Fantasy: Quarterback Tamme Index

Updated: 10/25/2011

For a detailed explanation of the Tamme Index, including their purpose, check out the Tight End Tamme Index.

I recently adjusted the Tamme Index format. Instead of ranking the handcuffs, they are now sorted by team. The final column now tells you what move to make in a normal 12-team league instead of simply offering a ranking. Remember, the advice for each team assumes that the player listed in the ‘Starter' column is out of action.

Click here to view the QB Tamme Index

Click here to view the RB Tamme Index

Click here to view the WR Tamme Index

Click here to view the TE Tamme Index

Key:

Your Move	What it means
Starter	This player is, at worst, a borderline starter (Top 12 QB, Top 24 RB, Top 36 WR, Top 12 TE) in 12 team leagues
Bench	This player is worth a roster spot in 12 team leagues.
Monitor	You don't need to add this player in 12 team leagues, but monitor his progress over the next few weeks.
Ignore	Ignore this player, as they do not have much Fantasy value.

Tm	Note	Starter(s)	Handcuff(s)	Your move
ARZ	If Kolb goes down, Skelton will get the first shot over Richard Bartel. The offense is struggling as is	Kevin Kolb	John Skelton	Ignore
ATL	Redman is one of the league's better backups and would be QB2 material if Ryan were to miss any action.	Matt Ryan	Chris Redman	Bench
BLT	Taylor, a sixth round pick, has shown flashes and would get the nod. He's far too green, however, to make a big impact.	Joe Flacco	Tyrod Taylor	Monitor
BUF	The Bills signed Thigpen this off-season and expect him to be a capable No. 2. He wouldn't have much fantasy value.	Ryan Fitzpatrick	Tyler Thigpen	Ignore
CAR	Anderson has the edge on Jimmy Clausen for the No. 2 job. The Panthers would be forced to lean heavily on the run if Newton went down.	Cam Newton	Derek Anderson	Ignore
CHI	We still don't know a ton about Hanie, but he showed some flashes in the 2010 playoffs. He'd be worth a stash, as he should make for an okay QB2.	Jay Cutler	Caleb Hanie	Bench
CIN	We already saw a bit of Gradkowski this season and it wasn't pretty.	Andy Dalton	Bruce Gradkowski	Ignore
CLV	Wallace is a capable NFL starter, but far from elite. He'd be worth an add if you need some QB depth.	Colt McCoy	Seneca Wallace	Monitor
DAL	New year, same situation. If Romo goes down, Jon Kitna is still first in line for snaps. He's be a borderline Fantasy starter	Tony Romo	Jon Kitna	Bench
DEN	Orton struggled early this season, but he'd still make for an okay QB2 if Tebow were to miss time.	Tim Tebow	Kyle Orton	Monitor
DET	The Lions love to throw the ball and Hill proved in 2010 that he can handle the job. Put in a claim if Stafford misses time.	Matthew Stafford	Shaun Hill	Bench
GB	Flynn was serviceable in place of Rodgers in 2010 and will retain the No. 2 job in 2011. He's shown the potential that can be a starting QB in the NFL.	Aaron Rodgers	Matt Flynn	Starter
HST	Keep an eye on Leinart, but the Texans are already run heavy as is and he's a downgrade at the position.	Matt Schaub	Matt Leinart	Monitor
IND	The Colts offense is struggling and Orlovsky wouldn't be any better of a Fantasy bet than Painter.	Curtis Painter	Dan Orlovsky	Ignore
JAX	McCown showed early in 2011 that he isn't much of an option if Gabbert goes down.	Blaine Gabbert	Luke McCown	Ignore
KC	Palko beat out Ricky Stanzi, a fifth round pick, for the No. 2 job.	Matt Cassel	Tyler Palko	Ignore
MIA	Losman was signed during the 2011 season. He brings some experience as a starter, but he's unlikely to be very productive if called upon.	Matt Moore	J.P. Losman	Ignore
MIN	If Ponder goes down, McNabb will get his job back. Although he struggled early on, he's still good enough to warrant consideration as your backup.	Christian Ponder	Donovan McNabb	Bench
NE	Ryan Mallett will offer some competition, but Hoyer is no slouch. The No. 2 job is his to lose and he'd be a borderline Fantasy starter if called upon.	Tom Brady	Brian Hoyer	Bench
NO	Daniel returns as the clear handcuff to Brees. The offense makes him worth an add.	Drew Brees	Chase Daniel	Bench
NYG	Carr has quite a bit of experience and would be worth keeping an eye on if Manning were to go down.	Eli Manning	David Carr	Monitor
NYJ	Brunell has started his fair share of games at the pro level, but his best football is behind him. The Jets are already leaning on the run.	Mark Sanchez	Mark Brunell	Ignore
OAK	Boller is the No. 2 in Oakland, but wouldn't have much value if called upon.	Carson Palmer	Kyle Boller	Ignore
PHI	The Eagles love to throw and Young will score some points with his legs, as well. He's a must add and a starter most weeks.	Michael Vick	Vince Young	Starter
PIT	Batch isn't much to get excited about, the Steelers have a decent offense and he'll throw a few touchdowns. Monitor his progress.	Ben Roethlisberger	Charlie Batch	Monitor
SD	The Chargers offense is good enough to make Volek Fantasy relevant. Add him and hope he can get the ball to Gates and Jackson.	Philip Rivers	Billy Volek	Bench
SEA	Jackson will head into 2011 as one of the most underwhelming starting quarterbacks in football. Whitehurst is his clear handcuff and an even worse option.	Tarvaris Jackson	Charlie Whitehurst	Ignore
SF	Alex Smith is on a one year deal and Kaepernick is the future. If the rookie is called upon, he's unlikely to produce a ton of points, but there's certainly upside.	Alex Smith	Colin Kaepernick	Monitor
SL	Feeley will manage the game, but that doesn't translate into much in terms of Fantasy points	Sam Bradford	AJ Feeley	Ignore
TB	Johnson won't put together many 300-yard passing games, but he will score quite a few points with his legs and a touchdown or two will put him on the Fantasy radar.	Josh Freeman	Josh Johnson	Bench
TEN	The Titans passing game took a big hit when Kenny Britt went down, but the poor running game means plenty of pass attempts. Locker would make for a decent speculative add.	Matt Hasselbeck	Jake Locker	Bench
WAS	Grossman has experience as the team's quarterback and put up a few decent Fantasy games already this season. He's be a competent QB2 for your team.	John Beck	Rex Grossman	Bench