NFL Backup QBs: Break Glass in Case of Emergency

Yesterday, we looked at Mancuso’s top RB handcuffs, guys you should stash away in case your Stud RB goes down. Now let’s take a look at some QBs that you could be forced to grab if your top QB goes down. It’s a safer practice to draft a good backup, but last year guys like Matt Cassel and even Tyler Thigpen to a degree were fantasy saviors. 

Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals

Perhaps the best of the bunch based on Kurt Warner’s age and the fleet of WRs at his disposal should he get thrown in the mix. If Kurt went down, I would immediately make a play for Leinart. 

Many feel like he’ll never make an impact in this league, but I think he’s been humbled enough that he would make the most out of his next opportunity.

Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns

It appears as if Quinn will win the starting QB gig for the Browns. If the starter were to go down, the backup would have some value as a fantasy backup.

Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys

Kitna has something left in the tank and a familiarity with Cowboys No. 1 WR Roy Williams. With a strong ground game behind him, an elite TE in Jason Witten, and several solid WRs (Roy, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton) Kitna would be worth grabbing off the waiver wire. 

If he proved his worth in his first couple starts, then I would consider rolling with him given the right matchup.

Chris Simms, Denver Broncos

Simms would be a possibility if Kyle Orton went down or struggled. The Broncos have enough weapons on offense, with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, and Knowshon Moreno, that Simms could be a decent spot start in a pinch.

Brodie Croyle, Kansas City Chiefs

Don’t laugh, but I think Croyle could be a decent play in Todd Haley’s offense if Cassel were to go down. There’s actually been some talk that he could push Cassel for the starting gig. I don’t buy it, but he could make for a short leash for Cassel.

Sage Rosenfels, Minnesota Vikings

Sage has been there, done that as far as stepping in to replace a fallen starter. Of course, that is unheard of with Brett Favre, but you never know. The Vikings certainly have enough weapons at his disposal if he did get the call. I just wouldn’t hold your breath.

Kevin O’Connell/Andrew Walter, New England Patriots

Could lightning strike twice? I hope not, but I wouldn’t doubt that either of these guys could get it done with those weapons in that system.

Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles

The weapons are there. Kolb could be a solid replacement as long as Michael Vick didn’t see a big increase in his role.

Don’t Bother with Their Backups

Atlanta: If Matt Ryan goes down, look elsewhere.

Baltimore: Joe Flacco is barely worth owning.

Buffalo: Trent Edwards goes down and they just run more.

Carolina: Ditto.

Chicago: Jay Cutler goes down, stay away.

Cincinnati: Though J.T. O’Sullivan is better than what they had, he’s not good enough.

Detroit: I wouldn’t own Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper.

Green Bay: Don’t trust either second-year QB.

Houston: Their good backup is now a Viking.

Indianapolis: Too much of a timing offense.

Jacksonville: Todd Bouman?  No thanks.

Miami: Chad Henne or Chad Pennington are close, but wouldn’t want either.

New Orleans: Joey Harrington? Mark Brunell. Yuck.

New York Giants: With those wides, I’ll pass.

New York Jets: Unless Mark Sanchez is the backup, then maybe.

Oakland: Really? Even Jeff Garcia couldn’t salvage that bunch.

Pittsburgh: I think the Steelers would just run more.

San Diego: Not much after Philip Rivers.

San Francisco: I don’t like any of their QBs.

St. Louis: Kyle Boller doesn’t do it for me.

Tampa Bay: I don’t think they have the weapons for a viable fantasy QB.

Tennessee: You trusting Vince Young?

Washington: Todd Collins was good in 2007. At 37 I just don’t trust him anymore. I don’t know that Colt Brennan is ready.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.