Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings: Drew Brees and the Top QBs

In this new era of NFL football, it's not uncommon to see at least 12 quarterbacks post above average passing numbers on a given week. Just take a look through the first three weeks of the 2011 season. The passing game is taking over the NFL, and the numbers for quarterbacks are through the roof. 

As we head into Week 4 of the NFL season, here are the 12 quarterbacks who will have solid statistical numbers over the weekend:  

The Obvious 4
 

Tom Brady, Patriots: Despite the four interceptions, Brady still had almost 400 yards and four scores against the Bills. He's a lock every week for big numbers.   

Aaron Rodgers, Packers: The Broncos are third worst in the NFL in opposing passer rating at 106.8, and Rodgers is the NFL's leader in that category. You do the math. 

Philip Rivers, Chargers: Rivers was shaky against the Chiefs and the Dolphins have improved slightly since their 500-yard Week 1 debacle. But how can you bet against Rivers in this matchup?  

Drew Brees, Saints: The Jaguars have been stifling against the pass in 2011 (just 196 yards/game allowed), but they've yet to face an elite quarterback. Last I checked, Brees is exactly that.

The Middle 5

Matthew Stafford, Lions: The Cowboys pass rush present the Lions a problem, especially on the road. But just like we saw last week against the Vikings, this offense is too difficult to hold down for 60 minutes. Stafford is a big reason for that.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills: The way he's playing, Fitzpatrick might find himself in the 'Obvious 4' before long. He's a solid bet to put up big numbers against the Bengals.

Matt Ryan, Falcons: I've never been the biggest Ryan fan, but he's got a good matchup against the Seahawks on Sunday. Ryan has also started to find first-round pick Julio Jones on a more consistent basis. 

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Big Ben will face a Texans team still in the infancy of the 3-4 defense, and that's a look he's seen in practice throughout his career. If his line can get him any kind of time, he should be able to find the holes.

Rex Grossman, Redskins: It's still surprising to me that Grossman is now a legitimate fantasy starter. He'll face a drowning Rams team this weekend that has struggled to stop the pass all season.

The Unexpected 4
 

Chad Henne, Dolphins: Facing the Chargers doesn't seem like an ideal matchup, but consider this: San Diego is second-worst in the NFL in opposing passer rating (108.5). Henne will get his chances.

Cam Newton, Panthers: The Bears' vaunted defense has struggled against the pass in 2011, and while a rookie still worries me in Chicago, Newton has the athleticism to put a lot of pressure on a Cover 2 look.  

Jason Campbell, Raiders: Until we see the Patriots stop a passing offense, it's safe to assume the opposing quarterback will post solid numbers. With a strong running game at his disposal, Campbell should be seeing favorable matchups outside. 

Jay Cutler, Bears: After some of the throws he attempted on Sunday, it pains me to include him on this list. However, the Panthers have been one of the worst against the pass in 2011.