A fantasy draft is all about obtaining the most value with each selection. There is value available throughout a draft, and grabbing it is one of the most important keys to a successful fantasy team. In an attempt to point out this value, we asked our staff to look through the top 150 players and identify players that should outperform their draft position.
Player Receiving 9 Votes
Sigmund Bloom: Manning put up a trio of three-touchdown games in the last six outings of 2014, and he didn’t fall below 247 passing yards in the stretch. If he can iron out his tendency to lay a stinker at any moment, Manning should level off as a low QB1 with Top 5 weekly upside. If Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham can pick up where they left in 2014 and Shane Vereen contributes more stability in the short passing game to a team lacking a strong running game, Manning will be piloting an offense capable of big numbers every week. The offensive line has already lost their starting left tackle, but reports on Victor Cruz’s return are positive, so Manning’s situation continues to bear monitoring before investing heavily.
Michael Brown: I’ve never been a huge fan of Eli Manning, either as a real-life quarterback or for fantasy. But down the stretch last season, he put up some very nice numbers. Not coincidentally, that was when Odell Beckham was in the process of blowing up the league. With a full offseason to work together, the return of Victor Cruz, the continued improvement of Rueben Randle and Larry Donnell, the addition of Shane Vereen, and a defense that looks to be one of the league’s worst, it’s a recipe for an easy Top 10 season.
Christopher Feery: Eli Manning struggled early last year in new offensive coordinator Bob McAdoo’s system but quietly closed out the season playing very well. After a five-interception debacle in Week 11 vs. the 49ers, Manning closed out the season by throwing 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions over his final six games. His 4,410 yards and 30 touchdowns were both the second highest totals of his career. The continued development of All World Odell Beckham, a returning Victor Cruz and the underrated Reuben Randle and Larry Donnell provide Eli with plenty of targets as he continues to master the offense. Manning is entering a contract year and has the potential to be a Top 10 quarterback.
Jeff Haseley: This is Eli Manning's second year with two key offensive contributors. One is all-world receiver Odell Beckham Jr and the other is the leader of the offense, Ben McAdo and his expert play calling and offensive game planning. McAdo's quick strike offense carried over from Green Bay to New York with Manning and Beckham being the primary beneficiaries. The passing game should once again be front and center for the Giants, which means the success of the Giants is equal fantasy success for Eli Manning.
Ryan Hester: During the A.O.B.J. (After Odell Beckham, Jr.)era, Eli Manning was fantasy football’s 8th-best quarterback. That’s not bad for a player drafted well outside the top-12 last season and being drafted on the fringe of that range this season. In 2015, Manning will have his second year in his current offensive scheme, an added weapon in pass-catching back Shane Vereen, and (assuming health) a full season of Beckham, Jr. To predict that Manning will fully extrapolate last year’s finish and be top-eight for the duration of this season might be a stretch, but it’s not an “out-on-a-limb” prediction to say he’ll be top-10 at the position and post multiple top-five weeks.
Ari Ingel: Manning is more than just a value at his current ADP, he is a super value. Manning admitted that he had a hard time adjusting to Ben Mcadoo’s high octane offense last year, which won’t be a problem this season. Manning also has better weapons this year with the biggest weapon in all of football, Odell Beckham, at one receiver spot, the return of Victor Cruz at the other, the addition of Shane Vereen out the backfield, a better offensive line and a mediocre defense forcing the Giants to play catch-up, and this offense should be firing on all cylinders and putting up major points.
Daniel Simpkins: Just when it seemed Manning’s best days were behind him, the Giants have rejuvenated his value. Moving on from Kevin Gilbride’s stale system to former Packer QB coach Ben Mcadoo’s system has really helped matters. It also doesn’t hurt that the Giants found the most valuable receiver in the 2015 draft in Odell Beckham Jr. With Cruz likely returning at some point this year, Donnell playing well at tight end, Randle providing a quality third option, and Vereen also added to help both the passing and the running game, the arrow continues to point up for Manning.
Mark Wimer: Manning is at eighth on my quarterback board, well above his current ADP of 13th. I think that this passing offense should be among the most explosive in the NFL: they are stacked with quality receivers at wideout (Odell Beckham Jr., Rueben Randle, Dwayne Harris and Victor Cruz (if healthy)), tight end (Larry Donnell, Daniel Fells), and running back Shane Vereen adds a top-notch pass catcher in the third-down/change-of-pace role. A second season in Ben McAdoo's offense will super-charge Mannings production from the get-go this year.
