Fantasy Football Rankings -- Quarterbacks
August 18, 2005
Prior to the weekly rankings, here is the first in a series of pre-season rankings for the 2005 season. The schedule for the remaining positions would be:
Quarterbacks -- Thursday, Aug. 18
Running Backs -- Friday, Aug. 19
Wide Receivers -- Saturday, Aug. 20
Tight Ends -- Monday, Aug. 22
Kickers and Defenses -- Tuesday, Aug. 23
Individual Defensive Players -- Wednesday, Aug. 24
1 Peyton Manning, IND --THE elite fantasy QB. If he throws for 75% fewer TDs in 2005 as he did in 2004, he'll still lead the league in TD passes. You know exactly what you're getting when you draft Manning, and there are very few top-flight draft picks that you can say that about.
2 Daunte Culpepper, MIN -- The distance between Manning and Culpepper has increased this season, but even with the loss of Randy Moss and the changes in offensive philiosophy, Culpepper is still the solid No. 2 choice at QB.
3 Donovan McNabb, PHI -- With the TO mess continuing to brew, it's easy to keep McNabb out of the No. 2 spot. But, if Owens can be placated, and the Eagles don't wrap up the division title early like last year and he plays the full 16 games, don't be surprised that McNabb surpasses his 2004 output.
4 Trent Green, KC -- The best of the rest. Green has been a consistent performer, and proved with Priest Holmes out that, without the rushing game dropping off, he can maintain that level of performance. With one of the top 2-3 offensive lines and the top TE in football, expect another solid season for this underrated QB.
5 Marc Bulger, STL -- If Bulger didn't get injured early in the Week 13 game, he probably would have averaged 300 ypg for the season. He still managed almost 4,000 yards in 14 weeks and cut his interceptions down from 22 to 14. No team outside of Indy can boast of a receiving corps better than Torry Holt, Issac Bruce, Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald. With the transfer of power in the running game officially moved from Marshall Faulk to Stephen Jackson, the Ram offense is ready to run on full cylinders and Bulger will drive this engine at full throttle.
6 Kerry Collins, OAK -- Before stating all the pluses on Kerry Collins' side this season, this is STILL Kerry Collins. He has never approached the top-10 QB level, so keep that in mind. That said, with a very good receiving corps and Lamont Jordan added to the mix, Collins could have his most productive season in his career. He can throw the long ball, so his yardage numbers should be very good. Add to that a horrible Raider defense (think KC), and it is a good formula for success. The balance for improvement, however, falls upon the porous offensive line, so beware. Did I mention that this is STILL Kerry Collins?
7 Brett Favre, GB -- Favre has rededicated himself this off-season to overcome personal issues and go out on top. He will continue to go to battle with a very good receiving corps and strong running game. One plus on his side is the increasing atrocious Packer defense. Their inability to hold a lead will keep the offense on the field longer, plus, instead of powering the ground game to run out the clock, Favre will have to go to the air more often this season. Expect another 30-TD season from The Man.
8 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA -- It's tough to include Hasselback this high, but the potential for a solid top-10 sesaon is there, no matter how you look at it. Hasselback is going into the season without the nagging injuries of last season and without the nagging semi-presence of Koren Robinson. Shaun Alexander hasn't gone anywhere and the Seahawks have arguably the top offensive line in the league. The drop-off in production from 2003 to 2004 still weighs heavy on the mind, but Hasselback should bounce back with a solid season.
9 Jake Plummer, DEN -- Plummer achieved career highs in passing yards, yards per attempt and TDs in 2004. The running game may take a hit with some losses to the offensive line, so that may add to Plummer's value. With a good receiving corps, and (hopefully) more movement outside of the pocket, Plummer should have his best season as a Bronco.
10 Michael Vick, ATL -- You know the hype. You should also know that he was injured two out of the last three seasons, and he has a below-average receiving corps. And people will continue to draft him too early. He's a threat, no doubt, but you have to let him drop to get value for picking him.
11 Tom Brady, NE -- This generation's Troy Aikman -- Has the SB rings, but is only an average fantasy QB. But it's not the latter that pays his bills. What he is, fantasy-wise, is a steady performer that would fit great on a team with a stellar RB/WR foundation. For Brady to move solidly into the top 10, the Patriots' ground game would have to become non-existent, and/or the defense would have to collapse. Neither of those options should happen.
12 Aaron Brooks, NO -- If Michael Vick had Brooks' surrounding talent, Vick would be a top-6 or 7 QB. Brooks is nearly as talented, but, for some reason, has been unable to put it all together. If this is the year he does, this would be a great value pick at this spot.
