Mark Sanchez gets his first start of the season this Sunday, but should he also start in your fantasy lineup? (Getty)
Y’all want to get a little bit crazy this Sunday afternoon? Let’s get a little bit crazy.
Play Mark Sanchez as your starting quarterback in fantasy. No, for real. Do it.
Sanchez is slated to get the start for the Philadelphia Eagles this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after starter Sam Bradford continues to deal with a grade II AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. Plus he’s got a concussion. In other words, it’s not going well for Bradford.
That’s left the Eagles offensive control in the hands of Sanchez and the opportunity for a big-time fantasy play in leagues everywhere.
But before you mark this week off as a win already, let’s back up a second and discuss why Sanchez is a good, if not incredibly surprising, play. We’ll start with the stats.
Sanchez averaged 277.3 passing yards in eight starts for Philadelphia last season and racked up 12 touchdown passes. He also threw nine picks, but during that same time frame Sanchez produced 19 or more fantasy points in four of those starts.
It also helps that Sanchez is going up against a defense that has been a bit up-and-down this season. The Buccaneers have given up an average of 233.2 passing yards a game as well as 19 passing touchdowns. Tampa Bay has also made opposing quarterbacks look good. This season QBs taking on the Bucs have racked up a passer rating of 102.5.
Looking for one more reason to possibly pick up Sanchez or even start him if you’ve been hoarding him on your roster? Jordan Matthews.
All three of Matthews’ 100-yard games last season came with Sanchez at quarterback. Also. Six of Matthews’ touchdown receptions last year came from Sanchez. That’s a fairly good percentage.
So, the final verdict on Sanchez in Week 11 fantasy? If you’re looking for a quarterback and can get Sanchez, start Sanchez. If, for some reason, you’ve been keeping Sanchez in your back quarterback pocket on the off chance he’ll play, then this is your moment. Go forth fantasy football players and surprise all your friends with Sanchez in your lineup.