel would be healthy enough to return from his MCL sprain or if backup Brodie Croyle would get his second consecutive start. Either way the quarterback that plays for Kansas City faces a favorable match-up against the Oakland Raiders. Oakland features one of the league’s best cornerbacks in Nnamdi Asomugha, but he can’t cover the entire field - something Rivers showed in the 4th quarter of week one.
Point Projection: 13 Points

19. Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins) vs. St. Louis

Though Washington quarterback Jason Campbell did throw for 211 yards in a losing effort to the Giants, he also had an interception and lost a fumble. Campbell looked OK against the Giants at times, but for some reason still appears far away from reaching his potential. The only reason he’s not lower on the list is because he has a favorable match-up against the Rams, who gave up three touchdowns last week.
Point Projection: 13 Points

20. Kyle Orton (Denver Broncos) vs. Cleveland

The Browns pass defense wasn’t too good last week as it allowed Favre to complete 66.7 percent of his passes. If only Denver quarterback Kyle Orton had looked better against a weak Cincinnati pass defense he would be higher on this list but he struggled. Not counting the last completion, which was a fluke of a play, Orton completed just 59 percent of his passes and had 156 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Point Projection: 12 points

21. Brady Quinn (Cleveland Browns) @ Denver

Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn was a little inconsistent last week but a good sign for him was that he completed 60 percent of his passes, much higher than the 50 percent he had all of last season. Still Quinn has a lot of work to do and faces a secondary with Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. Don’t expect too much out of Quinn in this game.
Point Projection: 12 Points

22. Matt Schaub (Houston Texans) @ Tennessee

We’ve said for a while that when healthy, Houston quarterback Matt Schaub is a good player, yet he didn’t display those skills in the loss to the Jets last week. In that game, Schaub was 18-for-33 for 166 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. This week Schaub goes against a Tennessee defense that’s highly regarded but did allow Roethlisberger to throw for 363 yards. Still, be careful with Schaub this week.
Point Projection: 11 Points

23. Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans) vs. Houston

Tennessee quarterback Kerry Collins threw for 244 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Steelers, but he only threw so much because he had to. With the Steelers stuffing the running game, Collins had to go to the air, and that won’t be the case in this game. Tennessee should be able to run more effectively against the Texans, meaning a diminished role in this game for Collins.
Point Projection: 11 Points

24. Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) vs. New England

In his regular-season debut for the Jets, quarterback Mark Sanchez was pretty good as he was 18-for-31 for 272 yards with one touchdown and one interception, not to mention he outplayed his counterpart in Schaub. It won’t be as easy this week against a New England defense that’s good at creating pressure from a lot of different angles and disguising coverages. Sanchez will struggle in this one.
Point Projection: 11 Points

25. David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Arizona

Against Indianapolis last week, Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard was mediocre as he finished 14-for-28 for 122 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. A more aggressive Arizona defense won’t make things any easier for Garrard even though the Jaguars are playing at home.
Point Projection: 10 Points

26. Byron Leftwich (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Buffalo

Leftwich did throw for 276 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys in a week one loss, but the Buccaneers were playing from behind for most of the game, thus fostering the need to throw often. This week Leftwich faces a tougher match-up against a good group of defensive backs in Buffalo, especially cornerback Terrence McGee and safety Donte Whitner. Don’t expect much from Leftwich in this game.
Point Projection: 10 Points

27. Marc Bulger (St. Louis Rams) @ Washington

It appears St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger may be nearing the end of his time as the starter for the Rams. Bulger was bad last season and did himself no favors last week against Seattle as he was just 17-for-36 for 191 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The Washington defense won’t provide any relief for Bulger this week.
Point Projections: 9 Points

28. Shaun Hill (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Seattle

San Francisco quarterback Shaun Hill managed to throw for 209 yards and a touchdown, as well as orchestrating a come-from-behind win last week over the Cardinals. However, Hill’s touchdown was a dump-off pass to running back Frank Gore, and Hill only completed 58 percent of his passes. The Seattle defense dominated the Rams last week and frustrated Bulger often, so one can assume Hill won’t have a good game.
Point Projection: 9 Points

29. JaMarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders) @ Kansas City

It appeared Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell was playing well early in the game against the Chargers. He was looking off defensive backs, going through his progressions and making good decisions. Then, he reverted to his old ways of staring down his receivers and making poor throws, excluding the long bomb to an open Louis Murphy. The Kansas City pass defense has a lot of holes in it, which is the primary reason why Russell isn’t last on the list this week.
Point Projection: 9 Points

30. Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. New Orleans

McNabb is doing what he can to start this week, but at the time this article was put together, it appeared likely that backup Kevin Kolb was going to get the start. Kolb was a second round pick but has yet to show why as he has a career completion percentage of 53.3 and has four interceptions with no touchdowns. There’s nothing to indicate that Kolb will play well in this game and shouldn’t even be considered in deep leagues for those needing a spot start.
Point Projection: 8 Points

31. Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) @ Atlanta

In his last two games, Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme has thrown a combined nine interceptions. He was so bad last week against the Eagles that he was eventually pulled from the game and spent the rest of the time on the bench. Coach John Fox is standing by Delhomme and says he will start this week, but against a really good Falcons defense that’s not a good idea.
Point Projection: 7 points

32. Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) vs. Minnesota

There’s no doubt that Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has a lot of potential and a good career lays ahead of him. But with three interceptions and no touchdowns last week against New Orleans, it’s clear that he’s going to need a lot of time to develop before realizing that potential.
Point Projection: 6 Points

Week 2 Rankings:  QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF  (click to read)

Week 2 Start & Sit:  Start ‘Em | Sit ‘Em  (click to read)

Week 2 Waiver Wire Advice:  Pick Them Up  | Cut Them Loose

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