Michael Vick: Time to Send Philadelphia Eagles QB to Your Fantasy Football Bench

As of the start of the third quarter, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has completed 11 of 21 passes, for 102 yards, one touchdown and a woeful three interceptions, with just 35 rushing yards thus far.

The Eagles' implosion is continuing today against the Buffalo Bills, and Vick's fantasy stock is tanking just as rapidly as his team's chances to make the playoffs. A risky start at the beginning of the season, he's generally thought to be injury prone due to his style of play and a shaky offensive line charged with his protection.

Philadelphia's poor defense isn't doing Vick any favors. Continually behind, Vick is forced to take to the air to make up the deficit. Through four-and-a-half games, this has proved to be difficult for him to do with any consistency. He appears frustrated when faced with playing from behind, forcing poor throws and making bad decisions.

When all you really need from your fantasy quarterback (aside from a five-touchdown day every once in a while) is consistent play, Vick has turned from a sure-thing fantasy behemoth to a questionable start in a mere five weeks.

Already this week, I recommended that Vick be benched for the Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford or the Panthers' Cam Newton. If you have either of these two players, or any other more solid fantasy quarterbacks, benching (or even trading) Vick may be worth considering.

Granted, a good performance from Vick can win you your week, but a poor performance can tank your chances. Now that the threat of the latter appears to be more likely than the former, he's gone from the top echelon of fantasy quarterbacks to nearly a pariah. To bench Vick now appears far less risky than to play him.