RADIO
It’s hard to be a quarterback in the NFL. Think about it—not only are you largely responsible for the success or demise of your team, but your each and every move is analyzed at all times. Though unlikely to change, the microscope under which quarterbacks often find themselves can be both a blessing and a curse. This past weekend, it was a positive for Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and a negative for Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons.
Wilson’s Week 12 start against the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn’t only important for the Seahawks’ chances of making the playoffs, it was also his 27th birthday. He made the most of it, completing 21-of-30 passes for 345 passing yards and a career-high five touchdowns, Wilson’s stellar performance was his second in a row, as he brought in 31 standard fantasy points for owners in Week 11.
Take into consideration the fact that he’d only had two games of at least 20 points leading up to that, and it’s easy to see that both Wilson and his offense have turned a corner in recent weeks. Additionally, he was also able to make his mark on the game with his feet, adding 14 rushing yards to the mix for a total of 44 fantasy points in most standard leagues. Wilson shouldn’t be overvalued as a quarterback option simply because he’s had a couple of good starts, but it is encouraging to see him play well.
On the flip side of things, Matt Ryan has been in a downward spiral. The veteran quarterback had yet another bad game against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 12, bringing in a measly 12 fantasy points for owners. In fact, Ryan has only scored 20 or more fantasy points in just three of the Falcons’ past eight games. Even worse, in his last two starts alone against Indianapolis and Minnesota—both at home, mind you—Ryan has five interceptions.
When playing outdoors, Ryan has brought in 20-plus fantasy points only one time. Seeing as how the Falcons’ next game takes place outside at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Ryan can’t be considered more than a number two option come Week 13. Though Wilson and Ryan appear to be headed in opposite directions, their respective fantasy values continue to be week-to-week.
