QB Rankings for Week 9

Jay Cutler is facing a defense which ranks 25th allowing 233.3 net yards, yards per game and 9 TDs while only gathering 4 interceptions. They can get pressure (17 sacks) which is a concern given the Oline issues the Donkeys have. Over the past 3 weeks, Miami has allowed 808 yards passing. On top of that, Miami will probably score against a struggling defense and Cutler will have to throw to keep ahead. Cutler should be a good start this week and will come out big after his bye.

Kurt Warner is busy playing himself into a contract extention and you should continue to ride along with him. The matchup against a 26th ranked Rams pass defense is tasty - as is the fact that he may have to huck the ball repeteadly since Bulger & Co. will likely score against a suspect Cardinal secondary. Add to it the Cards run game is not playing exceptionally well, it falls to the passing offense to get the job done. Great matchup, great situation - should be a great day.

Against the Seahawks, you have to love Donavan McNabb. The Hawks have allowed over 769 passing yards in the last three games. Westbrook is on his game again, DeSean Jackson continues to excel and Kevin Curtis looked ok in his first game back. McNabb didn't hit the end zoen last week as it was the Westy show, but I expect him to throw more in this matchup.

What's that? You still doubt Kyle Orton? Well, even if you do, this week against the Lions would be the one matchup you really can't argue against. Ranked 31st against the pass, with 258 ypg and 12 TDs given up. Forte will be heavily involved and probably catch some passes. You don't know (aside from Forte) who will get passes thrown their way but they will get thrown, effectively and accurately and Orton will have quite a day against the Lambs, er, Lions.

Manning: The Peyton had an off game for Peyton against the Titans - but a good game for anyone else. The guy who struggled a bit last week will be just fine this week against a mediocre pass defense averaging 206.3 net yards allowed per game, with 11 passing TDs thrown in for good measure. Wayne is banged up which worries me a tad, but he should be fine. I believe Manning - who has been inconsistent, I'll admit - is getting back to where he needs to be to be an effective fantasy Qb. While he will not crack the top 5, he'll be much more consistent, reliable and probably finish close to it.

Other thoughts - I think Marc Bulger has a very good day. Am not completely confident enough to put him in the top 10 but frankly this week he is very close.... I also wouldn't be shocked if Aaron Rodgers has a below par game but he's good enough even in bad matchups to crack the 10..... I am still tempted to start Bulger over Rodgers in at least one league..... Usually a consistent but not blockbuster play, David Garrard could blow up completely against the hapless Bungles and yes they deserve that name again.... Jason Campbell is a good QB in a bad matchup - I'd love to see him transcend the ranking but don't quite have faith about it.....

Quarterbacks

1. Jay Cutler, Broncos vs. Dolphins
2. Kurt Warner, Cardinals at Rams
3. Donovan McNabb, Eagles at Seahawks
4. Kyle Orton, Bears vs. Lions
5. Peyton Manning, Colts vs. Patriots
6. Matt Schaub, Texans at Vikings
7. Eli Manning, Giants vs. Cowboys
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers at Redskins
9. Aaron Rodgers, Packers at Titans
10. David Garrard, Jaguars at Bengals
11. Marc Bulger, Rams vs. Cardinals
12. Chad Pennington, Dolphins at Broncos
13. Matt Ryan, Falcons at Raiders
14. Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers at Chiefs
15. Trent Edwards, Bills vs. Jets
16. Brett Favre, Jets at Bills
17. Jason Campbell, Redskins vs. Steelers
18. Gus Frerotte, Vikings vs. Texans
19. Derek Anderson, Browns vs. Ravens
20. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders vs. Falcons
21. Kerry Collins, Titans vs. Packers
22. Matt Cassel, Patriots at Colts
23. Dan Orlovsky, Lions vs. Bears
24. Brad Johnson, Cowboys at Giants
25. Joe Flacco, Ravens at Browns
26. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals vs. Jaguars
27. Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs vs. Buccaneers
28. Seneca Wallace, Seahawks vs. Eagles

WRs in a little while....