Fantasy Football Week 1: 5 QBs to Avoid Starting

Everyone who's ever played fantasy football knows the feeling of having to start a quarterback that isn't going to get the job done.

If you've played long enough, you know what I'm talking about. And if you don't, you will soon enough.

That said, the following QBs are guys who are either shaky against solid defenses, too old, or simply need to gain back their owner's confidence.

To help you set your lineup for Week 1, here are five QBs to steer clear of (provided you have other options).

David Garrard

Ever since taking over for Byron Leftwich in Jacksonville, David Garrard has been spotty at best.

On more than one occasion he's shown signs of brilliance. But more often than not he tries to do too much, and continually makes simple mistakes.

For an entire season, provided you have other solid players, you could ride him into the postseason (at best).

However, with Blaine Gabbert waiting in the shadows, and Tennessee's defense remaining very good, put Garrard on the bench.

Even if he's your No. 1 QB, hope that your backup will perform, because the odds are against David.

Joe Flacco

Even though the Ravens have improved their passing attack by acquiring Lee Evans from Buffalo and drafting Torrey Smith from Maryland, Joe Flacco isn't a premier NFL QB.

He has a better receiving core and a more complete RB than most other QBs in the NFL, but has struggled to put up numbers that really jump out at you.

In addition to that, Baltimore hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, and we all know how much trouble the Ravens have with the Steel Curtain.

If you have Flacco, sit him, and find someone else.

Preferably someone who's not playing the Steelers. 

Tony Romo

Last season Tony Romo was limited to six games after he fractured his clavicle in late October.

Now he is back as a QB that could be a solid starter for you all season. However, he must earn your confidence back because it's never easy returning to your former self after a serious injury.

To make matters worse, the Cowboys get to play the Jets on the road in game one.

We all know how good of a defense New York has and, by the way, Dallas no longer has WR Roy Williams or RB Marion Barber (both in Chicago).

Romo will come around as the season progresses, but you don't want to jump the gun on him early, as he'll definitely be rusty in the beginning.

Donovan McNabb

He's 34 years old and, as hard as it is to say, Donovvan McNabb is running on fumes (at best).

With the Redskins in 2010, McNabb set careers lows that are evident of any aging QB not named Brett Favre.

He only played in 13 games (fourth least in a season), threw 14 TDs (lowest total since rookie year), and 15 interceptions (most of his career).

Sure he's never had a back like Adrian Peterson behind him, but it's time for the Vikings to actually use a young QB.

WR Sidney Rice is gone, but they do have Michael Jenkins, Bernard Berrian, and Percy Harvin.

Problem is, this week Minnesota travels to San Diego to play the Chargers who, by the way, have a top five defense and will have no problem shutting McNabb down.

Eli Manning

The tricky thing about Eli Manning, is that he comes up big in clutch situations. But, while at times giving you the highest of highs, Eli also gives you the lowest of lows.

This week the Giants travel to our nation's capital to play the Washington Redskins, whom everyone thinks will be dismal in 2011.

While that may be true, the Redskins still have a solid defense with players such as London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, and LaRon Landry.

They also drafted pass rush beast Ryan Kerrigan out of Purdue in round one, so don't think there won't be any added pressure on Manning when he's in the pocket.

Plus, CB DeAngelo Hall is always someone to be aware of when trying to pass the ball on Washington, as he's a solid cover corner.

In addition, the Giants no longer have TE Kevin Boss or slot WR Steve Smith as a outlet for Eli when he's under duress.

Be sure to check on John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.