Undervalued QBs

Will Grant - Poor Ben Roethlisberger. He never seems to get the respect that he deserves. He's thrown for more than 4,000 yards and more than 20 touchdowns in two of his last three seasons. He missed four games in the other season, or he probably would have been three for three. The 4,000-yard mark isn't as impressive as it was a few years ago, but Roethlisberger is still worth more than a pick outside the Top 100.

Ryan Hester - The Steelers are saying that they'll run the ball more, but without Rashard Mendenhall, the team is likely to put the ball in the hands of its more proven players -- those in its passing attack. Additionally, Roethlisberger shouldn't be scrambling to make big plays, taking as many big hits, and missing games with injuries due to an offensive line bolstered by two draft selections (David Decastro at guard and Mike Adams at tackle). With added protection and three very talented young weapons at WR, Roethlisberger could return to the form of his best fantasy season -- 2009 (4,328 yards and 26 touchdowns).

Steve Holloway - Roethlisberger already has two top ten quarterback seasons and two more ranking in the top twelve while playing in a fairly conservative Steeler offense. The combination of an improved offensive line and additional experience for his young receivers should lead to increased passing attempts and production. Roethlisberger has averaged 8.3 ypa over the last three years, so he should easily pass for over 4,000 yards and increase the number of passing TDs.

Marc Levin - In 2011, Ben Roethlisberger played through a serious foot injury and competed with record-setting quarterback seasons from other players, yet still finished with over 4,000 pass yards, 21 touchdowns, and a #12 fantasy quarterback ranking. Keep an eye through training camp on the growing pains with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, but expect Roethlisberger to improve on those numbers. A likely QB1 who is available in the 8th round as my QB2? That reeks of value.

Jeff Pasquino - Ben Roethlisberger loves to throw the ball and stay in the pocket for the Steelers, who now will struggle running the ball with no featured tailback after Rashard Mendenhall's injury. Roethlisberger has big play targets with all his wide receivers, giving him options to spread the ball around and drive a pass-happy attack. Look for him as a very cheap fantasy starter this year with so many quarterbacks going off the board ahead of him.

Aaron Rudnicki - Roethlisberger hasn't put up enough touchdowns in the past couple years to join the ranks of the elite quarterbacks around the league. Part of the problem has been a lack of protection up front so the Steelers added two of the best offensive linemen in this year's draft. Todd Haley didn't have the greatest talent to work with in Kansas City and had other responsibilities as a head coach to distract him. In Pittsburgh, he'll be able to focus solely on the offense and the passing game is his specialty. The Steelers running game is not what it used to be either so this team will likely go as far as Roethlisberger's arm will take them. I fully expect a top-10 season from him, but you can draft him much later.

Matt Waldman - One thing that Todd Haley does well is maximize the effectiveness of his offensive weaponry. The Steelers have the makings of a dominant passing offense and I think Haley will create a system that elevates this team into a unit that can compete with the likes of the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles as that next tier of aerial attacks just a notch below the best units in the league. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are skilled after the catch and do a strong job of making plays in tight coverage or finding open zones. If not for Victor Cruz, Brown might have been the talk of the league when it came to breakout receivers. There's also recent talk that Haley intends to feature veteran tight end Heath Miller, which is one of my favorite bits of news as a fan of one of the more under-appreciated players in football. Miller has the skills of a borderline elite tight end, but his pass protection is so good that he's been relied upon as mostly an outlet. I think we're going to see a more controlled passing game that elevates Roethlisberger's production into a more consistent and productive fantasy starter.

Jason Wood - The decision to hire Todd Haley for the "retired" Bruce Arians raises the risk profile of the entire Steelers offense, but the reality is the Steelers struggled with consistency over the last two years -- ranking outside the top 10 in yards and points. While the new offense will take some getting used to, many of the basic tenets remain in place. Roethlisberger is an incredibly talented veteran with mobility, who has a great rapport with a deep class of receivers. That is not a recipe for mediocrity. With Rashard Mendenhall damaged goods and a youth infusion on the offensive line, I fully expect Roethlisberger to re-assert himself as a fringe Top 10 fantasy passer.

