2010 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Part 2

In part 1 of the Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings for 2010 we showed what the most reputable websites had as the consensus rankings. Then I went over what actually happened in a mock draft I took part in. I can’t stress enough how important taking part in a mock draft can do for your preparation. You get an idea of what other fantasy managers are targeting. Who is being reached for and who is being passed over. Now based on the consensus rankings, and the mock draft results, I am going to go through them round by round, when each player will most likely be available. I’ll comment on who I am going to target, why and why I pass on others. These are just my strategies for this year, so take them with a grain of salt but I hope they help you. Remember this is based on a 14 team league. 10 team leagues will allow players to drop to the later rounds obviously.

The first round I will not comment on because I would take any of these top tier quarterbacks after pick 6 or 7, depending on who fell to those picks. If you are in a league where passing touchdowns are worth 6 points, you really should draft one of the top quarterbacks after missing out on the top running backs. If you check the fantasy points over the last few years you will find Brees, Rodgers, Manning, etc. were easily in the top 10 of all fantasy scoring in those type leagues. Don’t pass them up for a lesser fantasy point contributor like a 2nd tier running back.

Round 1

1. Aaron Rodgers – GB: Any of these three can be the backbone to a championship season.
2. Drew Brees – NO
3. Peyton Manning – Ind

Round 2 – There are still some great Quarterbacks on the table, but with the top three off the board it might be wiser to draft an elite WR or another RB that can set you apart from the rest, while still having options at QB that are desirable. Here I will target one or two guys if I am drafting near or at the turn of round 2 since I will have a couple of picks close together.

1. Tom Brady – NE: I take a gamble on Brady returning to Brady-esque form now that his leg issues are behind him. Again, if i’m near the turn

Round 3 - No need to panic, still a handful of great Quarterback options. Remember to check your cheat sheet and pick that will guarantee you the most points. If it’s a Quarterback, great if not so problem take that play then.

1. Tony Romo – Dal: Dez Bryant will add an element Tony hasn’t had since T.O.
2. Matt Schaub – Hou: Him and Johnson just keep lighting up offenses.

Round 4

1. Brett Favre – Min: Risky pick. Does he play, if so when? If he does play..he is a good pick for late round 4, steal in round 5…again if plays. I won’t be targeting, unless I hear definite news.
2. Philip Rivers – SD: I pass on Rivers. I see SD turning to the run a little bit more. Rivers will still be good, just not round 3 good when I can grab a stellar WR or add depth to my running game.
3. Kevin Kolb – Phi: I have no doubt Kolb will be great this season, but it’s not been proven just yet. Likely some other manager is going to reach on him. Let it go. You can get Eli Manning or Joe Flacco later with same numbers.

Round 5 – If I don’t have a late pick in round 4 or early one in round 5, I probably draft Eli or Flacco.

1. Eli Manning – NYG: Poised for a repeat or better of his 2009 breakout season. His receivers will be better, and more importantly the run game will be back.
2. Joe Flacco – Bal: Fantasy pundits are all over this guy, so why not. With Anquan Boldin, I like his chances.
3. Jay Cutler – Chi: Pass…I have no faith. What more can I say. He was great in Denver with Marshall. He should have been quiet and stayed.

Round 6 and 7 – Most everyone has taken their starting Quarterback by now and if you haven’t, well don;t waste it now on Matt Ryan.

1. Matt Ryan – Atl: Solid pick, nothing sexy. I probably pass though, not convinced he deserves to be selected this high. Gotta love Roddy White though.

Round 8 and9 – If you haven’t gotten a Quarterback yet, then you’ve been unlucky or just been stocking up on great picks at other positions. No problem. You can afford to spend two middle draft picks on Quarterbacks. One for sure should pan out. Best case scenario, you have depth and that means solid backup and you have the options to trade one or play matchups.

1. Matthew Stafford – Det: I pass. I like Calvin Johnson as a target, but he is still feeling his way out. Too risky.
2. Carson Palmer – Cin: I like him as a sleeper candidate, but in years past he has let me down. i think I let my emotion get the better of me andpass. Having said that, if you don’t have a starter yet, spend a pick here.

Round 10

1. Donovan McNabb – Was: Waning years, 20-22 TD’s are a high estimate for a fantasy quarterback with little to no passing options besides double teamed Cooley. Pass.
2. Chad Henne – Mia: This is a player I have targeted all along, he should be available in this round, if not someone overpaid. Brandon Marshall only improves upon what Henne did in his last few games last year.

Remaining Rounds

1. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit: After suspension, will be his normal productive self, could be a steal here as long as you have something to start the season with.
2. Alex Smith – SF: Supposedly sleeper, If no better pick available before my next selection, I might give Smith a shot.
3. Vince Young – Ten: Gained fantasy relevance again…barely.
4. Mark Sanchez – NYJ: Possible Flacco proto-type
5. David Garrard – Jac: Serviceable as a backup for the bye week.
6. Matt Leinart – Ari: This wouldn’t be the worst pick to see if he can take advantage or Fitz and Breaston.
7. Matt Cassel – KC: I really don’t care for any of the remaining Quarterbacks. If I have no backup so be it, one of these guys will there when I need them come bye week. Draft a player at another position with upside. Keep your eye on the wire to see if any of these guys turn out to be productive.
8. Matt Hasselbeck – Sea
9. Kyle Orton – Den
10. Jason Campbell – Oak
11. Matt Moore – Car
12. Josh Freeman – TB
13. Trent Edwards – Buf

I’ll try and get into a coupe more mock drafts and see how things turn out. I suggest you do the same or just check back. Next we’ll look at the guys these Quarterbacks will be tossing deep bombs to.