Chris Wesseling's Top 10 Fantasy QBs

Chris Wesseling - Rotoworld

Quarterbacks

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers – The point guard for Mike McCarthy’s fast-break offense, Rodgers has finished first, second, and first in fantasy points the past three years while continuing to evolve as a passer. Jordy Nelson has emerged as one of the most efficient deep threats in the game, and Randall Cobb could do the same in the slot.

2. Drew Brees, Saints – I was tempted to go with Vick here, but Brees is simply too safe with three top-two fantasy finishes in the past four years. While Sean Payton is one of the most creative schemers in the league, the Saints offense hit its stride down the stretch last year with OC Pete Carmichael calling the plays.

3. Michael Vick, Eagles – If my fantasy sports philosophy could be boiled down to one sentence, it would be this: Give me the player with the highest upside in a best-case scenario. Vick may come with injury risk, but his fantasy ceiling is higher than any player in the NFL. I’m expecting a breakout season from Jeremy Maclin as well as a bounce-back campaign for DeSean Jackson.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots – Brady boasts two No. 1 finishes and a No. 3 in his last four full seasons. Acrobatic field-stretcher Brandon Lloyd will open up the offense, leaving defenses to pick their poison against Wes Welker and the two dynamic tight ends.

5. Matthew Stafford, Lions – Stafford edged Drew Brees out for the league lead in pass attempts and shotgun snaps last season. The Lions failed to bring in new backfield blood, leaving Stafford and Calvin Johnson to shoulder the weight of the scoring once again. This offense looks more and more like New Orleans North each year.

6. Cam Newton, Panthers – I agree with Silva on two points: 1. The top six quarterbacks are fairly interchangeable. 2. Newton’s 14 rushing scores are unrepeatable. I just don’t expect to see a big leap in Newton’s passing numbers with the same personnel in place.

7. Matt Ryan, Falcons – New coordinator Dirk Koetter runs a more vertical offense, which should allow Ryan to take full advantage of explosive downfield and run-after-catch threat Julio Jones. Coach Mike Smith has made it clearMichael Turner will have a reduced role this season. Hopefully that leads to more snaps for Ryan out of the no-huddle formation that clearly plays to his strengths.

8. Peyton Manning, Broncos – Denver’s non-divisional schedule is a bear, Manning’s arm strength is in question, and the early season could be spent developing a rapport with his receivers. I will be targeting Eric Decker in every draft this summer, but I’m inclined to let someone else roll the dice on Peyton as a QB1.

9. Eli Manning, Giants – I’m an Eli convert. Last year was the first time I’ve seen anything resembling an elite NFL quarterback, and he continued to improve throughout the season. Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, andMartellus Bennett give Eli the best set of passing-game weapons in his eight-year career.

10. Tony Romo, Cowboys – Romo will miss security blanket Laurent Robinson in the red zone, but Dez Bryant has the talent to lead all non-Calvin Johnson receivers in touchdowns. When Romo is on the field, he always produces as a QB1.

Just Missed: Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Josh Freeman, Robert Griffin III

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