Stupid, Absurdly Early 2009 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks

At this point of the National Football League season, most of the fantasy nation is either fresh off a champion and flying high or weeks removed from a playoff exit/snub that they really would like to leave in the past. Everyone is looking ahead to the playoffs. People are planning Super Bowl parties, watching college bowl games.

Well, I'm in the minority.

I'm already negotiating trades in keeper leagues. I'm scouting my draft picks. And now, because I'm an idiot, I'm ranking guys for next season.

Read on for the top 10 fantasy QB's for 2009, if you're as dumb as me.

1. Drew Brees

Brees almost threw for more passing yards than any other player before him, with his two biggest receiving weapons missing huge chunks of the season.

With Reggie Bush and Marques Colston healthy all year, there is no reason to think that the Saints quarterback will not stay at the top of the ranks.

2. Peyton Manning

The eldest Manning brother is an indisputable elite fantasy quarterback year in and year out.

His numbers were down in 2008 because of a lack of running game to help ease some of the defensive pressure, but I would expect management to fix that problem in the offseason, whether through the draft or free agency. I wouldn't expect Addai and Rhodes to be the only backs in Indy for the 2009 campaign, ensuring that Manning will be right back in the top class of NFL Quarterbacks.

3. Philip Rivers

The Chargers were a disappointment all around this year and next year will be do or die. Norv Turner will be on a short leash, Merriman will be back from injury in the last year of his contract, all the pressure in the world will be on San Diego to win next year.

I think they do it. In 2008, Rivers started tremendously hot and finished tremendously hot. He'll burn it up throughout 2009.

4. Tom Brady

This is assuming that Brady is healthy enough to play at 100% at the beginning of 2009.

All the great pieces of the offense remain and New England will be as motivated as ever next year after missing the playoffs this season. Matt Cassel's greatness just shows all that Brady has at his disposal.

Don't expect 50 touchdowns, but a top five season is reasonable.

5. Tony Romo

Romo put up 3,400 yards and 26 touchdowns despite missing three games near the middle of the year to injuries.

Amidst all the Dallas locker room drama, Romo is still a perennial elite fantasy quarterback.

6. Jay Cutler

Dr. Diabetes deserved to be in the Pro Bowl this year. Yes, Rivers did as well, but not in place of Cutler (Brett Favre, cough, cough). The Denver quarterback had a great season.

A lot depends on what form the coaching staff in Denver takes after the firing of Mike Shanahan, but Cutler should still put up great numbers next year without having to deal with a new running back each week.

7. Aaron Rodgers

Well Green Bay looks smart. They let Brett Favre leave the organization to allow Rodgers to rise to stardom.

He's a great young talent and just fits into the top tier of quarterbacks for 2009.

8. Matt Ryan

Myth one: Rookie quarterbacks don't put up big numbers. Busted by Matt Ryan: circa 2008

Myth two: Stud rookies go through sophomore slumps. I don't see Ryan not blowing this one out of the water as well.

9. Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger had a major down year due to offensive inconsistency and injuries.

He'll be healthy next season and so should his running backs, so don't expect as much erraticness there. Look for a bounce back campaign from Big Ben.

10. David Garrard

Scoff, scoff. Garrard wasn't half bad in 2008. He made Matt Jones relevant.

With Jones in trouble though, Jacksonville will probably make big changes at wide receiver in the off season. These should help Garrard become a consistent, solid starting fantasy quarterback again.

Want more?

Top 10's for other positions will come in the next couple days.
For more fantasy football goodness throughout the off season, all you need to know is http://ffwriterswithhair.blogspot.com/