Without further adu, I present to you, the Top 40 Quarterbacks of the year. All 32 starters will come first (as of now) followed by the top 8 backups. May expand soon!
1st-Peyton Manning-Indianapolis Colts
Once again, Peyton Manning is the QB that should be atop your draft boards for your fantasy draft. If you are still thinking others, let's run this through your mind. He's never missed a start in his NFL career, is still in the prime of his career (age 30) and with some uncertainty surronding the backfield; Peyton may be throwing a lot more. If you are still not convinced, well then let someone else grab him and wait for another QB to drop to you.
2nd-Tom Brady-New England Patriots
It is now 100% in stone that Tom Brady is now a fantasy stud. With over 4,000 passing yards and 26 TDs with weapons such as Deion Branch, Daniel Graham and Ben Watson there's no reason he shouldn't even be better. Like Manning, he never misses a game and with the drafting of Chad Jackson along with the development of Branch, you won't be considered an idiot for drafting him in early Round 2.
3rd-Carson Palmer-Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer is going to be in the #1 spot for years to come in the near-future. But not quite yet, in his 2nd season of starting for the Bengals, Palmer had 32 TD passes (league lead) and led the Bengals to their first playoff performance in 14 years. Sounds good until you hear that Palmer tore his ACL, MCL as well as meniscus damage. Still, Palmer is rehabbing and apparently ahead of schedule. I don't see any reason why not to draft him other than that, but if you do draft him, just consider the injury a bit.
4th-Matt Hasselbeck-Seattle Seahawks
For the past two seasons, Hasselbeck turned into a serviceable fantasy football starting QB. Now, he's made the jump from serviceable to potential stud-in-the-making. With the loss of OG Steve Hutchinson, the running game may not exactly be as potent as last year so the passing game should improve. Though Joe Jurevicius departed to Cleveland, Darrell Jackson is healthy as well as Nate Burleson (FA acquisiton) and Jerramy Stevens. Expect another good year from Hasselbeck.
5th-Eli Manning-New York Giants
Eli Manning shook off the struggling from his rookie year to post a good year in his first year starting fulltime. He threw for 3,760+ yards and 24 TDs but threw 17 INTs. Though it should be noted that Eli's first-half put him towards the top of the QB list, his second-half though had 12 out of the 17 INTs. With Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Tiki Barber and rookie Sinorice Moss, Eli is in another situation that should produce another great season.
6th-Donovan McNabb-Philadelphia Eagles
Some of you will question if I am overvalueing him as the loss of Terrell Owens may indicate. But keep in mind that even before T.O., McNabb was an adequate starter and if Reggie Brown continues his development, McNabb should be fine. Also LJ Smith and Brian Westbrook should continue to the passing game as well. Since the Eagles may be running the ball more, there will be less pressure on him throwing the ball.
7th-Marc Bulger-St. Louis Rams
The only thing that is keeping Marc Bulger away from the Top 5 is the fact that he's getting injuried excessively. He's got good arm strength, pocket presence and accuracy that could make him a legitimate fantasy stud. Add WRs Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis and RB Steven Jackson to the mix, it's nearly deadly. Keep your eye out for him if he falls in your draft and snatch him up. If you intend on starting him, make sure you go after a steady back-up.
8th-Jake Delhomme-Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith alone, turned Jake Delhomme into a possible starting QB in fantasy football leagues last year. Now add Keyshawn Johnson, Dale Carter's speed in the slot (Keary Colbert, odd man out?) and RBs DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams, another productive year is in for Delhomme.
9th-Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
To some, starting in New Orleans could actually be a fantasy downgrade from big San Diego. But to me, I feel that while Brees numbers may dip slightly, he'll still have a great year if his arm is good. Joe Horn, while aging (and if healthy), could have a bounceback season under Brees and Donte' Stallworth had a career year last year. Also, there's a chance TE Zach Hilton will be a legit weapon this year after ending last season on a high note. How could I forget that Deuce McAllister should be healthy by September AND Reggie Bush was drafted by NO meaning even more weapons. Could be a big year or a big disappointment for Brees, this year.
