Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Starting this morning, FFS will take an in depth look into the positional rankings for upcoming fantasy football season. Despite the fact the running back position is traditionally viewed as the most important fantasy position, we'll start with the Quarterbacks today. The leaders on the field, should be the leaders in this series in my opinion. We'll take a good look at the top 10 of each position, and round out with a list of the rest of the top 20.
The Top 20:
1. Tom Brady - Patriots
You can cut me the line about him being not fully recovered. He'll be fine, especially since he's emotionally strong and ready to take on the blitz. He won't put reset the touchdown mark this season, but shouldn't be too far off. He is dealing with the best receiving corp in the leagues thanks to the addition of Joey Galloway. There's not one team in the league with a better trio of receivers. He also has a very deep chart of running backs on the team that opposing defenses need to respect.
2. Drew Brees - Saints
It's going to be hard to top the 5,000 yard season he had last year, but he still has a good offensive line, good crop of running backs, and a ton of targets to throw to. I doubt he'll reach the 5,000 yard plateau again, but look for him to get 4,500+ and 30+ TD's.
3. Kurt Warner - Cardinals
I had a tough time with this slot, but ultimately put Warner in front of Peyton Manning because of the offense the Cardinals run. Despite adding Beanie Wells in addition to Tim Hightower, the Cardinals will still primarily throw the ball. Of course it doesn't hurt that Warner will be throwing to the 2nd best trio of wide receivers in the NFL in Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston.
4. Peyton Manning - Colts
Don't get me wrong, Peyton is still the 2nd best quarterback in the game, just not in fantasy land. Manning did have a down year last year. It says a lot when a QB throws for 4,020 yards and 27 touchdowns and that is considered a step back. I do have him downgraded at the 4 slot because of a lack of depth at the wide receiver position.
5. Aaron Rodgers - Packers
Mark my words. Aaron Rodgers will have a fantastic fantasy season this year. In his first full season as a starter, Rodgers threw for 4,038 yards, 28 TD's, 13 INT's & even rushed for 4 TD's. I anticipate a better year with him topping 30 TD's and getting closer to the 4,500 yard mark. Ryan Grant should have a better year, so it should open up the passing game even more.
6. Donovan McNabb - Eagles
I know I'll get a little flack having McNabb so high, but I think he's poised for a big year. The Eagles are locked and loaded for a run at the Super Bowl this year. If Brian Westbrook misses the start of the season, McNabb will be relied on even more to move the ball down the field.
7. Phillip Rivers - Chargers
I am not a Phillip Rivers fan at all, but after his performance against the Patriots in the AFC Championship two years ago, I have to respect him. He followed up that game by having a career year last year topping the 4,000 yard mark and throwing 34 TD's. He's come into his own as a passer and has better chemistry with Vincent Jackson and the rest of the wide receiver corp.
8. Tony Romo - Cowboys
Romo would be a much better fantasy player if he wasn't so much of a gunslinger. He still has way too much Brett Favre in him for me to draft him. He still has a ton of weapons despite the subtraction of Terrell Owens. The big question for me is the chemistry between him and Roy Williams. Have they had enough time together to put up a good year?
9. Matt Schaub - Texans
Yes, Matt Schaub is a top 10 fantasy QB this season, he just needs to stay on the field. in 11 games he averaged 276 yards per game and had a 92.7 rating. Andre Johnson is a stud, and people don't realize how good Kevin Walter really is. Throw in Owen Daniels, a very solid tight end, and a good running game led by Steve Slaton, and it all adds up to an offense that should score a lot.
10. Matt Ryan - Falcons
Matt Ryan had a very good rookie season, but still wasn't asked to do too much. He'll get a lot more responsibility this season. I expect him to throw around 4,000 yards, and could reach the 20+ touchdown Plataea after throwing for 16 last year. He has a shiny new toy in Tony Gonzalez and a two good wide outs in Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. The Falcons do pride themselves on a good running game, but that will only help Ryan out in the long run opening up passing lanes and creating one on one match ups down the field.
11. Matt Hasselback - Seahawks
12. Ben Roethlisberger - Steelers
13. Carson Palmer - Bengals
14. Jay Cutler - Bears
15. Matt Cassell - Chiefs
16. David Garrard - Jaguars
17. Joe Flacco - Ravens
18. Eli Manning - Giants
19. Kyle Orton - Broncos
20. Trent Edwards - Bills
Watch out for:
Matt Hasselback
Carson Palmer
Byron Leftwich
Brady Quinn
Be wary of:
Matt Cassell
Eli Manning
Jason Campbell
(stay tuned for the running back rankings tomorrow by Chad Garner)
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