David Yudkin - Ben Roethlisberger was not himself last year as he played through a number of injuries. Including last year, he still ranked as the #9 fantasy quarterback on a PPG basis across the past three seasons. Even without Hines Wards, the Steelers are loaded with lightning quick receivers. Factoring in the injury to Rashard Mendenhall, Roethlisberger should be throwing quite a bit and should again rank as a starting fantasy quarterback in 10-12 team leagues.

Heath Cummings - There are very few quarterbacks that have as many weapons as Ryan heading into 2012. Roddy White and Julio Jones form one of the top wide receiver tandems in the league and Ryan has arguably the greatest tight end in the history of the NFL in Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner's career is probably on the downturn and with it the run first game plan of the Atlanta Falcons. I'd be thrilled to land Ryan in the 5th round, which is well before his average ADP at this point.

Bruce Hammond - Entering his 5th season and his prime at age 27, Ryan could be on a Brady-like career curve. He has an ADP of QB11 even though he finished as QB8 each of the last two years. In 2011 he had his best numbers yet and was even better over the second half of the season. Atlanta should be more of a passing team going forward, reportedly will use the no-huddle a lot more, and I could see Ryan finishing as QB4 or QB5 in 2012. Michael Turner is in decline and Jacquizz Rodgers should be more active catching passes out of the backfield. Roddy White is a still-productive 31 and Julio Jones should have a big second season. Consistent Tony Gonzalez is there for one more year and slot receiver Harry Douglas will reportedly get more looks. There's much to like about Ryan this year.

Chris Smith - Ryan has been the cornerstone of the Falcons offense since entering the league and with four full seasons under his belt, he is entering the prime of his career. He is a smart, talented and athletic quarterback that has all the tools to elevate into an elite level this season. He has two tremendous wide receivers in Roddy White and Julio Jones, one of the best tight ends ever to play the game in Tony Gonzalez and an offensive scheme he is comfortable within. After two straight 8th place fantasy finishes, I expect him to make a strong push towards the top-5 this year.

Jeff Tefertiller - With the last pick in the sixth round, you can select a young quarterback who is coming off a breakout season including 4,100 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through the air. Yes, Matt Ryan put up those numbers last season and is the eleventh quarterback drafted according to ADP. Ryan has a great receiving corps in Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez. Even though he was impressive as a rookie, Jones should improve going into year two. Ryan could actually improve on last year's numbers if the Falcons use a no-huddle offense more as rumored.

Maurile Tremblay - Ryan has been the eighth best fantasy quarterback in each of the last two seasons, and has improved his yards and touchdown totals each year he has been in the league. Roddy White and Julio Jones are in the conversation for the best pair of wide receivers in the league, and Tony Gonzalez is still playing at a high level as well. With the weapons he has, it would be hard for Ryan not to be a solid fantasy starter once again.

Mark Wimer - Matt Ryan crossed 4,000 yards passing for the first time in his career last year, and also threw for a career-high 29 TDs. With a year of seasoning under Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers' belts, and steady production from savvy veterans Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, I think we see Ryan on the cusp of top-five fantasy production among the quarterbacks this year.

Heath Cummings - The fact that Cutler is currently being taken after Robert Griffin III blows my mind. It seems to me that a lot more is being made of the Bears inability to improve their offensive line as opposed to their ability to bring in Brandon Marshall. Marshall not only helps Cutler, but he makes the holdover wide receivers on the team better as well.

Dave Larkin - Jay Cutler represents terrific value at his current ADP, somewhere in the eighth round of drafts. Cutler seems to be warming to new offensive coordinator Mike Tice's scheme, which will involve fewer deep drops and quicker releases. Cutler, with one of the quickest releases in football, combined with his improved receiving corps (including the rekindling of a partnership with Brandon Marshall which produced consistently in the past) should be able to far outperform his ADP and be a high-end #2 quarterback, if not a low-end #1.

