Sleeper Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, LA Rams (at Arizona)
Stafford threw for over 300 yards last week despite losing Puka Nacua less than halfway into the game. This in one of the worst passing weeks across the NFL in recent memory. Tyler Johnson looked up to the task of replacing Nacua, as the Rams actually came back to force overtime after Nacua went out. This week, they'll face an Arizona defense that gave up 34 points to Buffalo. Stafford isn't a high-ceiling play, but he has a higher floor than some quarterbacks we drafted well ahead of him.
Geno Smith, Seattle (at New England)
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb installed a more conservative offense than the one we saw at the University of Washington last year that produced two of the top 10 picks in the draft (Atlanta QB Michael Penix Jr., Chicago WR Rome Odunze) and two other second-day rookie receivers who had significant day one roles (New England WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Tampa Bay WR Jalen McMillan). Smith still got a fantasy bump by adding 30 yards and a score as a runner. The Bengals were thwarted by the Patriots last week, but Ja'Marr Chase was covered well by Christian Gonzalez while Tee Higgins was out. The Seahawks have much better wide receivers to test the Patriots secondary. Smith could have a solid road game and provide a better option than quarterbacks we drafted to start who are facing tough matchups like Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, and Caleb Williams, or provide a fine Jordan Love replacement.
Daniel Jones, NY Giants (at Washington)
Maybe we shouldn't completely judge Jones with Brian Daboll back at play-caller until we see what he does on Sunday. The Vikings defense is very aggressive under Brian Flores, and the Giants offensive line is a work in progress. The Commanders defense is similarly a work in progress, and they made Baker Mayfield look like Tom Brady in Tampa last week. Jones has rushing upside and Malik Nabers. He could be a surprise hit this week.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh (at Denver)
Fields was smart and safe with the ball, which didn't result in much for fantasy as a passer. But he did get numerous designed runs and should again this weekend. The Steelers were able to kick six field goals, and they were also stopped on fourth down inside the Falcons 10-yard line. Fields could easily break free for a big gain or two and a touchdown or two as a runner, and the defense could set up the offense with more short fields. He also threw for 335 yards and four scores against the Broncos last year. He has more upside than his Week 1 result indicated.
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