2011 NFL Fantasy Football Week 5: Quarterbacks (QB) Rankings / Projections

Matt Ryan vs. Packers

The Falcons haven’t looked like a playoff team this year. Their secondary couldn’t even hold Tarvaris Jackson to under 300 yards passing last week, as the Seahawks almost came from way behind to win. While Ryan will get knocked around this year, he’s likely to throw for over 4,000 yards and throw close to 30 touchdowns. Rookie Julio Jones has picked it up in recent weeks, and his 11 receptions in Seattle improves Ryan’s value as a fantasy option.

While the Packers are likely to win, their secondary has had a hard time slowing down opposing passing attacks. I’m sure Atlanta wants to exert some payback after Green Bay beat them in the playoffs. Look to Ryan as a start-worthy option this week as the Falcons will be throwing most of the second half.

Eli Manning vs. Seahawks

Look for the Giants running backs to have good games this week, but Eli Manning should have a respectable game and is a likely option for at least 250 yards passing and two touchdowns. Mario Manningham clearly wasn’t active in the team's victory over the Cardinals but Victor Cruz continues to be an active target. Lest we forget Hakeem Nicks, who broke loose for a huge game yesterday, also improves Manning's upside.

Mark Sanchez @ Patriots

I had Mark Sanchez as the 10th-ranked quarterback this week before the Jets faced off against the Ravens defense. If center Nick Mangold can’t play, Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth (if he plays) should do their best Haloti Ngata impressions, barreling through the gap and tossing Sanchez around like a rag doll. If the Jets can’t figure out a way to pass protect, Sanchez will miss out on what should be a decent fantasy day against the Patriots shaky secondary.

If you have Sanchez as a backup and your normal starter like Tony Romo is on a bye week, then roll the dice, but if not you might want to look for another option. Monitor Mangold’s progress in practice this week.

More WK 5 Rankings – QB | RB | WR | TE |   Flex |

Week 5 Bye Weeks – Browns, Cowboys, Rams, Dolphins, Redskins, Ravens

1	Aaron Rodgers	@ Falcons
2	Drew Brees	@ Panthers
3	Philip Rivers	@ Broncos
4	Matthew Stafford	Bears
5	Tom Brady	Jets
6	Michael Vick	@ Bills
7	Cam Newton	Saints
8	Matt Ryan	Packers
9	Eli Manning	Seahawks
10	Ryan Fitzpatrick	Eagles
11	Kevin Kolb	@ Vikings
12	Jason Campbell	@ Texans
13	Jay Cutler	@ Lions
14	Mark Sanchez	@ Patriots
15	Josh Freeman	@ 49ers
16	Matt Schaub	Raiders
17	Matt Hasselbeck	@ Steelers
18	Ben Roethlisberger (I)	Titans