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As a fantasy football manager, you have to love the “new” NFL. It’s as pass-happy as it has ever been.
Quarterbacks are putting up eye-popping, do-a-double-take numbers. There are 5,000-yard passers and multiple QBs who toss 40 touchdowns in a season, turning many games into track meets.
2015 isn’t expected to be a break from the recent norm. More creative offenses and rules to protect the QB/WR positions will ensure that.
What is also expected to continue is the dominance of signal-callers like Aaron Rodgers of the Packers and Andrew Luck of the Colts.
They rank 1 and 2, respectively, on our pre-preseason list of fantasy quarterbacks for the 2015 season.
If you aren’t fortunate enough to get one of those 2 in your draft, don’t fret; there are more than a handful of QBs who will put up monster numbers this season.
Keep reading to see our Top 10 fantasy Quarterbacks for the upcoming NFL season:
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers was the quarterback of the league’s highest-scoring offense a season ago. What sets him apart from the rest is his ball security – the man just does not turn it over. He’s got the weapons – Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Eddie Lacy, etc. – and word is Rodgers might get to start calling more offensive plays. There is no reason to think Rodgers doesn’t have another 40 total touchdown season ahead of him.
2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck is going to eclipse Rodgers as the next top fantasy QB in short time, but he’s No. 2 for 2015 because he’s a bit sloppy with the football sometimes. Luck turned the ball over 20 times in 2014 (14 interceptions, 6 fumbles) and if your league deducts points for TOs (which most do), then that’s a problem. Already with sometimes-unstoppable T.Y. Hilton and Coby Fleener in the receiving arsenal, the Colts added veteran stud Andre Johnson (who has a few productive years left) and rookie Phillip Dorsett. Luck threw 40 TDs last season and he’s a good bet to top that number.
3. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Manning generally saves his worst games for the playoffs and as fantasy players, we appreciate that. In the regular season, which is where we’re interested, he’s still getting the job done. Going on his age-39 season, Manning lost TE Julius Thomas in free agency (and Wes Welker), but still has Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and whatever receiver he decides to make fantasy relevant (Cody Latimer?). Since missing the 2011 season, Manning has averaged 44 TD passes in his 3 years in Denver. He’s not done yet.
4. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks traded for all-world tight end Jimmy Graham in the offseason so that’s probably an indication they are looking to let Wilson chuck it around a bit more. While the cast of receiving characters are still relatively unknown, they are reliable, effective and have developed a chemistry with Wilson. Wilson’s legs also give him an edge over most QBs as he’s likely good for a handful of rushing scores and decent yardage. But when you’re at the goal line, Pete Carroll, just give the ball to Marshawn Lynch.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
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You always need to worry about Big Ben getting knocked out of a game (holds the ball a little too long sometimes), but as long as he has Antonio Brown and one of the better receiving running backs in Le’Veon Bell, he’ll produce. Roethlisberger’s 32 touchdown passes in 2014 were the most he has had since 2007. Pittsburgh is surrounding him with young receiving talent like Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and now rookie Sammie Coates, who has the tools to be Roethlisberger’s 2015 deep threat.
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6. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
I’m probably higher on Newton than most, but I think the Panthers are beginning to surround him with the receiving talent he needs to take the next step as a passer. With Kelvin Benjamin coming off an outstanding rookie season, Carolina basically added his clone, Devin Funchess, in the second round of the NFL Draft. Tight end Greg Olsen had a renaissance year in 2014 and the Panthers added Packers castoff, the talented Jarrett Boykin, in the offseason. Don’t worry, Cam will run still, that’s what he does and part of how he became of a fantasy stud, but he’ll do it less. Fantasy owners need him on the field, not in the trainer’s room.
7. Eli Manning, New York Giants
Eli might be more clutch than consistent performer, but take a look at that arsenal — Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, etc. With Manning you know what you’ll get — a decent amount of interceptions and a below-average completion percentage. But those receivers should definitely get Manning the Younger trending in a positive direction. And the Giants are now also in Year 2 of their “new” offense. Things will click.
8. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
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Roddy White is getting older, but Julio Jones appears to be getting better. Atlanta also added some young firepower in the draft with sure-handed WR Justin Hardy and RB Tevin Coleman, who has home run ability. Can rookies put Ryan over the top? Most likely no. But they’ll help keep Ryan an every-week starter. And so will new tight end Jacob Tamme, who used to catch passes from Peyton Manning.
9. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
One man’s loss is another man’s gain. Again, talking about Jimmy Graham here. Brees was “shocked” and “sad” when he lost Graham and he should be. No offense, but neither Ben Watson nor Josh Hill are Jimmy Graham. The Saints also traded WR Kenny Stills, but Brees still has reliable (yet aging) Marques Colston and relative newbies Brandin Cooks and Nick Toon. A receiving option like Seantavius Jones or Brandon Coleman could step up, but Brees is on the decline.
10. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
We all know Brady is facing a 4-game suspension for his role in DeflateGate. Though he has an appeal hearing on June 23. Either way, fantasy championships aren’t won early in the season. If he does miss a few games, he’s still a good bet to reach 30 TDs. And Brady will pay off in the fantasy playoffs. He still has Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, whom Brady reacquainted himself with on the field during the playoffs. But he’s at No. 10 because, if he is suspended, he won’t score as many fantasy points as those ranked 1 through 9.
The Next 10
Listed alphabetically
Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
