Fantasy Football Brothers: Quarterback Ranks and Projections

QB Draft Kit week continues today with our ranks and write ups. We are also taking a look into our crystal ball and with our 2010 stat projections.

There was much debate here at Fantasy Football Brothers surrounding our combined ranks. There always is when you have five guys with five different opinions. We took each of our five individual ranks and combined them to come up with this rank. We will continuously update these ranks and projections as the NFL gets into full swing.

(Editor's Note: This originally appeared 7/28/10 on Fantasy Football Brothers)

1) Drew Brees – NOR – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
399	585	4790	35	12	25	36	2

The reigning Super Bowl MVP enters 2010 as our No. 1 signal caller. After four straight 4,000 yard seasons it would be a crime not to rank Brees No. 1.

The Saints' offense comes back virtually intact so we can expect him to pass for more gaudy passing numbers in 2010. The only thing hurting Drew’s stock is the possibility of a Super Bowl hangover and the rumor that the Saints will enter the season with a more balanced approach on offense.

I don’t see that happening. After posting the best record in the league and winning a Super Bowl title, why would they change anything on offense?

If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Brees is a safe and solid option to build your team around. He will come off the board in the first round.

2) Aaron Rodgers – GRE – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
339	523	4397	31	11	58	279	4

I’ll be honest, it was very hard to rank Rodgers second. Rodgers enters the year as the only quarterback in NFL history to post back to back 4,000 yard seasons in his first two as a starter.

With weapons like Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and tight end Jermichael Finley returning, we expect his already impressive numbers to improve. It only helps his cause when you factor in the solid play of running back Ryan Grant.

The Packers were also lucky enough to upgrade their biggest weakness in the draft when they landed Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga in the first round. Bulaga will start immediately and should help stabilize a very shaky unit. 

It’s also worth more than a mention that Rodgers has a knack for finding the end zone with his feet. He has scored nine rushing touchdowns in the last two years. All signs point to a career year and a run at the MVP award.

3) Peyton Manning – IND – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
398	598	4619	33	14	19	21	1

Mr. Consistency comes in at No. 3 and rounds out the first tier. Arguably the best and most productive quarterback in the history of pro football, Manning should continue his path toward greatness in 2010.

He’s the safest and most reliable player in all of football. The Colts are loaded on offense and I wouldn’t be surprised if Manning has another career year. He puts in more time and works harder than anyone in the game. Yet, he still plays as though he has something to prove. That’s someone I want leading my team.

4) Matt Schaub – HOU – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
389	585	4648	29	15	29	57	1

With a little controversy, Schaub comes in at No. 4. If you listened to me last year you would have known his breakout was coming. (Shameless plug: I had him ranked at No. 7 entering ’09).

All he did was lead the league in passing yards with 4,770 yards and toss a career high 29 touchdowns. The man is a pure pocket passer who simply needed to stay healthy as well as become more efficient in the red zone.

He was able to do both, proving to be one of the best mid-round draft picks of all last year. If he stays healthy again, we expect him to post similar numbers making him a rock solid QB1.

Unfortunately for Schaub, he’s arguably the most fragile man in the NFL. He could be the fourth quarterback off the board or the eighth. If you do draft him, make sure you invest in a solid back up.

5) Tony Romo – DAL – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
338	540	4378	28	11	36	83	1

Romo’s potential makes a strong argument for him to be ranked ahead of Schaub this year. My biggest problem with him is that he always seems to play his worst football when his owners need him the most. The fact is he should be considered a top passer and that’s why I have him ranked fifth.

The Cowboys enter the year stacked on offense. Last years Fantasy Football Brothers sleeper, Miles Austin emerged as a legit No. 1 wide out and the team used its first round pick to acquire the ultra-talented wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Add in the trio of talented running backs and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten, and the Boys have the look of an offensive juggernaut. All signs point to Romo being pretty good this year.

6) Tom Brady – NEP – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
379	579	4423	29	13	30	31	1

Brady enters 2010 healthy.

I felt it took him almost half the season to look completely comfortable moving around in the pocket after suffering a devastating knee injury in the first week of the ’08 season.

However, even when he appeared healthy it turns out he wasn’t. Recent reports suggest that he played a good portion of the year with broken ribs. Injuries aside, Brady managed to do what he does best. He completed over 65 percent of his passes for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns. Those are better than average numbers when you consider all the factors he had working against him.

He was able to succeed despite injury and predictable offensive play calling that left a lot to be desired. On the plus side they have vowed be more creative with their offensive play calling this year.

On the down side, I think Wes Welker (Brady’s favorite target) will start the year on the PUP list. Regardless of Welker’s health Brady is one of the best decision makers in the league and has been able to post solid numbers without adequate weapons in the past.

He still has Moss who’s in a contract year and will be out to prove that he’s an elite wide out who’s worth another pay day. I know the team is also high on second year wide out Julian Edelman and former third round pick Brandon Tate. Edelman was impressive at times last year and should fill in for Welker in the slot. Brandon Tate is going to have every opportunity to step in and prove he’s a capable NFL receiver.

