Fantasy Football 2015: QB Rankings, Projections and Top Team Names

In fantasy football, quarterbacks may be drafted lower than other skill-position players, but they sure score the most points.  

The league's stable of signal-callers who can produce those big points is deep, so it's understandable that people don't go for QBs right away. But it also causes them to be overlooked at times in the fantasy realm.

So let's focus on quarterbacks today, starting with rankings and statistical projections for the top 20 players at the position. Then, we'll focus on three notable players and look at some fun quarterback-related names for your fantasy team.

Quarterback Rankings and Projections

Players	Team	Projected Passing Stats	Projected Rushing Stats
1. Aaron Rodgers	GB	4,401 yards, 39 TD, 9 INT	255 yards, 2 TD
2. Andrew Luck	IND	4,525 yards, 37 TD, 14 INT	239 yards, 2 TD
3. Russell Wilson	SEA	3,640 yards, 27 TD, 11 INT	710 yards, 5 TD
4. Peyton Manning	DEN	4,580 yards, 36 TD, 14 INT	-10 yards, 1 TD
5. Ben Roethlisberger	PIT	4,495 yards, 31 TD, 14 INT	106 yards, 2 TD
6. Eli Manning	NYG	4,668 yards, 32 TD, 16 INT	49 yards, 1 TD
7. Drew Brees	NO	4,775 yards, 29 TD, 13 INT	57 yards, 1 TD
8. Matt Ryan	ATL	4,591 yards, 27 TD, 13 INT	107 yards, 1 TD
9. Cam Newton	CAR	3,498 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT	561 yards, 5 TD
10. Ryan Tannehill	MIA	4,290 yards, 25 TD, 13 INT	228 yards, 2 TD
11. Tony Romo	DAL	4,152 yards, 29 TD, 13 INT	63 yards, 1 TD
12. Philip Rivers	SD	4,222 yards, 27 TD, 15 INT	90 yards
13. Tom Brady	NE	3,056 yards, 23 TD, 7 INT	27 yards, 1 TD
14. Matthew Stafford	DET	4,198 yards, 27 TD, 15 INT	108 yards, 1 TD
15. Colin Kaepernick	SF	3,422 yards, 20 TD, 12 INT	576 yards, 2 TD
16. Robert Griffin III	WAS	3,388 yards, 19 TD, 11 INT	488 yards, 4 TD
17. Carson Palmer	ARI	4,089 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT	19 yards
18. Joe Flacco	BAL	3,910 yards, 25 TD, 15 INT	86 yards, 1 TD
19. Teddy Bridgewater	MIN	3,688 yards, 21 TD, 12 INT	277 yards, 2 TD
20. Sam Bradford	PHI	3,824 yards, 26 TD, 16 INT	70 yards, 1 TD

Notable Players

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (No. 4)

It may be hip to call the NFL's most dominant statistical quarterback ever washed-up after a disappointing second half of last season. Manning put up 22 passing touchdowns against only three interceptions in his first seven games, only to post 18 scores and 12 picks over his last 10 contests (including a divisional-round playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts).

But the 39-year-old is not done quite yet.

David Zalubowski/Associated Press/Associated Press

Yes, Manning no longer has red-zone aficionado Julius Thomas at tight end or Wes Welker at slot receiver. But he's had an offseason to recover from the hamstring injury that plagued him at the end of last season. No. 1 wideout Demaryius Thomas has also said Manning's throws have been getting to him "faster than ever," according to the Associated Press (via the Gazette).

A coaching change isn't so much of an issue for a quarterback like Manning, who's seen it all and has always been given plenty of freedom at the line of scrimmage. 

Eli Manning, New York Giants (No. 6)

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Peyton's little brother is a legitimate QB1. 

While Eli's actual skill level leaves him just below the elite level, his fantasy production will be elite. The New York Giants are mediocre on the ground and on the defensive side of the ball, which means a high volume of throws for the two-time Super Bowl winner.

And did I mention his receiving corps? For starters, Eli has this guy, who was only a rookie last season.

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

He's also getting a healthy Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, Daniels and the newly acquired James Jones to catch his passes.

If you have Eli this season, start him with confidence in pretty much every matchup.  

Tom Brady, New England Patriots (No. 13)

Brady works as a No. 1 quarterback, but that's only if you have a capable option to hold down the fort during his four-game Deflategate suspension. Since the New England Patriots' bye comes in Week 4, that means you'll essentially need a replacement for five weeks, assuming Brady doesn't win his appeal.

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Once he's in the lineup, Brady's production will be better than the No. 13 fantasy quarterback, which I have him slotted as. He's still a mastermind behind center with an excellent system around him plus the best tight end in football.  

However, the inconvenience of needing to find a five-week stand-in (at least for now) knocks Brady down several slots, and it's an issue you'll have to work through if you draft (or drafted) Tom Terrific. 

Team Names to Use 

The Aaron Green Bay's Fine 

Making fun of Brady for his alleged role in Deflategate is super overdone, so we'll let ol' Tommy off the hook this time...kind of. This name is both an allusion to Aaron Rodgers' preference for well-inflated footballs and a backhanded swipe at Brady. 

Luck Be a Shady

If you happen to nab the Andrew Luck-LeSean McCoy quarterback-running back duo draft night, don't rule out this Frank Sinatra-inspired label for your team.

RussellMania

Russell Wilson has caused some inspired debate with the big four-year, $87.6 million deal he signed at the end of July. Take this opportunity to make Seattle's golden boy part of your squad's moniker and pay some homage to the WWE's annual premier event.

Eli's About His Peycheck

Do you have that friend who just exaggerates everything he or she says? Or maybe you're a fan of one or both of the Manning brothers? This name is up for grabs.

Caught on Cam-era

Cam Newton got in a fight with teammate Josh Norman at the Carolina Panthers' practice Monday, and it was caught on camera by the Charlotte Observer's Jonathan Jones. 'Nuff said.

Rivers Deep, Malcom High

Although I'm not a San Diego Chargers fan, this one is a personal favorite of mine. Philip Rivers' most dangerous downfield threat is Malcom Floyd, a 6'5" receiver who excels at nabbing jump balls. Tina Turner's similarly titled classic hit fits perfectly.

Stafford Thrown Application

For those of you who've had to borrow money to pay for higher education, you may have had to apply for a Stafford loan. This name doesn't make a ton of sense altogether, but it's cheesily "punny," which is what most fantasy team names are anyway.

Palmer Trees Still Stanton

Question No. 1: Are you an environmentally conscious person with a soft spot for tropical areas?

Question No. 2: Are you an Arizona Cardinals fan?

If you answered "yes" to both questions, I think I've found your squad's name.

Note: All statistical rankings are based on ESPN.com's standard scoring format.