Not often do you look at a quarterback stat line of 3,249 yards, 33 touchdowns and six interceptions and ask: What is wrong?
But that is a thought that crosses the mind in regard to Broncos QB Peyton Manning. His electrifying start to the season — throwing 20 TDs before his first pick — stoked unrealistic expectations.
Beginning in Week 6 vs. the lowly Jaguars, Manning began to show some humanity. That’s not to say he was taking it easy on opponents, but that he revealed he actually is human. He has 13 TDs with 10 turnovers (six INTs, four fumbles) in the past four games heading into this week’s mammoth showdown vs. the Chiefs, who have the league’s stingiest defense.
Kansas City has allowed a league-low 111 points (12.3 per game). There is no way around it, that is impressive. They have a league-leading 36 sacks, so they can put pressure on the QB — which is the quickest way to disrupt Manning’s precision passing game. And they have picked off 12 passes, one shy of the league high.
But bear in mind, they rank 10th in yards allowed, meaning teams can move the ball. And though their stats are intimidating, their opponents have not been.
Take a look at the QBs the Chiefs have faced in the past five weeks: Titans backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, Raiders rookie Terrelle Pryor, Texans backup Case Keenum in his first career start, Browns backup Jason Campbell in his first start with Cleveland and Bills third-stringer Jeff Tuel in his only NFL start.
That is a resume of opponents that should generate a top-ranked defense. It also means you shouldn’t be scared of starting Manning, despite his aching ankle.
This is a perfect example of when not to over-coach your fantasy squad. Manning likely has guided your team into playoff contention. Don’t bench him now based on what looks like a tough matchup, regardless of how good your backup option may be.
If the Chiefs prove they are worthy of their defensive ranking and shut down the high-octane Broncos, well, those are the breaks. But that seems less likely, and less frustrating, than the alternative — losing your fantasy matchup with a productive Peyton on the bench.
BIG WEEKS
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, at Buccaneers
Tampa Bay should provide some respite from his recent struggles, particularly if WR Roddy White returns. Bucs rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs.
Andre Brown, RB, Giants, vs. Packers
Stellar last week in season debut following a broken leg. With fresh legs, expect Big Blue to lean on him down the stretch. Consider him an every-week starter.
Danny Amendola, WR, Patriots, at Panthers
Carolina has generated impressive pass defense against teams that lack a potent air attack. On those rare occasions when he is healthy, as he is this week, Amendola has been strong.
Scott Chandler, TE, Bills, vs. Jets
Since Week 3, the Jets have allowed an average of nearly 80 yards and one score to opposing TEs, which equates to about 14 fantasy points.
SMALL WEAKS
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers, at Dolphins
Has cooled after hot start. Gets tough assignment cross-country against angry team that boasts fifth-best defense against fantasy QBs.
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints, vs. 49ers
In a backfield where he shares carries with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles, don’t expect another breakout game. Consider last week an anomaly until he proves otherwise.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals, vs. Browns
Cleveland has corner Joe Haden to shadow Green. Browns held top WRs Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson and Green (in their first matchup) to a combined 15 catches, 118 yards and one TD this season.
Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos, vs. Chiefs
Has just three games of 90-plus yards, so Thomas relies on TDs to generate fantasy production. K.C. has allowed exactly zero scores by TEs and held them to four points or less in every game but one.