For What It's Worth: Determing the Value of NFL Quarterbacks in Auction Drafts

This set of rankings is for your ESPN auction draft. WARNING: Other sites have different salaries for your team so you may need to adjust accordingly. 

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: $43

Rodgers has an assortment of weapons at his disposal and was great week in and week out in 2010. He is in a pass-happy offense and puts up healthy numbers on the ground as well. 

2. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: $40

Rivers has possibly been the most consistent quarterback over the past three seasons. Many were worried his 2010 season would be plagued by the absence of Vincent Jackson, but he was outstanding nonetheless. 

3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts: $35

Manning has been putting up top fantasy numbers for as long as I can remember. Injuries at receiver really prevented him from posting his usual numbers in 2010, but I project a fantastic season from the league's top passer. 

4. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles: $33

Vick was a wild roller coaster ride for fantasy owners last season. I'm sure all owners hate Andy Reid for re-inserting Kevin Kolb into the lineup, but Vick still managed to post elite numbers. I predict that he returns to Earth in 2011, but will still put up good fantasy numbers on the ground and through the air. 

5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: $30

Brady had an incredibly efficient 2010 campaign. His low interception numbers kept fantasy owners happy, but that will not be enough. Brady did not exceed 400 yards once on the season and will need to change that come next season. 

6. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: $29

Brees threw an awful lot of interceptions last season. In many of my leagues, interceptions are more costly than the typical two points and if this is the case for your league, you may want to dodge him in 2011. 

7. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: $23

I don't expect Romo to be an elite fantasy scorer, but he has enough surrounding talent to be worth over $20. His injury may scare off some owners, but I think the upside is well worth it. 

8. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: $20

This one will come out of left field for many readers, but I think he will do more than break out this season. He may be a top three quarterback, but the injury risk means he is not worth more than $20. This is a very high risk-reward, so be prepared to draft a sleeper quarterback as well. 

9. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans: $19

Schaub was very inconsistent last season and failed to live up to the hopes of owners. But as long as he has Andre Johnson, he will put up big yardage numbers. Set a personal price on him though and do not exceed it because pursuing the idea of buying Schaub and Johnson ruined one of my teams last season. 

10. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: $17

Ryan has added a weapon in Julio Jones, but they failed to upgrade at tight end. Tony Gonzalez is aging and I think this is the fall-off year for him. Ryan will still be his usual self, but don't overpay for him, because he is not worth it with running back Michael Turner stealing red zone touchdowns weekly. 

11. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: $13

Boom, another shocker. There are always a few unseen youngsters—and old guys for that matter—that far exceed expectations. Last year, Josh Freeman was a star in his second NFL season. If the Rams had some decent receivers last season, Bradford would have been a star as well, but if Steve Smith is still a Panther—or if they upgrade in free agency—Newton will be well worth this investment. His rushing ability could make him a top six or seven fantasy quarterback. 

12. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams: $12

Rookie to sophomore season is typically the biggest jump for a quarterback. I hope the Rams upgrade their receiving core in free agency because Bradford needs some legitimate deep threats to become a solid fantasy starter. 

13. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: $11

The curse of the Super Bowl loser will get him next season. I foresee the absence of Hines Ward to hit him harder than some believe. The Steelers could very well go back to the run-first strategy that won them their first Super Bowl. 

14. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $8

Freeman was great in his second NFL season, but I expect the Bucs' offense to settle down. Defenses will know what is being thrown at them now and with an offseason to study, the NFC South will not be so easily picked on by Mr. Freeman in 2011. 

15. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: $7

Flacco was underwhelming last season. I don't see that changing much this season. He did not attack as well down field and was not as efficient. I predict a good season for the Ravens, but not a spectacular fantasy season for Flacco, who will once again see most touchdowns stolen by Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. 

16. Eli Manning, New York Giants: $6

Manning threw far too many picks last season. He was not very efficient and looked like the pre-Super Bowl Manning again. He got flustered and was inconsistent. Not a huge reward for a guy with a good amount of risk. 

If you don't end up with one of these guys, you may be in some trouble. Matt Cassel, Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell and possibly Donovan McNabb should be guys you pursue if the others don't fall to you. You should be able to get these guy for $3 to $6.