13 Carson Palmer, CIN -- Palmer could be the big mover on the QB board this season. The Bengals have a very good WR group and a solid running game -- they just need for Palmer to step up. Palmer throws too many interceptions and is too inconsistent to be counted on to be a starting QB in a 12-team league. But he finished very strong last season -- averaged 250 ypg and nearly three TDs over the last four games. This is a good spot for him -- a top back-up going into the 2005 season that may pay off big time as the season wears on.
14 Jake Delhomme, CAR -- Delhomme has proven that he can play with the mess of a RB situation at Carolina, but he will be without Muhsin Muhammad this season. Steve Smith and Keary Colbert are still two solid options, and without a stud RB, Delhomme should have another very good year.
15 Drew Brees, SD -- Brees won't sneak up on anyone this season. And it will be hard to imagine much improvement for him in 2005 -- the WRs are still below average, and there no backing off of LaDainian Tomlinson. But there won't be any hesitation for Brees this season -- he's playing for a big contract and has David Rivers waiting to take the reins if Brees falters.
16 Chad Pennington, NYJ -- When Pennington told the media that he's playing with an injury that could end his career, that had to strike fear in Pennington owners. Whether that was just to temper expectations, we'll have to wait and see. The Jets improved their receiving corps by acquiring former teammate Laveranues Coles and TE Doug Jolley. With Curtis Martin still producing, and Derrick Blaylock seeing time, Pennington's numbers won't have much room to improve. He could be considered a poor man's Tom Brady -- much more valuable on the field than as a fantasy starting QB.
17 Byron Leftwich, JAX -- With only Jimmy Smith to throw to, Leftwich's development as a QB has stagnated. The system he's in favors the running game, and unless the Jaguars open up the vertical passing game, we'll still be waiting to see how good Leftwich can really be.
18 David Carr, HOU -- The talent isn't in question -- Carr has all the ability to be a very good QB, with a solid running game and an excellent WR in Andre Johnson. But the Texans' offensive line is the worst in the league. They gave up 49 sacks last season and did little to improve the pass protection in the off-season. Until they do, Carr will be mired in the 15-20 level of QBs.
19 Steve McNair, TEN -- There is no other QB that I respect more than Steve McNair -- the man is a warrior. But the end is here for McNair a a starting fantasy QB. In addition to his obvious injury concerns, McNair lost his top WR in Derrick Mason, and the two-headed RB of Chris Brown and Travis Henry can't be counted on. Just remember the name Billy Volek after Week One on the waiver wire.
20 Brian Griese, TB -- This is it for Griese in Tampa. He will be the starter at the beginning of the season, after averaging nearly two TDs per game after acquiring the job last season. The Bucs bolstered their decent offense with the drafting of Cadillac Williams and TE Alex Smith and the acquisition of Ike Hilliard. Griese has the potential to approach the level of one of John Gruden's former QBs, Rich Gannon -- a guy that bounced around until getting some time under Gruden. It's hard to place him at Gannon's peak right now, but by year's end, he could be a borderline fantasy starter. But if he slips up any, Gruden won't hesitate to look for the future and start to give time to Chris Simms and Luke McCown. A dangerous pick.
21 Kurt Warner, ARI -- Warner is in the right system now -- short, quick drops, quick releases, as opposed to the Giants' deep drop approach -- and has a young talented group of WRs. Age and injury history keeps him from being a fantasy starter, but he could make a last run at it and make a good backup.
22 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT -- Pittsburgh still focuses on the running game, but the Steelers will need to open the game up for Big Ben to succeed. The injury to Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis' request to not be the focus of the running game lead one to believe that they will. The loss of Plaxico Burress hurts, but they did pick up the best TE in the draft.
23 Joey Harrington, DET -- Harrington is the man with no excuses, but faces a season of big "Ifs". If Harrington keeps his job and his WRs remain healthy, there is no way Harrington can keep from having a very good season. With a trio of potentially great WR and a very good RB in Kevin Jones, the table is set. It's just a matter of whether Harrington will pull the chair up to the table like a leader.
24 Eli Manning, NYG -- The Giants improved their offensive line from one of the league's worst to a solid middle-of-the-road crew. They also improved Manning's supporting cast, with the acquistition of Plaxico Burgess. He has the potential to be a star in the league, but while we'll see some improvement, it will be at least a couple of years before he's a desirable fantasy starter.
25 Kyle Boller, BAL -- The good news is that Jamal Lewis is back and that the Ravens signed Derrick Mason. The bad news is the Boller is still the same QB with poor accuracy. It doesn't show up in the stat column, other than in incompletions, but he can string together a slew of bad passes unlike any other NFL QB.
26 Drew Bledsoe, DAL -- Well, the best thing that can be said about Bledsoe is that he's better than Vinnie Testaverde. Bledsoe is a shadow of his former self, and with a poor group of WRs and offensive line, Bledsoe will continue his decline.
27 J.P. Losman, BUF -- This will be a learning year for Losman. His big plus is that he has a great surrounding cast at RB and WR, so his first season should be better than most in his situation.
