The Separation of Fantasy and Reality: QBs Gunning

As I watched the final seconds of the Raiders’ thrilling (confusing, bewildering ….) win over division rival San Diego, I noted the huge yardage total posted by Philip Rivers and started to delve through the game logs.

I logged another notch on the dark side of the ledger when Alex Smith’s comeback effort against the Eagles fell short. Smith eclipsed 300 passing yards with three touchdowns in Sunday night’s loss to the Eagles. He became the 18th quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards this season … and lose.

That’s right. As much as we love the big-time aerial assaults across the fantasy realm and for the glorious highlight reels, a ton of throwing generally means garbage time yardage and points (I give a wink and a smile to my fantasy brethren and the good folks celebrating wins following such plays in Nevada).

To date, quarterbacks have generated only eight wins when throwing for at least 300 yards. Kyle Orton & Philip Rivers account for four of those victories (Peyton Manning, Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb and Matt Schaub are the others).

– Orton: 2-2
– Rivers: 2-1
– Jay Cutler: 1-0
– Matt Schaub: 1-0
– McNabb: 1-1
– Peyton Manning: 1-2
– Eli Manning: 0-1
– Rodgers: 0-1
– Brees: 0-1
– Smith: 0-1
– Romo: 0-2
– Carson Palmer: 0-2
– Hill: 0-2
– Henne: 0-2

Later this week, I’ll crash the party with the 100-yard rushers and break down some additional statistical nuggets.