2012 Fantasy Football Week 6: Quarterback Rankings and Projections

The Broncos will have their ups and downs on offense, but what we do know after five weeks is that Peyton Manning’s fantasy value is solid. This week the Broncos play the San Diego Chargers in what could be another high-scoring affair between Manning and Philip Rivers. 

Manning does a good job of keeping the running game involved, but if the Broncos are going to win this road game, they will need No. 18 to lead the charge and play turnover-free football. This has been a problem for Manning against the Chargers, a team that he had issues with back in Indianapolis.

That said, in a week that has Drew Brees on a bye, Tom Brady playing in Seattle and Aaron Rodgers playing in Houston, we should look to Manning as one of the better starts of the week.

What Did We Learn From Week 5?

The Patriots running the football with regularity wasn’t anything new last week. What's worth noting is that quarterbacks with an effective running gaming won’t have to throw the football enough to be a start-worthy option in fantasy leagues.

This doesn't bode well for Tom Brady owners, who selected the QB in the first round of their draft. A high price tag for sure, and you never really know which week Brady will have a poor performance.

Unless you have a backup that you’re sure will have a big game, keeping Brady in your lineup is the best way to go.

I’m sure fantasy owners with Aaron Rodgers are more than frustrated with his low yardage number last week in what turned out to be a high-scoring game. Can’t blame you, and if the Packers struggle to give him fair pass protection against the Texans this week, he will likely disappoint again.

Rodgers has really only had two good matchups through six weeks, and failing to post big numbers last week is a killer for fantasy owners who selected him so high on draft day.

Sean’s Week 6 Watch List

This could be a big week for both Tony Romo and Joe Flacco, but on paper, we have to view it as a below-average matchup. It all really depends on how the Cowboys come out and play on any given Sunday.

Will Romo play like a Pro Bowler, or will his teammates let him down, forcing him to do too much and thus making mistakes?

Andrew Luck should lead his team to another victory over the Jets, but don’t expect the kind of numbers he had against the Packers. New York is unlikely to post much of a threat on offense, but while they are running the football, they are killing the clock as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Robert Griffin plays, but we should keep an eye on his accuracy and if he’s favoring anything while he throws.

The 49ers crossed the Giants up last year in their regular-season matchup by coming out and throwing the football. Smith did a terrific job throwing last week against the Bills and he will be called upon again in this game.

If Brandon Weeden can make big plays against the Giants secondary, anyone can. Smith will benefit from the Giants trying to stop the run, much like Weeden did at times last week.

1	Matt Ryan	Raiders
2	Philip Rivers	Broncos
3	Peyton Manning	@ Chargers
4	Michael Vick	Lions
5	Ben Roethlisberger	@ Titans
6	Aaron Rodgers	@ Texans
7	Matthew Stafford	@ Eagles
8	Robert Griffin III (I)	Vikings
9	Tom Brady	@ Seahawks
10	Matt Schaub	Packers
11	Eli Manning	@ 49ers
12	Joe Flacco	Cowboys
13	Andrew Luck	@ Jets
14	Christian Ponder	@ Redskins
15	Alex Smith	Giants
16	Tony Romo	@ Ravens
17	Andy Dalton	@ Browns
18	Ryan Fitzpatrick	@ Cardinals
19	Josh Freeman	Chiefs
20	Carson Palmer	@ Falcons

Week 6 Standard Rankings – RB | WR | TE | K | D |