Bob Magaw - Cutler will be the beneficiary of what should prove to be easily the best assemblage of WR talent during his Chicago tenure. Reunited with WR Brandon Marshall, the Bears spent a second round pick on rookie WR Alshon Jeffery, and they could comprise a dynamic duo with complementary skill sets. Marshall is a force over the middle and a RAC monster, and the team thought Jeffery was one of the top boundary receivers and red zone weapons in the draft. Even Devin Hester could get into the act, now that he isn't miscast as a feature WR. New OC Mike Tice may not rely as heavily on RB Matt Forte, and he oversaw prolific passing attacks in Minnesota. Cutler could be involved in a few divisional shootouts with the likes of Green Bay and Detroit.

Jeff Pasquino - Jay Cutler finally has his stud wide receiver back now with Brandon Marshall heading to Chicago this year. Cutler now has his favorite target from Denver back with him, a player that helped Cutler to finish as a Top 5 quarterback in their final season together in 2008. The Bears have improved their passing attack and their ground game could struggle if Matt Forte holds out as well. Cutler has fantasy QB1 upside that can be had very cheaply so I strongly recommend grabbing Cutler as your second quarterback.

Matt Waldman - The punchline to the joke in Chicago is the collection of skill talent and no offensive line help. However, I think that help will come with offensive coordinator Mike Tice's plan to eliminate Mike Martz's seven-step passing game and use more three- and five-step drops and two-tight end sets. Cutler also has more input on the play selection and these two-tight end personnel sets should afford greater flexibility for the quarterback at the line of scrimmage. Best yet, the Bears realized that Cutler's ability to make plays on the move and thread the ball into tight spots is a great match for big, physical, wide receivers capable of making plays in tight coverage and they added former teammate Brandon Marshall and draft pick Alshon Jeffery to the corps. Cutler and Marshall were a great duo in Denver and Marshall caught 100 passes in one of the years he and Cutler were together. Look for the duo to hit that mark again in 2012 and Cutler to perform as one of the top eight fantasy quarterbacks.

Andy Hicks - Those looking too closely at the stat line of Carson Palmer from 2011 need to consider the circumstances of his arrival. With a full off and preseason to enhance his relationship with his explosive receivers and the return of Darren McFadden, Palmer could easily return to become a sought after fantasy option.

Steve Holloway - After joining the Raiders in mid-season and only starting the last nine games, Palmer averaged 293 yards per game, which would equate to 4,688 yards over the season. With the Raiders defense expected to again be well below average, this production should continue.

Jeff Tefertiller - While drafted as a low-end QB2, Carson Palmer could produce QB1 numbers for fantasy owners. Last season, Palmer took over the starting reins in week nine. From that game through the end of the season, he finished as the tenth best fantasy option at the position. It would not be wise to wait until the 12th round (per his ADP) to draft Palmer as a QB1, but makes a great QB2 for those owners who waited until late for a QB1. The Raiders have a cache of talented, young wide receivers for Palmer to utilize.

Matt Waldman - Chase Stuart did a fine job in his Player Points series to underscore that the Raiders had one of the more productive passing attacks in the league when Palmer joined the team. That's an impressive point when one considers that Palmer arrived mi season, didn't participate in any training camp, had no rapport with a young receiving corps that has mostly underachieved at this point, and he didn't know the playbook. With a normal offseason under Palmer's belt, I expect this aerial attack to markedly improve. Most fantasy owners think 18 quarterbacks will have better seasons than Palmer. I'll take that bet in every fantasy league I have a chance to prove them wrong. In fact, I'll bet that if they're right about the general area where they think Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub will perform I'll place Palmer in the thick of that range, making him a reasonably consistent fantasy starter.

David Yudkin - There was a lot of talk about some players not performing as well due to a shortened training camp. Well, Carson Palmer went from the couch to starting in Oakland with a sizeable chunk of the season already gone by. From Week 10 on, Palmer ranked in the Top 10 in most formats. With his talented receiving corps, a full training camp to get up to speed, and playing against some so-so defenses in the AFC West, Palmer should do way better than the #19 quarterback spot.

