RADIO
My my, the fantasy year it’s been for both Peyton Manning and his successor in Indianapolis, Andrew Luck. Manning has nearly double the amount of interceptions (17) than he does touchdowns (9). Luck has 13 interceptions in a surprisingly average season for the fourth year quarterback. Both have battled through injuries. Now they tag in their replacements.
Brock Osweiler, filling in for Manning, is confident about this opportunity. “I’ve prepared for this moment for a very long time,” Owseiler said according to ESPN.com. “I haven’t wasted a single day, I’m just going to stick to the preparation that got me to this point and I’ll be ready to go on Sunday.”
This will be Osweiler’s first ever start, but after four years as Manning's backup, could be more prepared than people think. In relief of Manning last week, Osweiler went 14-24 with 146 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and in less than one full game, topped Manning’s fantasy score for the day. It would have also surpassed Manning’s performance two other weeks.
Fantasy owners of Manning have surely given up on him by now, but there can be worse options than Osweiler for those in a bind or managing a lineup plagued with injuries. Osweiler certainly has the weapons in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to help boost his stat line. The Broncos face the Chicago Bears this week, who relinquish 4.6 yards per carry; a stat that’ll likely increase the value of Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson. This could take away passing attempts from Osweiler but it is still likely that Thomas and Sanders will be heavily involved.
Matt Hasselbeck seems to be the smarter choice for an emergency start at quarterback. Obviously more established and familiar with a starting role, Hasselbeck has also filled in nicely for Luck this season. In two relief appearances, Hasselbeck has thrown for 495 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Hasselbeck will look to get top receivers, T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncreif, going, who are both in desperate need of a little kick where the sun doesn't shine.
Hasselbeck is also the better long-term option, as Luck is likely to miss multiple weeks. The severity of Manning's injury is still undetermined and if Osweiler produces, Manning could remain sidelined regardless of his health. Osweiler is more of a wait-and-see type fill-in while Hasselbeck can be trusted a little more.
It's understood that if either are started it's because fantasy owners have no other choice, I.E. Bye Week, injuries, have both Manning and Luck on their team, whatever. They both remain low-ceiling options but could definitely surprise and prove to have some much needed worth.
