Fantasy Football Week 10: Rising Quarterbacks

Week 10 is not a friendly week to owners of top quarterbacks. Philip Rivers, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers are all on a bye week. Although, it is the last week fantasy owners have to worry about finding suitable replacements for bye weeks. This article will get you through this week's bye woes and provide you quality quarterbacks who can fill in nicely.

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks for an open receiver against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

When Sam Bradford came out of Oklahoma, there were many concerns because he suffered two shoulder injuries his junior season, which ended prematurely due to surgery. The Rams were unconcerned and picked Bradford with the first pick of the 2010 NFL draft. Since then, Bradford has been a very productive rookie for the Rams.

The same can be said in fantasy football land. Bradford has been a good choice for owners who took a chance on him. Even with his favorite target Mark Clayton's season ending with an injury, Bradford has been able to find other options in the passing game. Bradford has a favorable game this week against a 20th-ranked San Francisco 49ers pass defense.

Shaun Hill, Detroit Lions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions rushes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Many fantasy owners rushed to pick up Matthew Stafford with his return from an injury earlier in the season. What the fantasy owners didn't expect was for Stafford to suffer another injury right away. This time the injury appears to be more serious after Stafford suffered a separated shoulder, which looks to be a season-ending injury.

However, earlier in the season Hill was ranked among the top fantasy performers at quarterback. Hill now looks to step back into that role for the Lions moving forward in the season. Although, Hill has a forearm injury and the Lions are hoping he will be good to go Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Look for Hill to return without missing a beat and hit receivers Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson in stride. With the Lions looking to be a team finally rising up, look for Hill to help the Lions get there.

David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

No one could have expected the game Garrard put up against the Cowboys in Week 8 by throwing four touchdowns after a return from a concussion. Now, Garrard has had a week to rest and prepare for the Houston Texans.

The Texans have the league's worst pass defense, so look for Garrard and the Jaguars to break out their passing game in heavy doses. The Jaguars will come out attacking because they are looking to stay alive in a tight division race with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. Garrard will be a nice fill-in at least for this week with the very favorable game, and will be able to get your fantasy team many points.

Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

What a difference a year makes for the Kansas City Chiefs. Who would have ever guessed that the Chiefs would be the division leaders at this point in the season?

One of the many reasons for this turn around is the development of quarterback Matt Cassel. The offense is vastly improved with a balanced passing and rushing attack. The duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are running the ball effectively, which opens up the passing game. Cassel continues to find his targets such as Dwayne Bowe and Tony Moeaki.

The Chiefs need to win this week, or else they will fall behind the Oakland Raiders in the standings.

Matt Cassel is a good pickup for your team and should continue to put up good fantasy points.

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes in the pocket against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

Another team on the rise this year is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a young team finding success much to the happiness of second-year coach Raheem Morris. Freeman is a second-year quarterback who is coming into his own this season. Also, their passing game is improved with rookies Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. Williams is making a strong case for rookie of the year and is really helping Freeman stand out.

Although Freeman has a tougher match against the Panthers fifth-ranked pass defense, Freeman should still be able to stand the test and put up good fantasy numbers. Look for Freeman to continue to be a solid start in the weeks to come.