Jason Wood: Eli Manning has been a top 10 fantasy quarterback four times in his career, including three of the last five years. More importantly, he's coming off a resurgent 2014 season that re-established Manning as one of the league's better veteran signal callers. Credit to new OC Ben McAdoo for reinventing the Giants passing game. The fact Manning was able to deliver a top 10 season in McAdoo's first year calling plays serves as an exciting baseline for what should be further improvement in 2015. Few teams reach their full potential in the first year of a new offensive system. Now consider the heights Odell Beckham is capable of, after absolutely dominating as a rookie in spite of missing the majority of the preseason. Throw in the addition of RB Shane Vereen -- who is light year's better as a receiver than anyone from last year's RB stable, and the hopeful return of WR Vincent Cruz, and you've got the best offensive supporting cast in Manning's history. If you're looking for a veteran QB capable of QB1 numbers that will be available in the mid-rounds of your draft, Manning is your target.
Player Receiving 8 Votes
James Brimacombe: It is hard to believe that Roethlisberger will be entering his 12th season in the NFL and in that time he has never found his way inside the top 5 as far as fantasy QB numbers go. He has finished as the 6th ranked fantasy QB twice in his career, back in 2007 and again last season. The Steelers offense has seen some major changes over the past couple of seasons and the passing game is becoming their go to even with having one of the best RB's in the league in LeVeon Bell. Roethlisberger threw for nearly 5,000 yards last season and added 32 touchdowns and similar numbers should be expected heading into the 2015 season.
Christopher Feery: Roethlisberger is coming off the finest statistical season of his career, throwing for 4,952 yards and 32 TDs last season. All five OL starters are returning this year and the club has a bevy of riches at the skill positions, led by Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, the consensus #1s at their positions. Roethlisberger is entering his 4th year in OC Todd Haley’s system and his offensive output has increased each season. Big Ben recognizes the team’s offensive potential for 2015, commenting that this year’s offensive supporting cast is “arguably” the finest he has been surrounded with since entering the league. Look for Roethlisberger to be a top 5 QB this year.
Stephen Holloway: In most seasons, Roethlisberger is ranked in the lower range of starting quarterbacks in 12-team fantasy leagues, but he has finished as QB8 and QB6 over the past two seasons. With considerable talk about both New Orleans and Denver relying more on the running game and with Tom Brady currently facing a four-game suspension, this could be the year that Roethlisberger breaks the into the top five.
Ari Ingel: While Ben Roethlisberger is not a huge value, he will be a rock solid starter every week this season and most likely finish as a top 5 fantasy QB. His offensive line is much better this year, he has legit weapons in Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant on the outside and with Le'Veon Bell, Roethlisberger no longer has to carry this offense by himself. For those that pass on the top two guys, Roethlisberger should be your target.
Chad Parsons: At QB8 prices, Roethlisberger is a quality blend of high floor and high ceiling expectations. In addition to his favorite targets in Antonio Brown, big-play receiver Martavis Bryant enters his second season and the Steelers added more size-speed at the position with Sammie Coates on Day 2 of the 2015 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh is poised to be one of the top passing games in the league and Roethlisberger is available 1-3 rounds after Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton.
Jeff Pasquino: The Steelers are going to have to rely on the arm of Ben Roethlisberger to open the season, as Le’Veon Bell is suspended for three weeks. The good news is that the Steelers have one of the best wide receiver corps, led by Antonio Brown. Roethlisberger had a 32:9 TD:INT ratio last year, and he has been at least 2:1 or better the past three years. He also has not missed a game in two seasons, while improving his yardage each of those three seasons. A similar season to last year is a reasonable expectation, and if he only gets 90% of the yards and touchdowns it will still be great value as QB8 off of the board.
Daniel Simpkins: Not many seem to realize that Roethlisberger averaged 21.5 points a game last year with the emergence of Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant. Antonio Brown is also in his prime and playing for a contract. These point to the Steelers offense being dominant once again in 2015. An added bonus is that with Bell sitting out the start of the season, owners can anticipate that Ben might have to go through the air a little more in those games. That could translate into a fast start for fantasy teams that own Roethlisberger.
