The nature of the NFL makes me want to believe that the downfall of the Kansas City Chiefs is coming. The defense isn’t that good, and Alex Smith is eventually going to turn back into a game-managing pumpkin at some point, right?
With three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 46-34 win over the Texans, Smith became only the fifth quarterback to start the first five games of an NFL season and have a passer rating over 125.
Three of the other four to accomplish the feat Peyton Manning in 2013, Tom Brady in 2007, Daunte Culpepper in 2004 and Kurt Warner in 1999 finished as the NFL MVP. Only Culpepper didn’t, although he definitely had an argument with 39 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and an NFL-best 4,717 yards.
Goff gets the opportunity this week as his Los Angeles Rams host the Cardinals. He is better than you may think, specifically in his efficiency, as he trails just Alex Smith, Kirk Cousins and Tom Brady in yards per attempt this season. Goff is protecting the ball well, too, as he’s thrown just three picks through six games. Look for Goff to find his secondary receivers often and to score at least 20 fantasy points. — Daube
Widely available in ESPN leagues thanks in part to his team’s Week 6 bye, Taylor is poised to produce QB1-caliber results against a reeling Tampa defense that is allowing the fourth-most points per drive (2.16) and the second-most touchdowns per drive of any defense in the NFL. We all know Taylor has what the cool kids call the Konami Code for quarterbacks — an ability to drive fantasy value with his legs. Taylor is second among quarterbacks in rushes per game, so he could do damage as a dual-threat weapon against what has been one of the best matchups for signal-callers this season. — McCormick