Matt Ryan @ Texans
It’s unfortunate that Matt Schaub nor Matt Leinart will be on the field for the Texans, because this matchup had the makings for a shootout. That said, Ryan has been on a hot streak of late as he’s thrown for no less few than 262 yards in each of his past three games and at least 32 passing attempts in each game as well.
I still knock the Falcons for not taking more shots down the field, but with Ryan having so much success, it’s hard not to recommend him as a start-worthy quarterback. Roddy White has clearly stepped his game up, as has Harry Douglas in the slot. With Julio Jones coming back last week, Ryan now has his full complement of pass catchers, and Jones should get more opportunities down the field as he continues to work his way back from a troublesome hamstring injury.
The Texans do a good job against the run, so look for the Falcons to use Michael Turner to keep the defense honest. But they'll really lean on Ryan to win the game, like last week against the Vikings.
Matthew Stafford @ Saints
The Lions just aren’t the same when defenses aren’t forced to respect anyone out of the backfield, as they take away the vertical passing game and wait for opportunities to jump on predictable short routes. Toss in Matthew Stafford's struggles with accuracy at times, due to a fractured finger on his throwing hand, and it’s easy to see why the Lions are in danger of missing the playoffs.
Still, Detroit will be throwing the football to win, the rest of the way, and Stafford is worth using this week in what should be a shootout against the Saints. This could be a game where we see Stafford throw over 50 attempts, so expect him to surpass 300 yards and a few touchdowns in this contest.
| 1 | Aaron Rodgers | @ Giants |
| 2 | Drew Brees | Lions |
| 3 | Eli Manning | Packers |
| 4 | Tom Brady | Colts |
| 5 | Cam Newton | @ Buccaneers |
| 6 | Tony Romo | @ Cardinals |
| 7 | Matthew Stafford (I) | @ Saints |
| 8 | Matt Ryan | @ Texans |
| 9 | Ben Roethlisberger (I) | Bengals |
| 10 | Tim Tebow | @ Vikings |
| 11 | Josh Freeman | Panthers |
| 12 | Philip Rivers | @ Jaguars |
| 13 | Vince Young | @ Seahawks |
| 14 | Joe Flacco | @ Browns |
| 15 | Carson Palmer | @ Dolphins |
| 16 | Alex Smith | Rams |
| 17 | Christian Ponder | Broncos |
| 18 | Andy Dalton | @ Steelers |
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