Jason Wood: Roethlisberger is coming off his best statistical season; he led the league with 4,952 yards and set career bests in completions (408), attempts (608), completion rate (67.1%), TD passes (32) and QBR (72.5). The parameters that allowed him to finish as a top 5 fantasy QB last year remain intact. He's finally found a comfort level with Todd Haley's offensive system. The Steelers defense is no longer an above average unit, forcing Pittsburgh to win games through a more aggressive offensive style. Antonio Brown has emerged as one of the league's best receivers. And RB Le'Veon Bell has given Roethlisberger an outlet unrivaled by most. Add to that the continued maturation of WR Martavis Bryant, and Roethlisberger is a strong bet for high end QB1 numbers, at a QB2 price.
Player Receiving 6 Votes
Jeff Haseley: I was on the Tannehill bandwagon last year with the arrival of Bill Lazor and his offensive philosophies, which resulted in a Top 10 finish for Tannehill in 2014. Not only is Tannehill entering his second year in Lazor's offense, but the quality of his supporting cast has improved from last year. Jarvis Landry has another year of experience under his belt. Rookie DeVante Parker brings a wealth of talent to the team and the additions of veterans Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron add experience to a potent receiving corps. Tannehill finished 9th last year, but he's averaging the 12th quarterback off the board in re-drafts despite an improved offense behind him. He's the very definition of value play.
Ryan Hester: In his first year in Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor’s Chip Kelly-like scheme, Tannehill totaled career highs in pass attempts, completions, completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing attempts, and rushing yards, all while Tannehill had his career low in interceptions thrown. His weapons were upgraded in acquiring Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron, Greg Jennings, DeVante Parker, and (albeit to a lesser extent) Jay Ajayi. Tannehill also has the athleticism to rush for 350 or more yards and multiple touchdowns, which makes him a player with top-five upside being drafted near the bottom of QB starter range.
Andy Hicks: The addition of Devante Parker, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron has to be a significant improvement over what went out the door in Miami. Add in improvement from 2nd year man Jarvis Landry and Ryan Tannehill is in a good position to become a starting QB in most fantasy leagues this season. Now in his 4th year he has increased his touchdowns, yardage and pass completion percentage in every season. Draft him as your backup and watch as he turns into your starter.
Bob Magaw: Tannehill’s stats have steadily improved across the board each season, from completions (282-355-392), completion percentage (58.3%-60.4%-66.4%), TDs (12-24-27) and QBR (76.1-81.7-92.8). His progression and upward trend fits, as he was a WR conversion at Texas A&M, and continues to have upside as he learns positional nuances. Top 15 overall rookie WR DeVante Parker and ex-CLE free agent TE Jordan Cameron represent promising new receiving weapons, and could help Tannehill take the next step in his evolution as an ascendant signal caller.
Jeff Pasquino: Tannehill got better by doing nothing this offseason. All he had to was to watch free agency, where the Dolphins added wide receivers Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings plus tight end Jordan Cameron. Gone is Mike Wallace, but rookie wide receiver DeVante Parker could see the field sooner rather than later. Tannehill will greatly benefit from the new targets in town and I can see him improving to a solid fantasy QB1 option this year.
Daniel Simpkins: Tannehill’s steady improvement each year has gone largely unnoticed by fantasy owners-- so much so that few of them seem to realize that he finished in the top ten last year! While many of his options from last year have left for other teams, Tannehill retains his trusty possession receiver, Jarvis Landry. Tannehill was also given a few new weapons this offseason in Cameron, Stills, and Parker. The fact that drafters can snag a QB with top ten potential in the middle of the eighth round of 12-team leagues is pretty insane value. Owners who feel uncomfortable with rolling with Tannehill alone will have some excellent committee options in later rounds.
Players Receiving 4 Votes
James Brimacombe: With Bradford you are getting a QB that has only played 7 games over the past 2 seasons and a QB that has never lived up to the hype of being the number one pick overall as he has had to struggle with injuries through his entire career. Now with a clean start in Philadelphia, Bradford has a chance to run an offense that likes to do things in a hurry moving the ball down the field. There is still concerns about how healthy Bradford really is and if he will be ready to start in Week 1 but the fact that he has a dream situation in Chip Kelly's offense makes him very intriguing to draft in the later rounds.
Cian Fahey: Suffering successive ACL tears in the same knee isn't an easy ailment to overcome, but many players across the NFL have returned from multiple ACL tears to have productive careers. Sam Bradford wasn't all that productive before his ACL tear, but that was largely a result of his situation. The Rams never put enough pieces around Bradford to allow his production to reflect his performances, but Chip Kelly should. Kelly's scheme is perfect for Bradford and it should bloat his production like it has for Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez. With a quality offensive line and a variety of versatile and talented pass catchers around him, Bradford should comfortably be a top 12 fantasy quarterback if he plays 16 games this season.
