2011 Updated Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

Here’s an updates and expanded look at my 2011 fantasy football quarterback rankings.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: A concussion ended his 4,000 yard streak at two, but 3,922 is close enough. Add 28 passing touchdowns, a career high 356 rushing yards and four rushing scores and you’re looking at the No. 1 fantasy quarterback option once again.

2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: Brees puts up better passing numbers, but the rushing numbers distinguishes Rodgers as the premier fantasy quarterback.

3. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Three straight 4,000-yard seasons. Like Brees, it doesn’t really matter who he is throwing to.

4. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles: As explosive as they come. He easily could be the No. 1 fantasy quarterback, but he comes with an injury risk—not to mention a regression risk, because Vick never had a season near last year’s monster campaign.

5. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts: Ho hum. Another epic season for Manning. The Colts added some pass protection, but it could take some time to gel without adequate OTA time. The neck scares me a little, but Peyton’s track record is too lengthy to panic.

6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: His overall numbers were great,but he is more likely to drop a dud than the top five, which is why I have him ranked at No. 6. When all is said and done he will likely have another big year. Chad Ochocinco's arrival gives him yet another weapon.

7. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: He has the weapons and the ability. It’s a matter of staying healthy and mentally tough enough to deliver. Adding a solid backup is a must.

8. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans: The Texans should have improved on defense, which means he’s more likely to repeat last year’s form than his 2009 production.

9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben’s troubles could work in his favor this year as he has experience with getting up to speed quickly.

10. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Ryan got a shiny new toy when the Falcons traded up to grab Julio Jones. We know he is a talented quarterback in reality. This year he takes the next step on the fantasy side.

11. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams: Bradford set the rookie completion record and should only get better thanks to the experience he gained last year.

12. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens added Anquan Boldin last year and Torrey Smith this year to help Flacco continue to progress.

13. Eli Manning, New York Giants: It’s easy to get on Eli for his 25 picks, but he reached 4,000 yards for the second straight year and set a career high with 31 TD passes.

14. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Freeman’s numbers are bloated from a five-touchdown performance against Seattle. While I think he’ll throw more than the six interceptions he tossed last year, I think he finally collects a rushing touchdown.

15. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Stafford is the type of player that could move up the rankings during the season, but his injury history prevents him from going higher than 15.

16. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals: Now that he’s in the desert with Larry Fitzgerald, he moves up a few slots.

17. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs: Cassel took a step forward throwing for 31 touchdown passes last year, forming a great bond with Dwayne Bowe. They added Jonathan Baldwin to keep the defenses honest.

18. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: Makes a lot of mistakes, but does some amazing things. We’ll have to see w here his mind is after last year ended on such a sour note with his toughness being questioned. The addition of Roy Williams is nice, but I can’t figure out why Johnny Knox got demoted.

19. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos: He wasn’t on the initial list because early indications were that Orton would be dealt and Tebow would start. If the team struggles, Tebow could get another chance, making Orton a risky backup pick.

20. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills: Fitzpatrick and the Bills were one of the biggest surprises last year. Can they repeat? I’m a little skeptical, but I wouldn’t mind having Fitz as my QB2. Losing Lee Evans could hurt.

21. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets: I don’t love Mark Sanchez as a fantasy player. I think he’s a better reality player, but the latter stages of the QB2 start bringing up some pretty big questions. Time will tell if Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress have anything left in the tank.

22. Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings: The move to Minnesota gives Donovan McNabb a chance to restore his reputation and fantasy value. Losing Sidney Rice didn’t help, but he should be in a much better place mentally and physically.

23. Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans: I dumped both rookie quarterbacks that I had on the past list for two vets. Hasselbeck and McNabb. Assuming Chris Johnson gets paid and Kenny Britt can avoid suspension, Hasselbeck has enough weapons to be a low-end QB2.

24. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders: Not a fantasy star, but he did solidify the Raiders offense.

25. David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: Garrard will get the start initially, but if Jacksonville struggles they could start the Blaine Gabbert era sooner rather than later.

26. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns: McCoy got some seasoning as a rookie and is well-suited for the West Coast Offense.

27. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals: Perhaps Dalton will be the only rookie that begins the year as the starter. There will be a learning curve, but he shouldn’t be asked to do too much.

28. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers: Last chance, Alex.

29. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks: I don’t love him, but he has some decent weapons at his disposal.

30. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos: I believe he will eventually get some playing time as Broncos fans voice their opinions.

Also check out:

2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings

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