RADIO
Week 10 is in full swing, and we have to find our quarterbacks. We've had some lock-it-in options this year, but we've also had some players that have fallen short. In a week where we have a lot of quality defensive lines with decent matchups, good options are more difficult to find.
In addition to the guys discussed here, there are others with good or bad matchups, but we're trying to focus on ones that maybe you have to think extra about. You may even still start some of the bad matchup guys but as long as you're thinking about it, that's where we come in.
There are six teams on byes this week which makes finding a starting quarterback even more difficult. While a few teams, such as the Washington Redskins, don't inspire quarterback confidence, the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles being off means you're likely missing a starter.
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Look Away Before It Gets Ugly
Sam Darnold vs New York Giants
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold just cannot buy a break. His offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and star running back Le'Veon Bell is now dealing with a knee injury. In Week 10, he doesn't play the NFL's best defense, but he'll likely be adding to his team's NFL-worst total of 37 sacks allowed. In just five games played, he's been sacked 18 times, including an eight-sack massacre at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago.
The New York Giants are "heading" to the Meadowlands this weekend, and their defensive line is looking to get after Darnold early. They've racked up 22 sacks thus far, which is tied for 10th in the NFL, and they're getting it done without elite production coming from any one player. EDGE rusher Markus Golden leads the team with 5.5 sacks while no one else has more than 2.5. Against a Jets team that will be without multiple starting offensive linemen for this week, this Giants Defense can harass Darnold.
Josh Allen @ Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns entered the year with a ton of hype and praise. They had added talented players all over their offense, and it was their time to break out. That hasn't happened for several reasons, but the defense, specifically the pass rush, has been able to keep them in games. Behind defensive end Myles Garrett's 10 sacks, they've been able to harass quarterbacks week in and week out. If Cleveland is going to win this game, the pass rush has to get home and bother the opposing quarterback.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is mobile, athletic, and capable of making great plays. The only problem is that he's also shown a lack of awareness in the pocket that has resulted in him taking far too many sacks. He's been sacked 49 times in just 20 career games. Luckily for him, he'll have his full complement of offensive linemen, but this is one of the best group of pass rushers he's faced this season. On the road against a desperate team, this could be a rough week for him.
Kyle Allen @ Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen took over for quarterback Cam Newton after Week 2. Outside of a drubbing at the hand of the San Francisco 49ers, he's been more than capable as he's 5-1 on the season. On Sunday, he gets a Green Bay Packers Defense that has been susceptible as of late, but a few factors are working against him. He's on the road in Lambeau Field where there is snow on the ground, and he's still without starting tackle Greg Little (concussion). Carolina has also given up 26 sacks on the year.
The Green Bay defense has had some trouble as of late, but they've been consistently getting after the quarterback this season. They're tied for 10th in the NFL with 22 sacks and in the games they've won handily this season, they have generated turnovers. Allen has thrown four picks in six games, and he had six fumbles in his first three games. If the Packers can generate pressure, which they should be able to, they can force Allen into a bad decision or two.
That's More Like It
Brian Hoyer vs Miami Dolphins
Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Brian Hoyer ends up in this spot due to quarterback Jacoby Brissett (knee) being unable to play. The Colts offensive line has been one of the best in football over the last two seasons, and they're a top-10 unit on the year right now despite a couple of down weeks. They've allowed just 16 sacks on the year, and nine of those have come in the last two weeks. They have far more good than bad tape.
In Week 10, they get the Miami Dolphins at home. The Dolphins Defense has just 12 sacks on the year, and they're still not getting after the passer at a consistent rate with an adjusted sack rate of just 5.0 percent. This will be a home game for the Colts and while the Dolphins will be riding high after their first win of the season, most of that has come from the offense under quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Hoyer has a good matchup this week.
Jimmy Garoppolo vs Seattle Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers are undefeated but they get their toughest test of the season on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. However, that test won't be on the defensive side of the ball. Seattle is allowing over 25 points per game, and they're the fifth-worst team in the league in passing yards per game allowed in large part because of their lack of a pass rush. They have just 15 sacks, which is tied for the sixth-worst mark in the NFL.
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hasn't been lighting up the stat sheet this year, but this is as good of a matchup as he's going to get. He's at home with a decent weather forecast against a division rival. The 49ers have an elite defense, but the Seahawks have an elite offense. Quarterback Russell Wilson will find ways to put points on the board, and Jimmy G will have to keep up. Against a bad defense in a game where he will likely have to throw a fair bit, he's got a good matchup.
Mitch Trubisky vs Detroit Lions
Before you come after me about Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, hear me out. He's a mobile passer playing at home against a Detroit Lions Defense that has been rather ineffective at rushing the passer. Trubisky, in the one game he played against Detroit last season, threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. His offensive line is around the middle of the pack at keeping him upright, but this comes down to Trubisky still having the tools to be successful.
The Lions defense has struggled to get after the quarterback, and, outside of the Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, all of their opponents have scored 23 or more points. They're tied for the fifth-worst mark in the NFL with 14 sacks on the year and they're playing on the road. In a lot of league styles, you're not starting Trubisky, but, if he's your third quarterback in a two-QB league where one of your guys is on a bye, you could have a worse option this week.