Bob Magaw: Bradford simply will have the best skill position supporting cast, surrounding talent on the offensive line and coaching, scheme-related tactical advantages of his career. Chip Kelly, the NFL’s most interesting man, handpicked the former #1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year to make quick decisions, get the ball out of his hands in a hurry and distribute the ball like a point guard to multiple playmakers, in a passing attack which could be reminiscent of the one which made him a star at Oklahoma. Former Sooner teammate DeMarco Murray, fellow free agent Ryan Mathews and third down terror Darren Sproles comprise a three headed monster in the backfield that will give opposing defenses nightmares, and take much needed pressure off Bradford as he gets back in the saddle. On the bonus plan, Life In The Fast Lane for this Eagle means tempo offense boosted stats, and possible reservations to the Hotel California (Super Bowl 50).
Kyle Wachtel: Despite little help in St. Louis, turned in a respectable 2012 season, tossing for over 3,700 yards and totaling 21 touchdowns to go with just 13 interceptions. Before his 2013 season ended after 7 games, Bradford was on pace for 3,856 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions – a career season with little help. We’ve seen both, Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez, become near-QB1s under Chip Kelly. Bradford is a safe bet to do the same.
Ryan Hester: After getting his feet wet in 2014, Bridgewater was the 11th-best fantasy football quarterback from Week 12-16. He’ll be in his second year in Norv Turner’s offense. Turner, for all of his shortcomings as a Head Coach, has been an excellent Offensive Coordinator for each team with which he has held the position. Minnesota will also get Adrian Peterson back, which should help its offensive balance significantly. Charles Johnson – who became Bridgewater’s most effective target late in the season – will have what amounts to his first full season in the offense. The team also traded for Mike Wallace, who can provide Bridgewater with a weapon that can yield big fantasy points in short order. The offense has improved weapons. Combined with the anticipated “Year Two” leap, Minnesota’s offense should surprise in 2015.
Michael Brown: Norv Turner has done a lot with a whole lot less than what he’s got in Minnesota. Bridgewater acquitted himself quite well in his first go-round, and the team has only added weapons to the stable to help him. By bringing in Mike Wallace to stretch the field, the Vikings have added an element that has been somewhat lacking in recent seasons. Kyle Rudolph also enters the season fully healthy. And oh yeah, there’s some guy back in town named Adrian Peterson who should play more than 1 game this time around. The tools are all in place for Bridgewater to make significant strides in 2015.
Bob Magaw: Bridgewater had a strong rookie season, despite the handicap of missing the Vikings top offensive player, due to Adrian Peterson’s suspension. In addition to the star RB’s return, a healthy TE Kyle Rudolph and former Steeler/Dolphin free agent, elite deep threat Mike Wallace fortify the passing attack. After going without a TD pass in his first three starts, Bridgewater scored through the air in the remaining 10 games (and had 10 passing TDs in his last six games). He has a mature beyond his years understanding of the QB position, advanced skills such as the ability to throw WRs open with anticipation and is just scratching the surface of his formidable potential.
Matt Waldman: Think about Bridgewater’s rookie season in the context of his surrounding talent. Former UDFA Charles Johnson was a first-year starter in Minnesota after the Browns cut him earlier that year. Cordarrelle Patterson couldn’t keep a spot in the starting lineup because of poor route running. The Vikings offensive line struggled with injuries. And the best running back of this generation was serving a suspension for child abuse. If you knew these things in advance would you have guessed Bridgewater produced as the No.11 fantasy starter during the final 7 weeks of the 2014 season with a completion percentage that was higher than every quarterback not named Drew Brees, Ryan Tahnnehill, and Tony Romo? Would you have bet the same rookie panned for his vertical game would have the sixth-highest yards per attempt average in the league during that span? Another year of work, a healthy offensive line, better receivers, and oh, yeah, the return of Adrian Peterson makes Bridgewater an underrated option as QB15.
Andy Hicks: Colin Kaepernick is in a tough position this year. He has a new coach, new lead back and new receivers. Still he was heavily restricted by the previous regime in what he could do on any given play and with the defense likely to regress significantly it will fall on Kaepernick to do more and be allowed to improvise where the situation allows. His rushing touchdown number of 1 in 105 attempts has to be considered an anomaly with 4 and 5 the previous years off fewer attempts. He has a low floor, but his ceiling will surprise many this year.
