An almost rookie's look at NFL QBs for the NFL Fantasy Draft

Image Courtesy of Bing

First of all, a disclaimer, I don’t bet. I do however, enjoy fantasy football.  I played in a league a few years ago.  I’m doing it again this year.  I’m behind on my homework and am trying to catch up.  I’ve started by evaluating the quarterbacks.  As I go through this information, I have to keep in mind I’m drafting 11^th out of 14 teams and here we go.

The Golden Oldies

A lot of high profile veterans scare me a little bit.  Tom Brady, in my opinion, is the greatest QB of all time and Aaron Rodgers isn’t far behind.  Though it’s generally considered a bad idea to draft a QB in the first round, I might consider it if one of these two guys is available.  I’d lean towards Rodgers because he’s younger and maybe a little more likely to run for a TD.

Drew Brees and Philip Rivers could be the first QB I choose if I wait till the third round or later.  Philip Rivers has put up big numbers and has been remarkably durable for a long period of time. That’s no small thing.  Drew Brees will be 39 this season.  That scares me unless he’s my second QB pick later in the draft.

Wilson should Russell up some fantasy points

Last year’s leader in fantasy points was Seattle Seahawks QB, Russell Wilson. Russell might be my first round pick if he’s available.  I like Wilson better as a fantasy points QB than an actual NFL QB.  The composition of his team and his running ability add to Wilson’s fantasy value.

Solid picks would include....

There are a number of guys I’d be comfortable with at the QB position if I just want solid contributors.   This group includes Matthew Stafford, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan and Alex Smith.  Of those four, I think I’d go Ryan, Stafford, Roethlisberger and Smith.

Lots of options here

The league will have a bunch of young guys behind center this season.  I’m grouping last year’s rookies with this season’s crop.  Mitch Trubisky should see a jump in production this year.  DeShaun Watson should also light it up for the Texans.  Sam Darnold looks like he’ll start for the Jets and Josh Allen could do the same for the Bills.  The real pick here, however, could be Chiefs QB, Patrick Mahomes.  That’s a name I’ll be looking for an opportunity to snag.

Guys I'm not sold on

I’ve never been a fan of Jameis Winston for a number of reasons. His suspension is in itself a limiting factor for his production.  I’m also not high on Dak Prescott, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco or Tyrone Taylor.  I think the Cowboys could be bad and Prescott has limited tools to work with.  Eli Manning’s age and the Giants reliance on a running game could suppress Manning’s fantasy value.  I’m not as impressed with the Browns as some people are, and I’ve had reservations about Joe Flacco for some time.

Potential sleepers

As a QB, I’m not particularly high on Cam Newton, but he can put up some fantasy points.  His six rushing TDs helped his scoring last year.  I might be interested in Derek Carr in the later rounds.  Carson Wentz obviously has his value clouded by injury; he would be worth a look in the middle rounds of the draft.

Disclaimer

I’m by no means a fantasy football expert, but I’m looking forward to learning as I go.  Hopefully I don’t bury myself out of the gate by drafting poorly.