Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Philip Rivers struggled last week against a tough Steelers defense, throwing for 270 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He was sacked five times and the Colts ended up losing a critical game late in the season. He’s been a quality fantasy option in the right matchups, particularly for those looking for streaming help, but good defenses have given him trouble, especially the trio of quality defenses in the AFC North this year.
Rivers should be worth streaming consideration this week against a Jaguars team that ranks 31st in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. We have him ranked as a borderline QB1 and he should be available in most leagues if you’re looking for a viable option to replace a starter who may be hurt or sitting.
Week 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Philip Rivers had a modest 228 yards and two touchdowns last week in a victory over the Texans. Rivers has been a steady streaming option over the second half of the season and he has 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions over his past five games. He only has three games over 300 yards passing this season, but also only has one game under 200. He's been the definition of a streamer, someone who won’t win a matchup for you, but won’t usually lose it either.
This week, Rivers faces a Steelers defense that ranks third in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. With streaming quarterbacks, you’re typically looking to exploit matchups, so Rivers doesn’t really fit the mold as a viable fantasy option this week. We have him ranked just inside our top-25, making him a low-end QB2 option at best. Look elsewhere if you can.
Week 15 vs. Houston Texans
Philip Rivers had 244 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions in an efficient thrashing of the Raiders last week. Rivers has been steady over the last four games, with a combined nine touchdowns and just two interceptions during that span. He also has won four of his last five games and has the Colts right in the hunt for the playoffs and the AFC South title.
The Texans rank 30th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks this season, and they just made Mitch Trubisky look competent. Rivers should churn out another quality outing, with a fairly high floor, albeit a somewhat low ceiling. Fantasy owners should consider him a solid streaming option in most leagues.
Week 14 at Las Vegas Raiders
Philip Rivers had a quality day against the Texans last week, throwing for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a critical division victory. Rivers has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three straight games now, and he has the Colts tied for the lead in the AFC South at 8-4.
This week, Rivers has a great matchup against a Raiders defense that ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. He’s been a nice matchup-base starter this season, and this is a good one to use him. We have him ranked just outside our top-12, making him a fringe QB1 option in most leagues. If you’re streaming, the matchup makes Rivers an appealing, low-cost option.
Week 13 at Houston Texans
Philip Rivers had 295 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick in a loss to the Titans last week. Rivers has multiple touchdown passes in two straight games, but also an interception in two straight games. He’s been a quality low-end QB2 in good matchups this season, which is what fantasy owners should be able to expect from him to close out the year as well.
Rivers has a nice matchup this week against the Texans, who rank 25th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. The nice matchup gives him upside as a QB2 option or as a streamer for fantasy owners looking to replace Tom Brady as a one-week rental.
Week 12 vs. Tennessee Titans
Philip Rivers had 288 yards, three touchdowns and a pick last week against the Packers. It was a nice return to multiple touchdowns after a two-week hiatus. The Titans rank 27th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks, but Rivers threw just one touchdown against them in a victory two weeks ago. Rivers is dealing with a toe issue, so keep an eye on his status, but even if he’s active, don’t consider him more than a low-end QB2 option. The Colts’ offense simply isn’t prolific enough to warrant serious fantasy consideration. That goes the same if Jacoby Brissett winds up starting.
Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers
Philip Rivers had 308 yards and a touchdown against the Titans last week. The Colts are now 6-3 and Rivers has put up solid middle-tier fantasy numbers in three of his past four games. He’s not someone who can anchor a fantasy roster anymore, but he certainly can be a plug-and-play starter in the right matchups, and a reasonable QB2 option.
This week, Rivers faces a Packers defense that ranks sixth in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. While the Packers’ offense should find a way to score enough to keep Rivers throwing, it’s risky to trust him against a good defense with a solid pass rush. Rivers could throw for multiple touchdowns this week, but could also have a couple of turnovers. He’s a low-end QB2 option in deep leagues.
Week 10 at Tennessee Titans
Philip Rivers struggled against the Ravens in a loss last week, throwing for just 227 yards and an interception. Rivers was coming off back-to-back games with three touchdown passes, however, and in good matchups, he should be considered a viable QB2 or deep-league streaming option.
This week, Rivers has a better matchup against a Titans defense that ranks 23rd in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. Expect a better result from the veteran, but his lack of consistent fantasy production throughout this season still makes him a risky bet in most leagues. He’s worth considering in deep leagues that start two quarterbacks, but there should be better options available in 1QB leagues.
Week 9 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Philip Rivers had a nice game against the Lions last week, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns. It was his second consecutive game with three touchdown passes, after throwing just four over his first five games. Rivers seems to be getting more comfortable in the offense and has benefited from a couple nice matchups.
This week will be harder for Rivers to thrive against a tough Ravens defense. While Baltimore ranks 16th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks, they are tied for seventh in the league with 12 turnovers. Expect a rough outing for the veteran with a couple turnovers. Look elsewhere if possible.
Week 8 at Detroit Lions
Philip Rivers started out rough against the Bengals before the bye last week with an early interception, but he came back in a big way with a come-from-behind victory. He ended up with 371 yards and three touchdowns to go with the win. Rivers has mostly struggled this season, throwing seven touchdowns to six interceptions, but his late-game heroics against Cincinnati should buy him some more time as the starter.
This week, Rivers will face a Lions’ defense that ranks ninth in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. Rivers is a risky starter even in good matchups given his turnovers and lack of consistent production. Against a surprisingly plucky Detroit defense, he should stay on the bench in most leagues.