10th-Drew Bledsoe-Dallas Cowboys
Like Drew Brees, Bledsoe will either be a top QB or just an average one with a good batch of weapons surronding him. The big weapon is hands-down free agent acquisition Terrell Owens. Owens has been an unbelieveably successful WR the past few seasons but his attitude has resulted in being traded by 3 teams (San Francisco, Baltimore and Philadelphia). If Owens keeps his mouth shut, Bledsoe will have Terry Gleen as a deep-ball threat and TE Jason Witten will contribute heavily as well.
11th-Daunte Culpepper-Miami Dolphins
Daunte Culpepper last year was actually considered by some, to be fantasy's #1 QB. Flash forward to now, and he's clinging to the Top-10. After tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL, Culpepper needs to re-establish himself in Miami. With Chris Chambers, Randy McMichael and Ronnie Brown, he's got a solid chance of doing just that. He could vault into the Top-10 if he can prove he's healthy and possibly start Week One for the Dolphins.
12th-Kurt Warner-Arizona Cardinals
This may be Kurt Warner's last year of starting in the NFL as the drafting of USC and former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart indicates. But if it is his final year of starting, expect him to go out with a bang. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are two of the best WRs in the game and FA acquistion Edgerrin James are reasons to believe that. If he can stay healthy (monumental IF) then watch out for "Old Man Warner" this year.
13th-Ben Roethlisberger-Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger is close to becoming a legitimate fantasy starting QB. With the running game now mixed with power (Duce Staley) and speed (Willie Parker), the passing game become a bit more common than year's past with Pittsburgh. Antwaan Randle El's departure to Washington may leave an impact but with Hines Ward, Heath Miller and Santonio Holmes; watch out for Big Ben.
14th-Jake Plummer-Denver Broncos
After the 2004 playoff loss against the Indianapolis Colts, it appeared Jake Plummer was on a short leash in Denver. Plummer replied by throwing 18 TDs and an impressive 7 INTs. But after losing in the AFC Championship game to Pittsburgh and the drafting of QB Jay Cutler in Round 1, Plummer again is on a short leash. Enter former Packer Javon Walker and there is reason to believe Plummer can again reply to the adversity with another solid year.
15th-Michael Vick-Atlanta Falcons
There is no QB in the NFL with the elusiveness of Michael Vick. A gifted runner, Vick is actually a threat to rush for 700+ yards. But unfortunately he still needs development under center and admits to having trouble in the West Coast Offense. Vick is a dreadfully inconsistent passer and hasn't thrown for 3 TDs in a single game in his 2.25 years of starting duty. If he can't find consistency this year, expect Matt Schaub to actually be considered in favor of Vick.
16th-Trent Green-Kansas City Chiefs
At age 35, Green is another veteran who is nearing the end of a long career under center. But with an aging offensive line and an aging WR (Eddie Kennison), expect Green's strong numbers to take a bit of a nosedive. Tony Gonzalez should be a threat again but with Larry Johnson and possibly Priest Holmes, the fantasy star on Green may be dimming down.
17th-Aaron Brooks-Oakland Raiders
All fantasy football players remember this man as "Mr. Inconsistency" during his tenure in New Orleans. Forget last year's numbers, remember he didn't have Deuce McAllister or a healthy Joe Horn for a majority of his starting time in 2005. Now he has Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, LaMont Jordan and Ronald Curry. I'd consider that an upgrade, how about you?
18th-Brett Favre-Green Bay Packers
Personally, I feel like I committed a heinous crime putting Aaron Brooks in front of Favre, but it had to be done. The offensive line, already dreadful, suffered another blow with the loss of C Mike Flanagan and WR Javon Walker is gone. With the injuries surronding mostly everyone on the offense (minus Donald Driver), it could get very ugly in GB this year, very ugly.
19th-Mark Brunell-Washington Redskins
Can he last another season? Quite possibly, but there's also a chance that he improves upon last year's good numbers. With a plethora of targets including Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd, Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley; he doesn't need to be outstanding to put up good fantasy football numbers. If he can survive another season, expect good numbers.
20th-Byron Leftwich-Jacksonville Jaguars
Until he broke his foot against Arizona late in the regular season, Leftwich was starting at QB for most fantasy teams. After seeing his numbers, there is no reason to not believe he can't make it big and shouldn't be this low. But the retirement of WR Jimmy Smith, really could beat up Leftwich this year. There is reason to hope though, the OL is getting better and is young for starters. The Jaguars have a good recieving TE in Marcedes Lewis and if Matt Jones turns into half of what he's hyped up to be, watch out! Expect contributions from the backfield of Fred Taylor, Greg Jones or rook Mo Drew. Still, Smith really hurts Leftwich's stock as of now.
