Replacing Cowboys QB Tony Romo and Vikings QB Brett Favre

[kliquid 1]

Fantasy Football: Replacing Cowboys QB Tony Romo and Vikings QB Brett Favre

 

With Tony Romo and Brett Favre both injured and unlikely to make a start this Sunday, many fantasy owners are scratching their heads and wondering who they can grab on the waiver wire to replace them in their lineup.

 

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings (fractured ankle)

 

The Vikings haven’t confirmed it, but early reports indicate that it is likely that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre will likely miss this Sunday’s contest and may miss additional time with his ankle injury.

 

Favre was hit in the legs from behind while throwing a pass on Sunday night and was seen limping off the field, noticeably favoring the injured ankle for the rest of the night. Though he played the remainder of the game, it certainly hampered his mobility and his ability to plant and deliver passes accurately.

 

There has been no official timetable set for Favre’s ankle injury which is currently being described as an avulsion fracture and a stress fracture in his left ankle.

 

A future Hall of Famer, Favre has many NFL passing record, but perhaps the most impressive one of them all is his record of most consecutive games started, which is now in jeopardy this week.

 

If Favre is unable to play, the Vikings will turn to fifth year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson who hasn’t started a game since 2008.

 

Jackson is considered a competent backup quarterback by most, but certainly doesn’t carry the luster nor command the respect from defenses that Favre does. The move would certainly hamper other players in the Vikings’ offense, most notably Randy Moss and Adrian Peterson.

 

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys (fractured clavicle)

 

Tony Romo is often compared to Favre, but this week that comparison was not a good thing. Just one night after Favre’s injury, Tony Romo sustained what is thought to be a long-term injury of his own.

 

With the Cowboys leading the Giants in the 2nd quarter of Monday night’s game, the all pro quarterback took a vicious hit from a Giants defender following a missed block from a fullback that allowed a clean shot. Romo completed the pass, but the damage was done—Cowboys fans looked on as Romo lie on the ground, writhing in pain, holding his non-throwing shoulder.

 

Romo did attempt to go back in the game, but was held off by trainers and coaches as they wanted to send him to the locker room for x-rays. It was later found out that Romo had fractured his left clavicle on the play and that he would not return to the game. Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported at half time that the average return time for such an injury is between 8-10 weeks. Cowboys season over.

 

Backup quarterback Jon Kitna relieved Romo, but the success and spark just wasn’t there. The Cowboys could not move the ball until garbage-time when the game was already out of reach and even though wide receiver Dez Bryant caught two touchdowns from Kitna, there is little hope left in Dallas following the injury.

 

But just because Dallas’ season is likely over due to Romo’s injury does not mean that your fantasy season has to be. The following players are available in a high percentage of leagues and could be at least decent replacements for Romo and Favre owners:

 

1. Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Seems to be the safest quarterback on the waiver wire in most leagues. He has between 12-18 points in every game but one this season and has thrown at least one touchdown pass in five of his first six games with only three interceptions. His added mobility (154 yards rushing) gives him an extra 2-3 points per game which can often be the difference in a fantasy game.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills—I can’t believe I’m endorsing a Buffalo Bill, but here we are. In four games this season, Fitzpatrick’s fantasy scores have been the following: 18 points, 20 points, 20 points, 32 points. It looked like it was just the competition at first when Fitzpatrick took advantage of a mediocre Patriots pass defense in his first start, but two of those games have come against the Jets and Ravens. It’s hard to believe that he’ll stay on this pace, but riding the hot streak while it lasts is a time-tested fantasy strategy.

3. Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs—The 2010 season started off extremely slow for Matt Cassel, but he has since turned things around, turning in 15+ point games in three out of his last four chances. He seems to be getting things going with receiver Dwayne Bowe which is exactly what fantasy owners were hoping for going into the year.

4. Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota Vikings—Jackson will be Favre’s primary backup and while he doesn’t possess the same value that Brett Favre did, it’s hard to believe that he’ll be terrible with the weapons the Vikings have. Keep in mind that the last time we saw Tarvaris Jackson, Sidney Rice was unhealthy, Percy Harvin was still in college, and Randy Moss was still a Patriot. This is a completely different offense now. Don’t get too excited, but things could be worse.