Mike Brown - Freeman was the darling of a lot of fantasy owners a year ago, as many hoped to wait on the big-name quarterbacks early in the draft and even eschew some of the value plays like Tony Romo and Ben Roethlisberger. Instead, they figured a top ten season was almost a given from Freeman, and he could be gotten for far less later in the draft. Unfortunately, things did not go exactly as planned for Freeman, as he regressed in just about every statistical category rather than build upon a solid rookie season. With a few weapons added to his stable and an offseason of rededication, Freeman offers even more value with even less risk than a year ago.

Jeff Haseley - After having a strong second year, Josh Freeman took a step back in 2011, however he still finished 16th among fantasy quarterbacks. Tampa Bay has made big improvements on offense in the off season, namely acquiring Vincent Jackson. The Bucs haven't had a true WR1 on their team for a while and I believe his presence will not only help Freeman, but also improve WR Mike Williams as well. Freeman will benefit from Greg Schiano and Mike Sullivan's offense and could find himself inside the Top 12 by the end of the season.

Bob Magaw - Freeman is one of the most likely QBs to have a bounce back season, for a number of reasons. With proven upside from a brilliant rookie season, he has been surrounded by more talent, with the Bucs having probably the most impressive combined free agency and draft additions in the league (including the best available free agent WR and OL in Vincent Jackson and Pro Bowler Carl Nicks, and first round rookie RB Doug Martin, on offense). Like Freeman, WR Mike Williams followed up a promising rookie year with a soph slump, but has the talent to be a dangerous weapon again with decreased attention.

Chris Smith - Freeman is just 24-years old but impressively has 41 career starts under his belt. He has had both good and poor moments in his first three seasons but does have a 7th best fantasy season under his belt in 2010. With the addition of strong, veteran receiver Vincent Jackson and the continued growth of young receivers Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, Freeman is in a wonderful position to elevate back into the top-ten in 2012.

Mike Brown - I'm not expecting a top ten finish or anything like that for Sanchez. He might not even be worthy of starting even as a bye week filler. But until we hear otherwise, he's still the starting quarterback for the team. For some reason, Tim Tebow is being drafted higher than Sanchez as if it's a given that he'll be in there at some point under center. I actually like Tebow as a QB prospect, but after giving Sanchez a big extension last year, Tebow under center is not gonna happen without a significant injury to Sanchez.

Marc Levin - Mark Sanchez was the #10 fantasy quarterback in 2011 and he is drafted after his backup, Tim Tebow? That alone should tell most people that he represents a value pick. Sure, Sanchez will lose some opportunities to Tebow. But, if he holds the starting job all year, which is a distinct possibility given the current state of the players' performances in Jets OTAs, a QB2 fantasy finish is likely. For a 17th round addition, that represents good value.

Mark Wimer - Mark Sanchez isn't in favor with fantasy owners - witness his #26 ADP among quarterbacks - but the guy has all the motivation in the world to get to the top of his game this year. The Jets are pushing him with Tim Tebow, and I think Sanchez will respond with a solid season - good enough to make him a respectable #2 quarterback for fantasy owners.

David Yudkin - Consider this one a daily double, as this is really a listing of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow drafted as a tandem. Bottom line, Sanchez ranked Top 10 last year and Tebow has ranked in the Top 10 on a PPG basis when he's started. I don't see the Jets utilizing both players in the same game too often. As I see it, one or the other should approach Top 10 numbers again (especially given the lack of an upgrade in the running game). I suggest picking up both Jets quarterbacks late and locking up solid fantasy back up production from whichever guy is starting.

Aaron Rudnicki - The biggest question with regard to Fitzpatrick is which 2011 version is the real one. He threw 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in the first 8 games of the year, and then followed that up with 9 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in the second half. There were reports after the season ended that he was playing through a rib injury which limited his effectiveness. Also in his favor, the Bills gave up fewer sacks than any team in the league last year. Most of the upgrades the Bills made this offseason were on defense, but that should help give the Bills more offensive possessions and also help him cut down on the turnovers if he doesn't feel like he has to score on every possession.