21st-Chris Simms-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One of the few QBs I expect to vault up my rankings next year is Tampa Bay QB Chris Simms. After leading the Bucs to a playoff appearance last year, the young QB should be a force to be reckoned with this year. Michael Clayton has reportedly been working out heavier than last year and Cadillac Williams is back in the backfield. Joey Galloway, while aging, should provide another solid season and don't forget TE Alex Smith for redzone opportunities. I'm not saying he'll be Top-5, but Top-15 appears to be a good possibility.
22nd-Steve McNair-Baltimore Ravens
Steve McNair is finally a Baltimore Raven and if you are a fantasy owner, this could be huge. He gets reunited with former top target Derrick Mason and gains youngster Mark Clayton. Also he inherits a potential Top-5 TE in Todd Heap and a possible deadly running game in Lewis/Anderson. If he can stay healthy, he's a good #2 to latch onto.
23rd-David Carr-Houston Texans
This is the year for David Carr to prove if he is really "The Man" in Houston. Under new coach Gary Kubiak, there's plenty of reason to believe that this is Carr's coming out party. Along with Andre' Johnson, Carr will have Eric Moulds, Jeb Putzier and another major sleeper in RB Domanick Davis. Also, plug-in Charles Spencer and Eric Winston on the OL, the gargantuan sack total should drop too. If Carr fails? He'll be out the door faster than you can say "Brady Quinn".
24th-Jon Kitna-Detroit Lions
This spot will be either occupied by Kitna or McCown, whoever wins the Detroit starting QB battle. Early indications give it to Kitna and he or McCown will thrive in the Detroit offense. Reason why? Mike Martz, the new OC in town. If Martz could turn Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and to a degree Ryan Fitzpatrick into successful NFL starters than why shouldn't he with someone as established as Kitna? With Roy Williams as a #1 reciever and Charles Rogers may make an impact (if he can get off the 3rd team offense), then Kitna should be fine. Kevin Jones should see some balls too out of the backfield, as well.
25th-Brad Johnson-Minnesota Vikings
Another veteran coming into the 2006 season is Brad Johnson. Johnson, though, doesn't have the glamour of high-profile weapons. RB Chester Taylor and TE Jermaine Wiggins may be efficient but Marcus Robinson and Troy Williamson have to play the best football of their careers for the Vikings to have a chance in the NFC North. Brad is a great leader and an efficient QB but he can't make stars out of mud.
26th-Chad Pennington-New York Jets
In 2002, Chad Pennington had a great year in NYJ. He threw 22 TDs but more sparkling was the shocking 6 INTs and he looked like a star-in-the-making. But fast forward two shoulder surgeries later and Pennington is now struggling to keep his starting job. Will Pennington step up? Time will tell but he needs to have an injury-free year now.
27th-Philip Rivers-San Diego Chargers
The highly-touted Rivers now gets his chance to start for the Chargers after two seasons holding the clipboard. Rivers has a pretty good supporting cast in TE Antonio Gates, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and WRs Keenan McCardell and Eric Parker. But can he throw them the ball? We've never seen him play extensively so here's his chance.
28th-Rex Grossman-Chicago Bears
I really should have ranked Rex higher, but his injury woes still scare me off too much to consider him a Top-25 QB. With good arm strength and pocket presence, if he can stay healthy, he'll be much higher than 30. But considering he's never even started a full-half season, it's alarming. Plus with the addition of Brian Griese, he is on a short leash.
29th-Billy Volek-Tennessee Titans
Vince Young will be heavily favored by most fans, but Volek has the inside track now that McNair has departed. Volek has good mechanics and accuracy, plus he has great chemistry with WR Drew Bennett. Volek could very well be a huge sleeper this year, keep your eyes on him in training camp as VY may not be mechanically developed as of now.
30th-Charlie Frye-Cleveland Browns
Hard to believe that last year's second best true rookie QB (after Kyle Orton), was a kid from Akron. Charlie Frye only threw for 4 TDs but in his starting tenure, he showed off his arm and accuracy. While he didn't have Braylon Edwards for most of his starts, he did show chemistry between the potential star WR. If Frye can keep that up, he'll still probably be in towards the bottom of the barrel, but he'll gain momentum for the next year. Joe Jurevicius may help his development a bit more, also.
