Updated 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings: Week 1

The smell of football is in the air. I held out hope that Peyton would make a triumphant return, but the rankings need to be adjusted. Here are my Week 1 fantasy football quarterback rankings:

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. New Orleans:  I don’t think there will be any Super Bowl hangover for Rodgers. He’ll come out firing.

2. Philip Rivers vs. Minnesota:  Once again the Vikings secondary is a question mark. So is their defensive line this time.

3.  Drew Brees at Green Bay:  I expect an old-fashioned shootout.

4.  Michael Vick at St. Louis:  It’s a fast track, but Maclin won’t be full speed and St. Louis likes to put pressure on the QB, which is the best way to “limit” Vick.

5.  Tom Brady at Miami:  Hard to say how the Patriots will open, but my guess is Brady puts on a show.

6.  Matt Ryan at Chicago:  Falcons conversion to pass-first starts now.

7.  Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis:  With a banged up (or missing) Arian Foster, Schaub and company will have to step up.

8.  Kevin Kolb vs. Carolina: Hopefully this year gets off to a better start for Kolb. I think it will.

9.  Eli Manning at Washington:  He was horrible in the preseason, but Redskins give him a good chance to get on track early.

10.  Ben Roethlisberger at Baltimore:  Tough early draw for Big Ben, but he’ll rise to the occasion.

11.  Matthew Stafford at Tampa Bay:  I like Stafford better than Freeman in this battle of up-and-coming teams.

12.  Josh Freeman vs. Detroit:  I like Freeman this year, but Detroit’s defensive front is deadly.

13.  Kyle Orton vs. Oakland:  It’s going to be easier to pass against Oakland this year for obvious reasons.

14.  Kerry Collins @ Houston:  Talk about huge shoes to fill. He has a ton of weapons though. 

15 . Jay Culter vs. Atlanta:  Cutler is going to have to pass and pass some more to keep up with Atlanta’s potent offense.

16.  Matt Cassel vs. Buffalo:  Jamaal Charles will be the story, but Cassel should have a nice season debut.

17.  Joe Flacco vs. Pittsburgh:  Tough draw. At least he’s at home.

18.  Tony Romo at New York Jets:  I do not like Romo this week against the rowdy Jets defense.

19.  Sam Bradford vs. Philadelphia:  Bradford gets to be the first to test out Philly’s trio of elite cornerbacks.

20. Colt McCoy vs. Cincinnati:  McCoy doesn’t get much fanfare, but could turn opener.

Also check out:

• Week 1 Fantasy RB Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy WR Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy TE Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy K Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy DEF Rankings