5. Jon Kitna, QB, Dallas Cowboys—Like Tarvaris Jackson, Kitna’s value really hinges on the talent around him in Dallas. The Cowboys have one of the best groups of receivers in the entire league with Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, and tight end Jason Witten. Though it seems that Kitna’s favorite target is actually the rookie Bryant rather than 2009 stud Austin, we don’t particularly care as long as he’s putting up fantasy stats.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

Fitzpatrick and Cassell has been rostered for weeks now in my league. I'll probably try to pick up both Freeman and Kitna. Play musical QB's.

 

Fairy-ass Romo

[Saint Elistan 106]

There ya go, kliquid. Thanks for posting the full article. In return, I'll visit the link.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

Well if Favre ends up sitting out, I would definitely consider Tarvaris Jackson. He's got some good weapons to throw to and really can't do a whole lot worse than Favre. Plus, the Pats D has a history of making backup QBs look like gold.

[rdrs4life 0]

I have to disagree, I think Adrian Peterson will put up better numbers with Favre out. As an AP owner, I am excited at the possibility of AP getting a ton of work with Jackson at the helm. Favre kills too many drives with INTs/fumbles and even has 2 botched handoffs on the season. Jackson>>>Favre in regards to AP's value.

 

Also, I would pick up Henne over these guys listed if available (he was in my league and I snagged him before this week to fill in next week for Eli). Or perhaps Fitzgerald, it's a toss up between those 2 but I think they are the clear 1a and 1b options.

[Giants Fan 85]

Henne, Fitz and Cassel are all gone in my league.

[mdm_1971 0]

of those listed Cassel is the only one not on waivers in my league...... i only had Romo so now i am in great need of a qb to just get me some points..... i put in for kitna but the more i look at it i may grab fitz

[swamp dog 0]

on that list, i'd hit fitz...keep a close eye on jackson. yeah, he sucks balls but he'll get some points with his feet--and rushing stats accumulate faster than passing stats in most leagues.

[Grizzly 0]

In a two QB league now I have to decide between Kitna, Young, Garrard, Campbell I'm leaning toward Kitna vs Jax this week any way.

[PATSSOX 22]

In league i lost Romo in there are actually a couple decent QB on waiver and luckily i have #1 waiver.

 

Stafford and Fitzpatrick

 

Im claiming Stafford. Cause like someone said last night Hill put up #1 QB #s in Staffords absence and heck anyone who has Calvin Johnson to throw to should be able to put up some big #s.

 

I have a better question or atleast maybe a harder question........

 

 

CAN WE DROP ROMO I am going to need the roster space in one league now cause i also have Philly's defense and really dont want to drop them cause there is not sh!t on waiver for defenses.

[NAn 39]

Im claiming Stafford. Cause like someone said last night Hill put up #1 QB #s in Staffords absence and heck anyone who has Calvin Johnson to throw to should be able to put up some big #s.

 

I'm not sure on this PS.

 

Stafford had him last year and wasn't able to do much; and could be rusty coming back?

And actually not so much that I don't like Stafford, but more that like Fitz.

Look at Fitzpatrick's numbers: in most league scoring he's averaging top3 per game numbers; In one of my league's he's actually #1.

[Busted by the Feds 9]

Romo owner here. So last night, the Favre owner sent me a trade offer for Dez Bryant straight up, after Romo went down. What's the prognosis on Favre as Romo's replacement ? No stinking way ? Favre looks to be out at least for only a week. Is picking up Fitz, Freeman, Henne better than him for the long term ? My other QB is Vick, but he's on bye this week.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

God DAMN I wish Fitz was on our wire! His owner also has Peyton and a sh!tty group of WR's (my team's strength) So i might be able to swing a trade for him. There is also an owner with Orton and Rivers, so options are there.

 

Fitzpatrick is definitely the most attractive QB on this list.

[PATSSOX 22]

God DAMN I wish Fitz was on our wire! His owner also has Peyton and a sh!tty group of WR's (my team's strength) So i might be able to swing a trade for him. There is also an owner with Orton and Rivers, so options are there.

 

Fitzpatrick is definitely the most attractive QB on this list.

 

 

Dam you people are killing me I was dead set on Stafford now im not sure

[PATSSOX 22]

I'm not sure on this PS.