31st-Alex Smith-San Francisco 49ers
I expect Alex Smith to improve upon last year's numbers, but again that's not saying much. If he can throw 2 TDs and 8 INTs, it'll be improvement toward his future. But now that he's seen the NFL game up close and personal and now that he has Antonio Bryant and Vernon Davis, he may surprise us a bit. With good mobility and leadership, he's got the intangibles but needs to refine his touch a bit. If Frank Gore can last the season, I'll consider him a good dynasty league back-up for the current time.
32nd-J.P. Losman-Buffalo Bills
Since I am ranking the Top-32 starters, I am forced to put Losman on here. It appears Losman lost his starting job before he even finished the season last year. Whoever Buffalo starts whether it be Losman, Kelly Holcomb or Craig Nall, then still don't take them unless they prove the world wrong. Holcomb has the best chance of starting as of now, but Losman is getting the reps with the first team for now.
33rd-Brian Griese-Chicago Bears
This year's top backup for the current time is Brian Griese of the Chicago Bears. Griese has resurrected his career since leaving Denver and if Grossman gets hurt or struggles on early, then it's Griese time in Chi-town. With Muhsin Muhammed, Mark Bradley and a dangerous backfield, Griese could become a pretty adequate back-up in most leagues.
34th-Josh McCown-Detroit Lions
Rumor has it out of Detroit that Kitna is pretty much a lock for the starting nod at this point. But if Kitna goes down or struggles heavily, McCown's strong arm and good mobility will be extreme in Detroit. I like McCown alot but under Martz's tutelage, I expect him to be a force this year if he gets the shot to prove himself.
35th-Matt Leinart-Arizona Cardinals
Matt Leinart may turn into his USC predecessor, Carson Palmer. He inherits a great offense with two unbelieveable recievers (Boldin, Fitzgerald) and a potentially devastating running game (if the OL improves just a little bit). Also like Palmer, he'll be most likely benched in favor of a veteran. Once that stage is over, he'll be great. Invest in him in dynasty and keeper leagues and reap the rewards in the future!
36th-Joey Harrington-Miami Dolphins
If you felt bad for Joey Harrington during his tenure in Miami, here's his big moment! If Culpepper can't make Week 1, his career may depend on how he plays with the likes of Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael. Harrington may have a mental bloc from DET but if he maintains his strong accuracy and decent arm, he'll have some success in South Beach.
37th-Matt Schaub-Atlanta Falcons
Matt Schaub may be one of the few bench QBs as of this time that may be starting next year. With the investment in Michael Vick, Schaub is stuck on the bench. But after his performance against the Patriots, his stock soared in keeper leagues and in real-life. If Vick goes down this year, invest in Schaub and if you are in a deep keeper league? I'd take him in the latter part of the draft and hold him on your bench.
38th-David Garrard-Jacksonville Jaguars
With injuries to starter Byron Leftwich, Garrard has had a few games to shine his true potential. With his great speed and strength; plus a cannon arm (needs to hone accuracy), Garrard is worth a look if Leftwich goes down. If you don't need a backup, don't worry about him but in those rush-happy leagues, give him a look.
39th-Kyle Boller-Baltimore Ravens
Boller's stock just took the hugest hit on June 7th. The dreaded Steve McNair (if you are Boller) occured that day and there is no looking back if your Boller. Boller does have an outside chance to play as McNair has a record of injuries. Also Boller does have more starting experience than most backups.
40th-Trent Dilfer-San Francisco 49ers
Right now the "bubble" spot is occupied by Dilfer. That may change but as of now, he's the man most likely to play. With a good career behind him, he may serve as more of a mentor to young Alex Smith but keep tabs on him if you draft Smith. Though if he plays, it's still the Niners and his stock isn't exactly Peyton Manning.
Pretty lengthy but I thought I'd share it with you. Yes, it's on my website but I thought you'd be interested in this.
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) turned out to be good (.300) hitters in the young season. Jimmy Rollins, unfortunately, has hit a wall after the conclusion of his unbelieveable hitting streak. Shane Victorino has played amazingly when called upon and still watch out for Bobby Abreu once he finds his stride.