Kyle Wachtel: No longer will San Francisco be able to lean on a top-ranked defense. The weight of the team has shifted onto Kaepernick’s shoulders for better or worse. Last season, he set career highs in completions (289), pass attempts (478), passing yards (3,369), carries (105) and rushing yards (639). There’s no reason to expect his rushing totals to drop off and it’s doubtful that his passing volume will decrease either now that the 49ers won’t be able to control games as they’ve done in the past. When the dust settles, Kaepernick will be encroaching on QB1 territory.
Matt Waldman: I’m the same guy that said after Kapernick’s Super Bowl appearance that the 49ers quarterback was overvalued heading into the following season. I’m changing my tune this year for a few reasons. The San Francisco quarterback is putting in the work to become a better passer from the pocket. The 49ers added Torrey Smith, the proven first deep threat of note in the prime of his career that this team has had for years. And most important, the team has lost several players on both sides of the ball: savvy veteran runner Frank Gore, top guard Mike Iupati, the great Patrick Willis, the promising Chris Borland, and Eric Reid. I believe the losses on defense and offense will force San Francisco to throw the ball more often. Whether Kaepernick makes advances in his technique this year isn’t as relevant as the likelihood that he’ll have to throw more. I expect better production even if the efficiency of it doesn’t improve.
Mark Wimer: I rank Kaepernick at 10th among all fantasy quarterbacks for 2015. I like the addition of Torrey Smith and the addition-by-subtraction of now-Raider Michael Crabtree. Also, the coaching staff plans to have Kaepernick run more which is always good for a quarterback's fantasy output. He should significantly outperform his current ADP of 16th quarterback selected.
Players Receiving 2 Votes
Cian Fahey: Jay Cutler's stock has dropped to the point that you can call him the worst quarterback in the NFL and you probably won't get much kickback. Yet, Cutler is still at worst a slightly below average player and someone with high potential as a fantasy option. Even during his down year last season, Cutler still finished ahead of Matthew Stafford, Colin Kaepernick and Andy Dalton. The departures of Marc Trestman and Brandon Marshall don't help, but the new offensive system may actually help his overall production while Kevin White and Eddie Royal will allow him to be very productive without his former number one receiver. Furthermore, the Bears defense doesn't look like it is getting any better anytime soon so the potential for Cutler to throw a huge amount of passes remains.
Jeff Haseley: It's easy to be down on Jay Cutler, but I honestly see him having a decent year in 2015. He struggled in Marc Trestman's offense often trying to do too much, resulting in bad decisions and turnovers. The new Bears coaching staff of John Fox and Adam Gase will keep Cutler in check with a more controlled offense. Cutler, by nature is a gunslinger, so he'll still have plenty of pass attempts, but Gase's offense will force him to be more efficient. His array of talent in Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Martellus Bennett will make his job much easier. Jay Cutler is still the same quarterback, but we're going to see more control in Gase's offense. Less turnovers equals more positive possessions, which can put Cutler in a good place. I'm thinking Top 12 or better.
Stephen Holloway: Flacco began his NFL career as a game manager supported by excellent defense and a strong running game. However, beginning in his third season, he has finished as QB12, QB14, QB15 twice and QB18 (even after throwing a career high 22 interceptions). The combination of Marc Trestman as his new offensive coordinator, an outstanding offensive line and the chance this year’s receivers could be slightly better than the team had a year ago, he could bring excellent value.
Mark Wimer: Flacco is 15th on my QB board, making him a modest value compared to his current 18th-quarterback-selected ADP. The additions of TE Maxx Williams and WR Breshad Perriman have restocked his receiving corps, and Kamar Aiken is a rising talent as well. This attack won't be all about Steve Smith this year, and that should improve Flacco's consistency. Also, Flacco is able to throw down explosive games with his big arm, which can win fantasy contests for his owners on the weeks Flacco goes "Boom".
Cam Newton
Phil Alexander: According to our ADP data, Newton is going as the seventh QB off the board, but I’ve taken part in some early drafts where he’s gone as low as 13th. It’s clear plenty of fantasy owners will value Newton based on his cumulative 2014 totals, which is a mistake. Newton wasn’t healthy at any point during last season. He came into the preseason recovering from March ankle surgery, suffered broken ribs during the Panthers’ third preseason game, and fractured his back in a December car accident. It was no coincidence Newton fell short of Top-5 fantasy QB numbers for the first time in his four year career. Newton is entering his prime years, and he’s shown us who he is when healthy - the best dual threat QB in the NFL outside of Russell Wilson.