28 Patrick Ramsey, WAS -- Ramsey has no room for error this season, with a lot of money on the bench in Mark Brunell and Jason Campbell. Plus, other than Clinton Portis, he has no other weapons. The bright side is that it's much like the situation that Drew Brees was in last season, and he came out smelling like a rose. But to expect that level of success is unrealistic.
29 Trent Dilfer, CLE -- Dilfer is stepping into a great situation in Cleveland, but, even at his best, Dilfer wasn't a QB that could make a difference, so don't expect much.
30 Alex Smith, SF -- Tim Rattay won't keep Smith out of the lineup long, if at all. A keeper league pick, at best.
31 Gus Frerotte, MIA -- Frerotte has proven to be a good QB when given the playing time, and it looks like he's working his way into the starting job this season. Couple be a good FA pickup or a late, late round draft pick that could pay off later in the season.
32 Chad Hutchinson, CHI -- Hutchinson got the job by default when Rex Grossman went down with yet another injury. Will have Jeff Blake and Kyle Orton breathing down his neck for playing time soon.
33 Jeff Garcia, DET -- Harrington will be on a short leash. Mariucci is comfortable with him and would make the switch.
34 Billy Volek, TEN -- Waiver-wire vultures are waiting with baited breath for McNair's first limp. Volek has proven ability to start and put up good fantasy numbers. For McNair owners, he's a must-have.
35 A.J. Feeley, MIA -- Feeley is in a good situation, but has fallen behind Frerotte for the starting job. Not worth drafting.
36 Tim Rattay, SF -- At best, should get a few starts early. But with his injury history and Alex Smith, don't expect much.
37 Philip Rivers, SD -- A dynasty pick, but would be valuable if Brees falters.
38 Josh McCown, ARI -- If given the chance, McCown would make for a nice FA addition.
39 Kelly Holcomb, BUF -- Losman is an aggressive runner, so Holcomb should see some time and would be a good FA pickup.
40 Brad Johnson, MIN -- Johnson would be a capable replacement in the potent Vikings offense if something happens to Culpepper.
41 Matt Schaub, ATL -- Schaub is cheap insurance against a Vick injury. Very cheap.
42 Charlie Frye, CLE -- May be the starter in 2006.
Posted by Jeff Brown: Aug 18 at 11:51 AM
Fantasy Football 
Contact Jeff Brown
Email this article
Print this article
| 
Of course I have to disagree with Favre's ranking only cause I'm biased, LOL.
Damnit!!! Before the end of this season...Chris Cooley will be known.
37/314/6 last year....as a Rookie.
He's not a Tony Gonzo or a Antonio Gates. He wont catch 80+ balls. But he very well could catch 50+ and match last years TD total.
Fantasy-wise....for a TE/RB....that aint bad.
Damnit!!!
LOL......Ahhh yes, the truth does hurt.
UP:
Steve McNair, TEN -- Shown he's healthy; rookie WRs looking good.
Brian Griese, TB -- Throwing well; WRs doing well.
Joey Harrington, DET -- Separating himself from Garcia a bit.
DOWN:
Eli Manning, NYG -- Slight downtick, due to elbow tweak; probably temporary as he's missing time in camp.
Alex Smith, SF -- Benched for the time being.
UP:
Drew Bledsoe, DAL -- Bledsoe was 11-of-18 for 113 yards with no turnovers in his last game, including going 5-for-5 on an 80-yard TD drive.
Kyle Orton, CHI -- He's taking over the starting job.
DOWN:
Chad Pennington, NYJ -- A week after going 9-for-10 for 86 yards in his return from injury, Pennington was 5-for-11 for 36 yards, no touchdowns, two red-zone interceptions and two sacks, one of which resulted in a fumble; he may be healthy, but he's missed time in the new offense.
Kyle Boller, BAL -- Boller looks uncomfortable in the pocket, and he hasn't connected with his new weapons at WR, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason.
Chad Hutchinson, CHI -- He has been replaced as starter by Kyle Orton; may get cut.
Kyle Boller, BAL -- Boller looks uncomfortable in the pocket, and he hasn't connected with his new weapons at WR, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason.
This guy looks like the only straight man on a gay cruise when teams blitz.
Kyle Boller, BAL -- Boller looks uncomfortable in the pocket, and he hasn't connected with his new weapons at WR, Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason.
This guy looks like the only straight man on a gay cruise when teams blitz.
UP:
Eli Manning, NYG -- Recovering well from the banged-up elbow; will make Week One start.
DOWN:
Trent Green, KC -- A little concerned about his odd leg injury; bumped him down only one spot because there's a gap between the top five QBs and the rest.
DROPPED OUT:
Jeff Garcia, DET -- Out for at least two months with a broken leg.