NFL Week 7 Picks: Top Fantasy Football Quarterbacks

It's been a rather strange year at the quarterback position, and fantasy football owners have had great variance in their success because of it. 

However, these NFL Week 7 picks will provide the top flight options and will steer owners in the right direction. 

With Peyton Manning (Colts) and Matt Schaub (Texans) both on a bye this week, there are certainly some surprises that have surged into the rankings. 

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7. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 17: Aaron Rogers #12 of the Green Bay Packers points as he drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field on October 17, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Despite going in the first round of some drafts, Rodgers hasn't quite provided the same impact that he did last season.

Having said that, No. 12 was able to air it out last week and racked up over 300 yards. So why is he seventh?

Rodgers has thrown for over 300 yards just twice this season, and by that same token also has two games of under 200 yards. Additionally, after throwing just seven interceptions all of last season, Rodgers has already reached that mark through just the first six games this year.

He'll still produce, but he's not going to be a fantasy football monster this week, at least.  

6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Brady still hasn't thrown for over 300 yards in a single game this season, so should owners be concerned?

Obviously not, as he's still one of the elite options at the position. However, his days of 300+ yards with multiple scores are most likely behind him as the Pats transition to a different style of play.

The long-haired QB has had two straight mediocre fantasy performances (14 pts, 11 pts), but appears primed for somewhat of a bounce back week. Don't set your expectations too high though, as 20+ points would be a bit of an unrealistic expectation based on what we've seen from him thus far. 

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on while playing the Cleveland Browns on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 28-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Welcome back, Ben.

After a promising debut for Roethlisberger coming off his suspension, his owners have every reason to be excited for the Week 7 matchup against Miami.

The Dolphins defense has shown that it can certainly be exploited (Greg Jennings 86-yard TD catch last week), and Roethlisberger has a similar weapon in WR Mike Wallace. 

Despite Miami ranking 17th in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs, Roethlisberger's owners should ride high and with confidence into this matchup as a 300-yard day is well within reach. 

4. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers in action against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Despite the Chargers being just 2-4, Rivers has been atop fantasy owners' quarterback rankings all season long with his tremendous play. 

With already two 400+ yard games under his belt this season, Rivers is primed for perhaps is most prolific season ever and has endeared himself greatly for those who made him the starting QB on draft day.

With the New England secondary continuing to have problems, the Rivers should have no problem finding plenty of passing lanes all afternoon long, so long as his offensive line can hold up.

The Pats' front seven have improved on pressuring the QB, and the San Diego offensive line has been anything but impressive so far.

Expect a very good, but not great day from No. 17. 

3. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos passes against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens defeated the

There's no doubt that Orton has been the biggest fantasy football surprise this season.

After being projected as a QB2 leading up to the regular season, Orton has really blossomed in his second year with Coach Josh McDaniels and has elevated himself to QB1 status in a hurry.

After beginning the season in Week 1 with 295 yards passing, Orton rattled off four straight games of 300+ yards before seeing his streak snapped against the tough Jets defense in Week 6.

Now facing a much lesser task in the Oakland Raiders, Orton should not only re-start his 300+ yard streak, but should be able to hit for multiple (3+) touchdowns in a game that the Broncos must get a win. 

2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the

After failing to break the 20-point barrier in two consecutive weeks, it was good to see Brees get back on track in Week 6 against the Bucs.

Now with an even tastier matchup against the Browns in Week 7, Brees should have no problem slicing and dicing a secondary that Ben Roethlisberger tore up last week. 

The only potential area of concern for Brees owners is that this game could get out of hand quickly. If that happens, there could be an imbalance in the play calling in favor of the running game.

Odds are that the Saints will want to make a statement with back-to-back dominant victories after losing to the lowly Cardinals, so have no fear and ride Brees toward a victory. 

1. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Cowboys 24-21.

How can a quarterback from a 1-4 team be the No. 1 play heading into this weekend? Desperation.

Romo has played better than very good; he's been absolutely great. Most likely drafted at a bargain rate compared to the other elite passers, Romo has been one of the most consistent options at the position this season and is showing no signs of slowing down.

With three straight 20+ point games to his credit, Romo has his owners looking like the smartest in the game. With a very challenging matchup against the division rival Giants this weekend, Romo is going to need to have his biggest game of the season if they have any chance of pulling out a critical W. 

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