 

Stafford had him last year and wasn't able to do much; and could be rusty coming back?

And actually not so much that I don't like Stafford, but more that like Fitz.

Look at Fitzpatrick's numbers: in most league scoring he's averaging top3 per game numbers; In one of my league's he's actually #1.

 

Your right maybe i am trying to fool myself?? I went back and looked at Staffords #s. He has only thrown more TDs than INTs in 2 games in his 11 career starts Sure alot of that can be attributed to being a rookie but he did not light up the score board in his start this year.

 

FOCK ME

[PATSSOX 22]

If already changed my waiver 4 differ times between Stafford and Fitzpatrick

 

Every dam article i read has differ opininion. One says get Stafford if your lucky enough for him to be on the waiver then the next says grab Fitzpatrick while you can and so on and so on

[NAn 39]

Your right maybe i am trying to fool myself?? I went back and looked at Staffords #s. He has only thrown more TDs than INTs in 2 games in his 11 career starts Sure alot of that can be attributed to being a rookie but he did not light up the score board in his start this year.

 

FOCK ME

 

Here's the thing man, for me this is a case of us FFers being too full of ourselves and our 'FF knowledge'.

 

Lots of folks before season were grabbing Stafford late in drafts thinking they had a sleeper qb.

 

Fitzpatrick only got his shot b/c Edwards was awful/cut...but now that he's in, he's putting up numbers.

But NONE of us saw him doing well at all so...since we're so smart...he has to fail eventually right?

 

Well through 4 games he's put up solid, actually very good, ff numbers (even in bad passing game he made up for it with rushing stats).

Funny, as if it were a stud or 'up and comer' putting up Fitz numbers we'd be beating our chests about how we 'knew it all along'.

But b/c he's come out of nowhere we're like 'he's not for real'.

 

For me I look at his numbers since starting and think: 'if it looks like a duck...'

[PATSSOX 22]

Here's the thing man, for me this is a case of us FFers being too full of ourselves and our 'FF knowledge'.

 

Lots of folks before season were grabbing Stafford late in drafts thinking they had a sleeper qb.

 

Fitzpatrick only got his shot b/c Edwards was awful/cut...but now that he's in, he's putting up numbers.

But NONE of us saw him doing well at all so...since we're so smart...he has to fail eventually right?

 

Well through 4 games he's put up solid, actually very good, ff numbers (even in bad passing game he made up for it with rushing stats).

Funny, as if it were a stud or 'up and comer' putting up Fitz numbers we'd be beating our chests about how we 'knew it all along'.

But b/c he's come out of nowhere we're like 'he's not for real'.

 

For me I look at his numbers since starting and think: 'if it looks like a duck...'

 

 

Yes that is exactly what i have been thinking about I figure Stafford has to put up #s cause hell HILL put up about 24 pts a game in that offense and Hill is not that great. But then you look at Staffords stats and they suck but he was a rookie? Im sure which ever one i pick will be the wrong one. Hell i tempted just to take Kitna and hope for 12 pts a game nahhh that wouldnt be much fun.

[NAn 39]

But then you look at Staffords stats and they suck but he was a rookie?

 

True, but again with Stafford you're hoping he'll change and start putting up big numbers.

With Fitz I'm saying...you're already seeing him put up those numbers.

My other thing with Stafford aside from that is he seems so fragile; didn't he miss a bunch of time last year to do to injury?

And what did I say about 'if it looks like a duck'?

[PATSSOX 22]

True, but again with Stafford you're hoping he'll change and start putting up big numbers.

With Fitz I'm saying...you're already seeing him put up those numbers.

My other thing with Stafford aside from that is he seems so fragile; didn't he miss a bunch of time last year to do to injury?

And what did I say about 'if it looks like a duck'?

 

Stafford and fragile is another reason im not so thrilled about him. But cant play thinking he may get hurt. Im back to 90% Fitz but i have another 6 hours to change my mind

[NAn 39]

Im back to 90% Fitz but i have another 6 hours to change my mind

 

 

Which you'll likely do about 30 times between now and then.

 

Good luck!

[PATSSOX 22]

Great we are in a tornado warning in Georgia dam it on waiver night Atleast i should be up at 2am when waivers go through just hope my power still on Guess ill have to put in a few extra claims