Fantasy 101 episode 2: QBs

In this second installment we are going to break down the Quarterback position. I will give u my top 10. a few sleepers, and some QBs you should try to avoid. Remember these rankings are based solely on fantasy purposes.

10. Matt Ryan -  With the emergence of Julio Jones becoming a threat in this Falcons offense, Matty Ice is poised for another big fantasy year this year. Last year he was 8th in number of total fantasy points, Throwing for over 4000 yards and 29 TDs. You can expect about the same from him this year. The only drawback from him is the Falcons also have a pretty good running game. Some games you can expect that Jaquizz Rodgers and Michael The Burner Turner to take a few TDs away from him. Solid late round Pick. In all of the Mocks I have taken, very solid value pick if you are looking for a Quarterback in about the 6th or 7th round.

9. Michael Vick - Mr. Vick is a very solid option as well. The Philly offense runs through him. He has play makers all around him. LeSean McCoy converts screens to large gains. Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson are gamebreakers outside and Brent Celek is a very solid, consistent option at Tight End. He will offer you rushing yards and rushing TDS. The worry with Vick is if he can stay healthy. He is a small guy, and with his style of play and the inconsistency of the Eagles offensive line, he never can stay upright. In Mocks people have been reaching for him in the 4th because of his upside.

8. Tony Romo - The face of America's team have proven himself as one of the great quarterbacks in the NFL right now. With even missing time last year with that rib injury he still managed to throw for over 4000 yards and 31 TDs. He has playmakers all over the field and is poised for another great year. The drawback for him is that the Cowboys offensive line might be one of the worst in the NFL. Hard to be effective if you are always running for your life. He also plays in the NFC East. With 6 games against top 10 defenses he might struggle a bit. All in all he makes plays and is a great value pick in the 5th or 6th round.

7. Eli Manning - Coming off his 2nd Superbowl MVP it is safe to say Eli is short for Elite. Losing Mario Manningham may be a little bigger than most are predicting but still should be a very solid pick. Giants Run the ball to keep the defense honest, but this offense is predicated on Eli and the pass. Almost 5000 yards in the air and 29 TDs. The Giants have typically been a slow starting team and he has struggled early in the year. He is a good value pick in the 4th or 5th round.

6. Phillip Rivers - Phillip Rivers is a gunslinger and the Chargers go as he goes. He struggled a bit last year with interceptions trying to do too much. with the addition of Robert Meachem and a healthy Antonio Gates he should be primed for a big year. 4500 yards passing and 29 TDs last year with Gates and Vincent Jackson in and out of the line up. If he can cut down on his interceptions he will be a great fit in the 4th or 5th round.

5. Matthew Stafford - He has the best WR in the league on his team and is not afraid to throw to him. Threw for over 5000 yards and 41 TDs last year. Fantasy stud and will drop to the 3rd or 4th rounds although his numbers are just as good as QBs that will be taken in the 1st or 2nd. He proved last year he can stay healthy for a whole season and have a favorable schedule to repeat that same success this year.

4. Cam Newton - Cam hit the ground running last year. Dropping the most 40 point fantasy games out of all the QBs. All that without training camp or OTAs. 40 total touchdowns passing and rushing. They look to let him run in goal-line situations which is great for fantasy. Is a sophomore slump coming? I don't believe so, but if you like Cam you are going to have to grab him in the 1st or early 2nd round.

3. Tom Brady - The Patriots don't run the ball EVER. They have 30 recievers and two TEs that could go and start for any team in the NFL. Tommy Terrific might go down as the Greatest of all time and if he can stay healthy the Pats stand to make another run at the Superbowl. 3rd in fantasy points last year with 5200 passing yards and 39 TDs. He is going 1st round.

2. Aaron Rodgers - Maybe the only QB that will be taken before an elite Running Back. He has been putting up video game numbers the past 3 years and doesn't seem like this year will be any different. They ran the ball a just as much as the Patriots did last year, but that could change with the addition of Cedric Benson. Not only does he throw the ball with ease; 4600 yards 46 TDs and only 6 INTs. He also added 300 yards on the ground with 3 TDs. If you aren't picking top 5 you wont get him.

1. Drew Brees - All the hype around Cam and Aaron Rodgers last year Drew Brees was the number 1 QB in fantasy points last year. Broke Dan Marino's single season yardage record last year by a landslide. He threw for 46 TDs and is set up to do the same this year. He will be the Saints offensive coordinator the first 6 games of the season. Remember what the Patriots did after their scandal? They went undefeated until the Superbowl. and Tom Brady ripped every defense he played with the help of Randy Moss. You can expect the same from Brees and company this year. He will go 1st round.

Who are the Guys that no one is talking about?

Jay Cutler- Last year before his injury Jay Cutler was having a phenomenal season with the Bears. With the addition of Brandon Marshall to that lackluster receiving core he should have a great year. Typically going in 6th round.

Peyton Manning - People are talking about him yes, but the masses are still waiting to take manning as late as the 6th round. Its Peyton Manning need I say more? If healthy he will be near the top of the fantasy rankings by years end

Matt Schaub - Last year Matt Schaub was injured and missed quite a bit of time. But the year before that he threw for over 4000 yards and 30 TDs. Texans seemed primed for a Superbowl run, and if he can stay healthy he stands to have a great year. Seen him going as late as 8th round in mocks. Not a bad pick up if u miss out on all the other guys.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - This guy is going undrafted in a lot of leagues. owned in only 42% of leagues so far. He was a having a great year starting out and then around week six suffered broken/bruised ribs which he didn't discover until after the season. I think he rebounds this year and looks more like he did in the early portion of the season more so than the latter.

Who should you absolutely stay away from?

Mark Sanchez - Mark Sanchez had great fantasy numbers last year, but with the addition on Tim Tebow a few of the touchdowns are gonna be taken away. They are trying out Cromartie at receiver. This offense has problems and doesn't stand to be a great year for him.

Ben Roethlisberger - Maybe one of the most clutch QBs in this league and I respect him as an elite player. But he wins ugly. Which is great for the Hall of Fame, not so much for fantasy glory.

Any Seattle QB/Arizona QB/ Tennessee QB -  All three of these teams have QB battles ongoing. with a midseason change likely coming if one or the other struggles. not worth a pick. Keep an eye on the waiver wire for them.