Tim Tebow: Breaking Down QB's Season from a Fantasy Perspective

Things have changed dramatically in one season for Tim Tebow, but the backup quarterback still has some value in fantasy football.

When Tebow took over for Kyle Orton as starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos last season, everyone focused on the team winning games despite relatively poor statistics. However, it is important to note that he was a solid fantasy player throughout the year.

From Week 5 through Week 16 (when most leagues have their championship game), Tebow did not have fewer than 12 points. In that time he averaged 17 points per game, which would rank seventh among quarterbacks. That is ahead of stars like Tony Romo, Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers. 

This season, those numbers are likely to go down while he is sitting on the bench, but he will not completely disappear. The New York Jets plan to use the quarterback in a Wildcat formation throughout Week 1 and likely the rest of the season.

It is unknown how many touches Tebow will get, but it is obvious that number will only increase if Mark Sanchez struggles.

While Tebow waits to get the starting nod, he should provide enough production to at least keep him on your bench. He is a very productive runner, totaling 660 yards with six touchdowns last season. Even in 2010, he had three rushing touchdowns in 12 carries before taking over the starting spot. If the team uses him even 10 times per game, it will give him opportunities to gain valuable rushing yards and touchdowns and even some points as a passer.

The key will be to see his usage in Week 1. Rex Ryan has been silent about how they will use the unique player, but they did not acquire him for no reason. In all likelihood, he will get enough playing time to at least silent the fanbase. In time, increased playing time could turn into a starting job if the team struggles to win games at the start.

Until then, fantasy owners in deeper leagues can store Tebow on the bench. He is certain to become valuable later in the season and it might be more difficult to pick him up at that point. Those in two-quarterback leagues might be able to start the former Bronco even sooner.

Tim Tebow might be on the bench for now, but his career as an impact fantasy player is far from over.

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