Andy Hicks: Carolina are slowly rebuilding the receiving group and offensive line around their franchise quarterback in Cam Newton. A high draft pick was used on Devin Funchess and Jarrett Boykin will make plays on arrival from Green Bay. Add the premium players in Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen and Newton is in a good position to exceed his highest totals for passing yards and touchdowns. It is his phenomenal performance running the ball that gives him his value though. 100 attempts in each of his 4 years with at least 500 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground in each season is a taster of what to expect in 2015.
Sigmund Bloom: Sam Bradford isn’t the only QB recovering from yet another ACL tear to target late in your drafts this season. Palmer had at least two passing touchdowns in every game he appeared in during 2014 except the one cut short by his knee injury. John Brown is on the verge of a breakout and Andre Ellington should be healthier to help exploit better pockets created by an offensive line that continues to improve. Palmer opens with Philadelphia, the Giants, and Dallas in a perfect runway for liftoff on QB streaming teams.
Chad Parsons: While Palmer is the annual question mark in terms of games played, he is a high-end QB2 at worst when healthy. John Brown is getting plenty of buzz, Michael Floyd has prototypical attributes, and Larry Fitzgerald is one of the more consistent possession targets in the league. Add to that trio of receivers the best combo of pass-catchers out the backfield in Andre Ellington and rookie David Johnson and Palmer has a terrific chance for top-10 production on a per-game basis. At QB18-20, Palmer is the ideal committee or high-upside backup quarterback option in 2015.
Stephen Holloway: Romo was excellent a year ago and all indications are he is healthier this off-season.The Cowboys still have their awesome offensive line, but they do not have DeMarco Murray. Romo will throw a little more often than a year ago and remain just as efficient. He should easily top 4,000 yards again and continue to throw for 30 plus TDs.
Jeff Pasquino: There is a clear sweet spot for quarterbacks again this year, and it appears to me as the QB8-14 range. Tony Romo sticks out like a sore thumb here, as he just lost his top running back to free agency (DeMarco Murray). The Cowboys face some higher-powered offenses again this year, so Dallas will have to find ways to move the ball and score a lot of points. With one of the best wide receivers in the game as his top target (Dez Bryant) plus old reliable Jason Witten at tight end, not to mention Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley, Romo has solid options to move the ball.
James Brimacombe: Stafford looked poised to break into the top tier of QB's before last season especially with the Lions adding Golden Tate and Eric Ebron to the offense but the opposite happened. Stafford had a regression last season and was the 15th ranked fantasy QB only throwing for 22 touchdowns. With Stafford's ADP ranked as the 10th QB off the board he has potentially to easily rebound with a solid season and get back to a top 5 QB especially with all the talent around him on the offense and the fact that he has been there before.
Ari Ingel: With an ADP in the 8th round, Stafford is a steal for those who wait on QB. He had a down year last season, but he will bounce back big time in his second season in Joe Lombardi’s offense. Stafford’s supporting cast is also rock solid. In addition to Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and a better offensive line, Eric Ebron should be much improved in his second year and the addition of Ameer Abdullah should provide a spark out of the backfield.
Players Receiving 1 Vote
Michael Brown: Yes, Luck is going off the board in Round 2 as well as the first signal-caller being selected. But this already-dynamic Colts offense is going to be historically good. They added several talented veterans, who are all blending in seamlessly from all accounts. Luck himself still has room to improve (a terrifying thought for the rest of the league), and the defense is still very middling – which means lots of high-scoring affairs. Luck has a real chance to be the number one player overall this season.
Matt Waldman: The Chargers’ quarterback was the No.11 fantasy QB last year. He didn’t finish strong—QB17 production from Weeks 10-17—and it has fantasy owners valuing Rivers as QB14. Keenan Allen was banged up all year, Danny Woodhead was lost for the season after Week 3, and the team wore down. Before injuries and inexperience took its toll, Rivers was the No.5 fantasy quarterback during the first 9 weeks of the season. Stevie Johnson might be on the downside of his career, but he’s a much better fit for a savvy passer like Rivers than he was for Colin Kaepernick. Look for Rivers to sustain QB1 fantasy production all year.