The fact is, Brady will probably never be able match his magical ’07 campaign. Those expecting him to do so will be disappointed. However, he will produce very good numbers on a weekly basis making him a rock solid QB1.

7) Brett Favre – MIN – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
351	539	4182	31	12	31	24	0

Let the Favre saga begin!

Reports indicate that his ankle surgery was successful but a timetable on his return is still unknown, and why wouldn’t it be?

I think he returns for three reasons.

1. Brett Favre is all about Brett Favre, and Mr. Favre posted some of his best numbers ever last year.

2. The Vikings have a solid nucleus with good chemistry. With Favre they are a legit juggernaut and Super Bowl contender.

3. A chance to redeem himself from that woeful interception in the NFC championship game.

When he makes it official and does return to the Vikings, I’m circling both games on my calendar when they play the Packers. Can you remember the last time two teams from the same division were legit Super Bowl contenders? How about the last time an entire team’s offense was tied to an egotistical aging quarterback? With all the drama that surrounds him, the fact is, Favre could be a top five fantasy passer in ’10.

8) Philip Rivers – SDC – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
339	514	4267	27	13	35	40	1

Rivers proved his worth as a top echelon QB1 when he turned the run first Chargers into a pass first team.

He seldom makes mistakes and always seems to make the right read. The team ultimately made Rivers the face of the franchise when they said goodbye to long-time great LaDainian Tomlinson. The team felt Tomlinson and the running game were ineffective making the offense one dimensional.

One of their goals this off season was to become more balanced. The team stuck to their word and traded up in the first round of Aprils draft to acquire running back Ryan Mathews.

A stronger running game should help keep defenses honest. Vincent Jackson will miss the first three games if not longer. When he does return he’ll come back as Rivers go to guy. Factor in Antonio Gates return to elite form and Rivers should post a third consecutive 4,000 yard season.

**As of this writing Vincent Jackson is threatening to hold out the first 10 weeks.

9) Joe Flacco – BAL – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
324	519	3918	27	13	45	82	1

Baltimore entered the off season with one goal—equip Joe Flacco with as many weapons as possible.

The team stuck to their word when they traded third and fourth round picks to acquire wide receiver Anquan Boldin from Arizona. Boldin provides Flacco with the physical presence he’s lacked in his first two years in the league. Paired with the super productive and reliable Derick Mason, the Ravens finally have a legitimate wide receiver combination that will help stretch the field and open up the offense.

The Ravens are a team on the rise, and Flacco’s quickly becoming a quarterback ready to take the next step. He has all the tools and ability to post career numbers in every offensive category. Flacco is a solid QB1.

10) Eli Manning – NYG – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
312	507	4062	28	15	34	50	0

I’m not a huge fan of Eli Manning. However, one can not deny his progression as a top quarterback in the NFL. He set career highs in passing yards (4,023) and touchdowns (27). Eli enters 2010 as my No. 1 potential quarterback sleeper.

The Giants season was filled with disappointment after their hot start. They enter the year healthy and hungry. With an array of weapons on offense, led by wide receiver Steve Smith and second year man Hakeem Nicks, Eli should be able to produce very good numbers on a weekly basis.

They have a strong running game and a well balanced attack. That’s a recipe to a solid year and QB1 status in my book. If I miss out on one of the top signal callers, I’ll be sure to target him in the mid rounds.

11) Kevin Kolb – PHI – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
314	515	3948	27	13	34	49	1

The Donovan McNabb era is over in Philly. Enter Kevin Kolb.

All I can say is be careful what you wish for Eagle fans. On paper Kolb is the perfect fit for Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. He throws a great slant and has a good pocket presence. He also knows how to command a huddle.

These traits is what made him a second round pick and McNabb expendable. It also doesn’t hurt that the Eagles have one of the youngest and most talented teams in football. Kolb has been groomed for this by two very good teachers and should be able to thrive in this offense.

I expect very good numbers in his first year as the starter. However, make sure you invest in an adequate backup in case he falters. Another concern I have regarding Kolb, is if the Eagles use M.Vick in a significant portion of the red zone packages. It could hamper his touch down total.

12) Matt Ryan – ATL – QB

CMP	ATT	PYDS	PTD	INT	RUSH ATT	RUSH YDS	RUSH TD
310	511	3697	27	12	40	81	2

Ryan entered ’09 as a solid QB1 candidate. Unfortunately, he failed to meet expectations and proved to be a shaky weekly option. However, he did show growth as a passer and again enters the year as a potential QB1.

One of the biggest things holding Ryan back is the Falcons run first mentality. Our hope is they open up the playbook and give him a little more room to operate. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez provide Ryan with two elite options in the passing game and M.Turner is poised for a bounce back year.

Ryan is a very good decision maker who protects the ball and limits his mistakes. I expect him to set career highs in all offensive categories, making him a borderline QB1 option this year.

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