Early 2014 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

By Ryan Gerrity

@RyanGerrity

I consider these 7 players to be the “top tier” of fantasy football quarterbacks for next year.  Each week I will be giving more and more rankings of each position and breaking them down.

1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
   

   Courtesy of ICON SMI

Manning is going to the Super Bowl for the second time, and he had the best season for a quarterback ever.  He has the offensive line to protect him, and the weapons around him to put up big numbers again next year.

2.  Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees has thrown for over 5,000 yards in each of the past 3 seasons.  No other quarterback has done that, which makes him the model for consistency.  He had 39 touchdown passes this year, which was his lowest total in those 3 years.

3.  Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

“Superman” brought his Panthers to the playoffs, and did so using his arms and legs.  Newton matured his passing game, and used his running ability only when he needed to.  If the Panthers use the offseason to improve their offensive weapons, the statistics should improve as well for Newton.

4.  Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Rodgers suffered an injury this year that did not allow him to play in six games.  However, we did see some of Rodgers magic in the final week of the season.  Rodgers has the ability to use his feet as well as his arm.  He should have a monster season next year.

5.  Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Stafford has the talent around him with Reggie Bush, and the best receiver in the game, Calvin Johnson.  He puts up an average of 4,500 yards passing and 30 touchdowns, but the negative on Stafford is his turnovers, and “Favre” style of play.  Jim Caldwell will help improve his turnovers as the new Head Coach.

6.  Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Luck brought the Colts’ back to possibly the greatest comeback in NFL history, and did it with style.  He threw for 23 touchdowns this year, along with 4 rushing touchdowns.  His rushing totals make him a monster fantasy quarterback.

7.  Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Brady struggled at some points during the season this year, but ended up with over 4,000 yards passing and 25 touchdowns.  These statistics are great considering the talent that he had around him.  An offseason to get to know his players more will really help Brady’s fantasy statistics.