Maurile Tremblay - Fitzpatrick has played through several stretches over the past couple seasons as an elite quarterback, but he's been inconsistent. The Bills use a short passing game to try to control the ball on offense, and if Fitzpatrick can cut down on the turnovers and be more consistent with his accuracy, he has the ability to be a solid QB1. He's a worthwhile risk at his current ADP.

Mark Wimer - Ryan Fitzpatrick set career highs in completions, attempts, passing yards and TDs last season (353/569 for 3.832 yards, 24 TDs and 23 interceptions). If he can dial back the interceptions and keep on improving in the other passing departments, Fitzpatrick can easily vault into the top ten at his position. With a little better luck on the injury front among his wide receivers during 2012, he may make a big move up the ranks.

Mike Brown - Smith showed in the playoffs that he can get into gunslinger mode if the situation calls for it. And with the additions of both Mario Manningham and Randy Moss to the WR stable, Smith absolutely has no more excuses for not putting up consistently solid numbers. With mainstays like Vernon Davis and Frank Gore still in town and the possible improvement of the talented but enigmatic Michael Crabtree, Smith is certainly in line for a statistical spike in what is expected to be a big year for the Niners.

Chris Smith - Smith has gone from a bust to a winner to I believe a decent starting fantasy option in 2012. He always had the tools in his toolkit to be a strong NFL quarterback but changes in offensive players, poor schemes, and multiple changes in offensive coordinators caused his personal growth to be limited. He is in a good system now, has a quarterback friendly coach and is surrounded by good offensive weapons now. Put all of that together and I expect him to push for a top-12 finish in 2012.

Maurile Tremblay - Smith improved last season and should make further strides in 2012. The team brought in WRs Mario Manningham, Randy Moss, and rookie A.J. Jenkins to pair with WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis, a sign that the team will open up the offense and let Smith throw downfield more often. As a result, Smith has as much potential as any of last year's clear backup fantasy QBs to move into starter territory.

Dave Larkin - I'll spare you the luck puns. Instead, I will simply make the case that Andrew Luck, as no doubt you have heard by now, is as pro-ready as any rookie quarterback in a long, long time. The Colts' new general manager Ryan Grigson wisely invested the majority of the team's draft selections in the offensive side of the ball. This must have been music to the young quarterback's ears; T.Y. Hilton will stretch the defense vertically, Reggie Wayne will occupy underneath coverage and be a solid, reliable veteran; and don't forget that Austin Collie, concussion-free in 2011, will be another veteran receiver Luck can put his faith in. The game scripts are going to dictate a pass-heavy offense, so Luck is a good value.

Jeff Pasquino - Andrew Luck may not seem like a candidate for fantasy QB1 status in his rookie campaign, but think about it. The Colts are not good on defense or in the ground attack, so expect Luck to throw quite a bit this year. He has two good wide receivers in Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie and two young tight ends, one of which (Coby Fleener) was his favorite target in college. Expect Luck to perform well on a per throw basis in a dome and with ample chances for garbage time points, giving him an outside shot at a Top 10 finish.

Ryan Hester - Romo may not be the only Dallas player I write about in this feature, as I'm very high on the Dallas offense this season. Two years ago, Romo was off to a phenomenal start when he was hurt in the team's sixth game and lost for the season. Last season, he played with two banged up receivers and should be given a cut of the contract Laurent Robinson signed with Jacksonville because of how good Romo made Robinson look. While I concede that some players on injury-prone, I evaluate players as if they -- and everyone around them -- will be at full health throughout the season because in my mind, injuries are too hard to predict to think otherwise. Romo has 4,400 yard and 36 TD potential with the weapons in his offense (he had 4,184 yards and 31 TD in 2011).

Marc Levin - In a 16-game season, Tony Romo has not finished as low as QB9 since 2006. He has three top-notch receiving options, a solid stable of running backs to take the burden off, and a team operating with a tremendous sense of urgency. Considering he can be selected in 12-team leagues in the mid-fifth round, and could easily finish as a top-6 quarterback, value is represented.

