Pass Rush vs QB Matchups to Watch (Week 2)

September 15, 2018

Wai Sallas identifies quarterbacks to watch in Week 3 based on the opposing pass rush defense. These QB could be players to fade and avoid or to start and stream in fantasy football leagues.

Of the 10 NFL defenses that applied the most pressure to the quarterback in Week 1, seven of them won. Who should you start based on pass rush vs QB matchup? Who should you sit? It's all here in Week 2 of the fantasy football season.

There were surprises in Week 1 (hello Ryan Fitzpatrick), while also instances of normalcy (I don't blame Chicago should they ban the names Aaron or Rodgers from the city's borders), what was consistent is that the majority of fantasy's leaders at quarterback dealt with less pressure than those who caught heat.

Here are the three best and worst matchups for Sunday to consider when setting your lineup. Also check out our Week 2 WR/CB matchups to target when you're done here!

Here Comes Trouble

Philadelphia Pass Rush vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick

There wer a lot of sad survivor players early Sunday as Harvard's finest football player, and bearded warrior, Ryan Fitzpatrick showed out. That high surely won't last into Week 2. Against a highly touted offensive line in Atlanta, the Eagles forced 26 pressures, resulting in four sacks.

The Eagle front four come at you in waves and are unrelenting. According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles provide the most dangerous pass rush in the NFL. After one week of football, Philadelphia pressured the quarterback 16.2 percent of the Falcons' passes last Thursday.

Verdict: Bench 'em

Washington Pass Rush vs. Andrew Luck

Is Andrew Luck back? In Week 1, the former number one pick threw 53 passes. While that is impressive and should give fantasy owners confidence, Luck threw only four of those passes over 15 yards.

Some of that may be situation and gameplan, the other part may be the Colts offensive line is still an issue. Indianapolis conceded 18 percent of pressures into sacks. Washington on the other hand, held David Johnson to under 40 yards, forcing a lot of passing situations. Washington took advantage. Indianapolis' running back crew is not as dangerous as Johnson, which could prove to be a untenable situation for Indianapolis and Luck.

Verdict: Start with extreme caution

Minnesota Pass Rush vs. Aaron Rodgers

It is the first game against the Vikings since Rodgers was lost for the season against those same Vikings in 2017. Rodgers gave the entire state and fantasy community a scare when he went into the locker room with his head down against Chicago in Week 1.

Minnesota looks to be the same ferocious defense it was last season. The Vikings completely befuddled Jimmy Garoppolo last Sunday to the tune of three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Green Bay seemed to have its hands full against the Bears on Sunday night, and the pressure should be even greater this Sunday.

Verdict: What else are you going to do...Start 'em

Easy on Sunday Morning

Detroit Pass Rush vs. Jimmy Garoppolo

If Sam Darnold can get that kind of score in Week 1, what do you think Jimmy G is gonna do on Sunday?

Verdict: Start 'em

Seattle Pass Rush vs. Mitchell Trubisky

Seattle may not admit to it, but the Seahawks are in a full rebuild. Last week, they barely mustered a pass rush against a so-so Broncos o-line. Case Keenum threw for 300 yards and three scores. Seattle had the lowest percentage of pressure of anyone in the NFL

Last week Trubisky looked very uncomfortable when the pressure got intense. Luckily for him and the Bears, that shouldn't be a problem against Seattle.

Verdict: Don't bench a stud, but you can start him with semi confidence

Tampa Bay Pass Rush vs. Nick Foles

The Bucs dominated their game against the Saints on offense, and did just enough on defense to win the game. They were the second-worst defensive team against the pass in Week 1. It was surprising for a squad that made the most moves in the off-season to bolster its defensive pressure.  Against the NFL's best offensive line, Tampa Bay may generate little to no pressure and give Nick Foles all the time in the world to Run-Pass-Option Tampa Bay to death.

Verdict: Start 'em

More Week 1 Lineup Prep