It’s the topic everyone wants to talk about, fantasy football. Our Sundays simply are not complete without fantasy football. With everyone’s draft set to take place soon, let’s take a look at the top 10 quarterbacks for the upcoming season. For the record these are fantasy rankings people, NOT overall rankings on ability!
- Cam Newton (Panthers):
This one is pretty simple to me. Newton was the league’s MVP a year ago and is the epitome of the Carolina Panthers. Coming off a Super Bowl loss, expect Cam to be himself again this year. The good news for fantasy owners is he will be getting a big weapon back this year in Kelvin Benjamin who missed all of 2015 due to a torn ACL. Newton is one of the few quarterbacks who will also add a lot of rushing stats as well.
2. Andrew Luck (Colts):
A word of advice; Just pretend 2015 didn’t happen. This guy is a flat out stud who is in for a monster season. The coaches and personnel may be lackluster around him, but this guy will constantly have to put the team on his back to win games. You won’t regret taking Luck this season, trust me.
3. Russell Wilson (Seahawks):
Wilson had a career year last year and will look to build on that going into this season. With Marshawn Lynch gone, the Seahawks will commit more to the passing game. Don’t believe me? Look at the recent philosophy, trading multiple picks to move up for Tyler Lockett, trading a first round pick for tight end Jimmy Graham, and paying Doug Baldwin a hefty new contract. It helps that Wilson is a duel threat quarterback, but he’s going to throw for a ton of yards this year anyway.
4. Blake Bortles (Jaguars):
Jacksonville is playoff bound in 2016 and Bortles will be leading that charge. This guy is every bit as talented as his older prototype Ben Roethlisberger, the rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet. This isn’t like your normal Jaguars team, this unit has talent with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Julius Thomas, Chris Ivory, and T.J. Yeldon all on board. Jacksonville will be competitive and have a number of close games that will require Bortles to pass early and often. Bortles had 35 touchdowns in 2015; I’ll go with the over in 2016.
5. Aaron Rodgers (Packers):
This isn’t to say I don’t think Rodgers will have a good season, it is more of the fact that I think Green Bay will have the lead in a number of games. No garbage time touchdowns for this guy. Eddie Lacy also looks reinvigorated after losing weight this offseason making the commitment to the running game more prevalent. I think the Packers are probably an 11-12 win team. I could be wrong on this one but I don’t see him putting up huge numbers because he doesn’t have to in order to win. Nevertheless he’s a safe bet as long as he stays healthy.
6. Carson Palmer (Cardinals):
Palmer is another guy who has weapons and is fortunate enough to have a coach who loves to run up the score. Head coach Bruce Arians is also an offensive genius who’s offense always puts up a ton of points. Arizona’s defense is also much improved heading into this season. The Cardinals also have a ton of offensive weapons. David Johnson, the runningback, is a superstar in the making and is a replicate of Marshall Faulk.
7. Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers):
Big Ben is a apart of the league’s most dynamic offense. The problem is he is missing a lot of his teammates including Martavis Bryant and Le’Veon Bell. This could be a situation where the complementary guys like Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates, and Ladarius Green are counted on to make big contributions. The injury question always remains with Roethlisberger but you know what you’re getting with this guy.
8. Drew Brees (Saints):
Yes the Saints were putrid a year ago but they did make some changes that should help. Rob Ryan is out as defensive coordinator which should translate into a better defense which ranked 32nd in 2015. 2nd round pick Michael Thomas from “The” Ohio State also adds a nice pass catching option for Mr. Brees. Think Anquan Boldin when you think of Thomas who should have a nice rookie campaign. New Orleans also brought in reliable tight end Coby Fleener. Brandin Cooks is also in for a big season. As long a Sean Payton coaching the Saints, Brees figures to be near the top of the list of available quarterbacks.
9. Tom Brady (Patriots):
At some point who cares that he is suspended, you know he is going to put up numbers once he returns. Angry and motivated Tom is what we always get when there is controversy surrounding New England. Find a guy to plug and play for the first four weeks, Brady is still as good as it gets.
10. Derek Carr (Raiders):
The Raiders are playoff bound this year. Oakland may very well have the best young core in football as we speak. Carr is in for a big year and will have to put up numbers to make my playoff prediction come true. He has a top 5 fantasy receiver in house with Amari Cooper. (Yes I Said Top 5). Michael Crabtree is also very dependable and always seems to catch the football. Up and coming tight end Clive Walford is a monster target for red-zone opportunities. This is year three for Derek Carr. The time is now to become one of the elite quarterbacks.
Bonus* Matthew Stafford (Lions):
Head coach Jim Caldwell frankly doesn’t believe in the running game. The Lions are going to be trailing in a ton of football games which translates into garbage time touchdowns for Stafford. At this point his upside far out weighs any injury concerns. Pull the trigger on Stafford, he could pay dividends. If not there is about 10 other guys who are in this same ballpark.
