2011 NFL Divisional Round Fantasy Quarterback Rankings

Ryan Lester

Jan 11, 2011

The Seahawks certainly put the wild in the Wild Card round. Eliminated were Michael Vick, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. With that crop of elite quarterbacks out of the mix, let’s take a look at the divisional round rankings.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: He’s truly an elite talent. He does not even need to go to his favorite weapon (Greg Jennings) to put up three touchdown passes. Now he’s Atlanta’s problem. With the 22nd-ranked pass defense, I’m thinking another upset is in the making. Win or lose, Rodgers should put up big numbers.

2. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: No, I’m not sniffing glue. Yes, I did watch Seattle pull of the upset. They were playing at home, though. As long as the weather is decent in Chicago, I think Cutler lights up Seattle’s 27th-ranked pass defense. They are also one of four teams to allow 30-plus passing touchdowns this year.

3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Brady got the Rex Ryan monkey off his back when he threw for 326 yards and four scores in Week 13. Things will be tougher this time around, but I’m still expecting Tom to deliver.

4. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: I realize the Ravens made Matt Cassel look like a guy that should be backing up Tom Brady, but he and the Chiefs did not look ready for the next level that comes with playing in the playoffs. Big Ben and the Steelers don’t have that problem. I think Big Ben rises to the occasion and turns in a solid effort.

5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: I pretty much have the same feelings for Ryan and Joe Flacco. Both face tough defenses this week and will lean on the ground game. I give Ryan the slight edge since he’s playing at home.

6. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: See above. The only thing I’ll add is that I hope Flacco doesn’t try to run like he did last week because he likely won’t last the entire game.

7. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets: The Patriots were 30th against the pass this year, but it’s a new season now and the stakes are higher. Sanchez had mixed performances against the Pats in their two meetings. Facing Belichick a third time is a daunting task for a young quarterback.

8. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks: With all due respect to Hasselbeck, I have to rank him last again. They called a great game and his throws were precise. I just don’t see that style working on the road against the Bears.

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