The Fantasy Football season is upon us once again. Drafts are about to start and you’re looking for the Quarterback of your team. Here is a list of all quarterbacks that should be considered for your fantasy football team.
1. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): Rodgers is at the prime of his career. Last year he had the highest quarterback rating, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 15-1 season, which is arguably the best quarterbacking seen in history. Expect Rodgers to have a repeat year with receivers such as Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, Randall Cobb, and James Jones. Not to mention, Jermichael Finley and an improved offensive line. He should be picked number 1 for most fantasy football leagues.
2. Tom Brady (New England Patriots): Tom Brady was one of the top 3 quarterbacks this year. With an improved defense, he will be on the field more often to make those big throws. The only thing I see affecting his passing is their lack of a great running game. But like he has done in the past, I think he will get over it.
3. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints): The New Orleans Saints were hit heavily this year with sanctions from the NFL. After posting a record season last year, throwing for over 5,000 yards, he will look to be going to the air again. The running game with Darren Sproles helped a lot last year and it seems that they will be utilizing him again this year to loosen up the passing game.
4. Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions): Calvin Johnson (Megatron). Last season, the Lions depended heavily on the passing game. Jahvid Best is injury prone and that is a factor that we have to consider when determining fantasy football ratings. IF Jahvid Best goes down again, they will be looking to Matthew Stafford to throw the ball 2 out of every 3 plays. The good news is, they have an improved offensive line, which should help keep Matthew Stafford on his feet more than on his back.
5. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons): Matt Ryan hasn’t had that breakout year yet, but he has been fairly consistent and I believe that this is the year. With Roddy White and a more experienced Julio Jones, the Falcons have two of the fastest receivers in the league and will be looking to put some air under the ball. Also, with the reemergence of Michael Turner, the running game will have the ability to help out the pass. Matt Ryan would be a good pick-up in the 2nd round.
6. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers): Cam Newton had a phenomenal rookie year. Unfortunately the Panthers were only able to put together a 6-10 season. This year, I would expect Newton to put up similar numbers, especially on the ground.
7. Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos): I think that Peyton Manning is a risk that any fantasy football player would have to take at this position. Throughout his career, he has been the most consistent quarterback, making wise decisions and managing the game how he wanted it played.
8. Eli Manning (New York Giants): Eli is a rather inconsistent quarterback. He does have two Super Bowl rings, which means he can perform under pressure. He has great games that makes him a fantasy winner, but he also has those games that every fantasy player dreads. He’s a weekly starter, but be aware of his inconsistency.
9. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers): Rivers has a turnover problem, but he can also move the ball down the field and get into the end-zone. I wouldn’t expect his numbers to be better than last years, but he is still in the top 10 quarterbacks of 2012.
10. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburg Steelers): He’s had some injury problems the last few years, but the Steelers have added some weapons for him to use. So we will see if he can stay healthy.
11. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys): I have never been impressed with Tony Romo. He reminds me of Brett Favre’s style of play, which at times he can be a careless gunner. He throws the ball up and hopes his receiver comes down with it. We will see if he can hook up with Dez Bryant a lot this season.
12. Matt Schaub (Houston Texans): Matt Schaub was injured most of last season. If he can stay healthy this year, he will have a descent season.
13. Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles): Vick is not the answer for the Eagles. He is an injury-prone quarterback who is a risk for any fantasy football owner. He could be a good pick-up for an early 3rd round pick, but I wouldn’t want to pick him up much sooner.
14. Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears): Cutler finished off last year on the bench because of a thumb injury, effectively ending the Bears’ season as well. This year, the Bears could be dangerous with the addition of Brandon Marshall (a former teammate of Cutler).
15. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens): The Ravens have always been a run-first offense. Flacco has put up good numbers during his years as a starter, but I wouldn’t consider him a starter on any fantasy team.
16. Alex Smith (San Francisco 49ers): The 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship game last year mainly because of their successes on defense. Alex Smith has a strong arm, but it doesn’t have the accuracy that would make him elite. He also doesn’t have many receivers to throw to.
