Top Five Fantasy Quarterbacks

Rob B. by Contributor Written on July 12, 2009

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 03:  Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts drops back to pass during the AFC Wild Card Game against the San Diego Chargers on January 3, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty I
Harry How/Getty Images

This year is quite confusing for fantasy football fans. With the injury of Tom Brady, and the rise of Kurt Warner, Aaron Rodgers, and Philip Rivers, it might get a little confusing on who you should draft as your quarterback for your Fantasy team.

Look no further, I have complied a list of quarterbacks. Those of which I believe will have the top five best fantasy football seasons this year.

You can make the argument that any of these guys should be No. 1. But if you are not really sure on any of these guys as a sure No. 1, then hopefully this list will help.

Honorable mentions—Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Donovan McNabb, and Matt Ryan.

Top five quarterbacks to avoid:
5. Michael Vick
4. Derek Anderson
3. Daunte Culpepper
2. Jamarcus Russell
1. Matt Cassel (I mean till later rounds, don't draft him in the first three rounds)

Top five sleepers:
5. Matt Schaub
4. Kyle Orton
3. Shaun Hill
2. Tony Romo
1. Philip Rivers.

5. Philip Rivers

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers sets to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Philip Rivers was a hidden gem last season. He had a 105 quarterback rating with over 4000 yards and 35 touchdowns. On top of that, he may have more chances to pass because of the decrease of play by running back Tomlinson.

Rivers should be considered a late first round pick, or an early second rounder in a fantasy draft. The only reason why he's not higher on this list is for a couple of reasons. Just a year ago, he did not play very will which makes me want to question his consistency.

However, by picking him up you could get a huge steal and possibly have the greatest quarterback in the league next year. But since that's a chance, he stays at No. 5.

4. Kurt Warner

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

He's an old man yes, however he fooled me last year, and found the fountain of youth. Warner is at No. 4, for a number of reasons.

For one, he has the greatest wide receiver tandem in the league. There is none better, and that will escalate your numbers any day. Also one of his options, Steve Breaston, has shown to be a great number three option as well.

Kurt Warner has also been extremely consistent. Only in one game including the playoffs did Kurt Warner throw more interceptions then touchdowns. Did I mention this guy had 4500 yards as well?

If the Arizona Cardinals can heat up that running game that will free up the passing game, and after that, watch out. Look for Kurt in around the middle to the late of the first round.

3. Tom Brady

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 7:  Quarterback #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during their NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 7, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 17-10. (Photo by Els

He should be No. 1, he was No. 1, he has the stats. But he was injured all of last year. Just like a pitcher coming off an injury, you just wonder if he still has his "stuff".

I think he will be fine, however for the first couple of weeks he might struggle. But I think he should be, without a doubt, an early first round draft pick in your fantasy draft.

2. Peyton Manning

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 30:  Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts signals a play at the line of scrimmage behind center during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on November 30, 2008 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio

Peyton Manning is the most consistent quarterback in the league. That is what fantasy football is all about. You need that type of quarterback. Every year he seems to have 35 touchdowns and 4000 yards.

This makes him a very risk free player. However there are a few issues that will set him back, and maybe slow production.

For one, he has a new head coach, meaning the Colts won't have that great mentor in the locker room like they used to. And also, he lost Marvin Harrison, one of the better receivers to play the game. That being said he didn't play much last year anyways, and Peyton still put up great numbers.

Despite those setbacks, he is still the most risk-free pick you can choose for quarterbacks. Look for him early in the first round.

1. Drew Brees

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints sets to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Drew Brees threw for over 5000 yards last year. So pretty much to me he clinched this spot. Did I mention the big passing targets Reggie Bush and Marques Colston were injured and missed quite a bit of playing time last year?

This year he has those targets, so he is very capable of putting up those numbers again. Plus Drew Brees opens up the year against the worst defense in the league last year, the Detroit Lions, which could give Drew Brees an easy 300 yard game with three touchdowns.

Look for him anywhere in the first round, as some people may overlook him, making him a possible sleeper as well. If I were you though, I would really consider taking him No. 1 overall if you have that pick in your fantasy draft.

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written on July 12, 2009 Sports

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