Ryan Hester - Vick may be ranked in the 6-8 range among QBs heading into this season, but he's on a very short list of QBs who can singlehandedly win fantasy owners a matchup in any given week. Right now, five quarterbacks have an ADP of 28 or better -- five! There is not an 18-spot difference between Matthew Stafford and Michael Vick. If nearly half of my league has a QB and I'm the owner who had a pick in the 10-12 range of Round 1, I'm jumping on Vick with either my 3rd round pick (34-36) or 4th round pick (37-39) -- depending on if anyone else in that quick turnaround already has a QB. He may miss a couple games, but at his current ADP, selecting Vick allows you to later select a solid backup later without compromising value at other positions.

Andy Hicks - Michael Vick might not play a full slate of 16 games, but when he does play he gets you fantasy points. A career low of 1 rushing TD is unlikely to be repeated, Vick has explosive and productive receivers and he offers a nice upside for those who don't want to blow a pick in the first 3 rounds on a QB. Just get a decent backup.

Bruce Hammond - Bradford shows up with an ADP of QB22 and I like him a lot better than that this year. He had a solid first season for a rookie in 2010 but then regressed in 2011, due in large part to an ankle injury he tried unsuccessfully to play through, a porous offensive line, and weakness/injury at the receiver position. My advice is not to use limited thinking and devalue him based on 2011. He's still the guy who was taken #1 overall in the 2010 draft with reason. A second year of experience under his belt, adding receivers Brian Quick and Chris Givens in the draft, Greg Salas more experienced, Danny Amendola back from injury, and his own ankle issues behind him, all will help.

Jeff Haseley - What impressed me most about Matt Flynn, was not his impressive 6 TD game against Detroit in week 17 last year, but a game against New England in 2010, where he passed for 251 yards and 3 TDs in a losing effort. Flynn displayed plenty of poise and ability in that game that leads me to believe he will be worth the gamble by Seattle. There may be some growing pains, but I can see him developing into a good starting QB, who could possibly reach low end QB1 status this year.

Bob Magaw - Like Cam Newton the year before, Robert Griffin III enters the league with two critically important factors in his favor and pointing towards future stardom. An Olympic-caliber hurdler, he instantly becomes one of the most dangerous running QBs the league has ever seen, and also combines a bazooka arm with feathery deep touch. That improbable confluence of talent, athleticism and skill proved to be a magical formula for Newton. Griffin III is as charismatic as he is talented and has the right stuff to vindicate the king's ransom HC Mike Shanahan paid for the opportunity to help shape the development of the most gifted QB prospect he has had a chance to work with since John Elway.

Jason Wood - Putting aside last year's lost season, do you know the last time Peyton Manning ranked 10th or worse? NEVER. Even in his rookie year he finished 9th in spite of throwing a league-worst 28 interceptions. Since then he's been a fixture in the Top 5 regardless of the quality of his supporting cast. Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid but I don't believe the Broncos would've signed Manning if they weren't sure his injuries were no longer an issue. And I don't believe Manning chose the Broncos randomly -- this is a lineup he believes can fit his skills. As long as Manning isn't hurt, it's impossible for me to imagine Manning won't deliver a season very close to what we've known his entire career.

Dave Larkin - At his current ADP, Philip Rivers is an early fifth round pick in 12-team formats. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a bargain for a quarterback who is still in his prime and has just come off one of his better seasons as a pro. Rivers' 20 interceptions compared to his 27 touchdowns in 2011 was not what fantasy owners expected, but despite his mistakes he still ranked ninth according to Footballguys' scoring parameters. Rivers can return to the bottom half of the top tier of quarterbacks with his point scoring potential in the Stafford/Newton/Vick galaxy. Not to mention San Diego added Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and the return of the all-world talent of Antonio Gates.

Heath Cummings - If Jahvid Best comes back in 2012, I think the Detroit Lions may challenge the Green Bay Packers as the top offense in the league. Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards in his first complete season and there's no reason to think he won't be just as successful in 2012. I'd take Stafford any time in the second round and as the second quarterback overall. He has a huge arm, explosive weapons, and he's one of the few elite quarterbacks that aren't moving past their prime.