FantasyPros has its consensus rankings from the experts for fantasy football. In a standard 12-team league, you’re generally going to carry two quarterbacks, meaning 24 should be available.
Since there could be some debate among those top 24, I’ll break down the top 30 quarterbacks in fantasy football, and decide whether they could make the grade, or disappoint.
Here’s the fantasy football quarterbacks ranked from six to one.
6. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan was a machine last year. He threw for almost 5,000 yards and hurled 38 touchdowns against just seven interceptions.
He managed the second-most fantasy points overall, but yet he’s pretty far down the list for 2017 by fantasy experts. Why? Well, last year was by far his best statistical year of his career. And we’re not talking about a third-year player. This will be his 10th year in the league, and he’s only gone for more than 30 touchdowns twice and has single-digit interceptions also only twice.
So, it’s natural to believe that 2016 was an outlier year, especially since he was coming off one of his worst statistical seasons of his career in 2015.
And I know many will scoff at the notion, but eventually we’re going to have to start believing in that Super Bowl hangover. Since 2000, half of the teams losing in the previous Super Bowl failed to make the postseason. It’s natural to believe the Falcons will be a bit down this season, meaning Ryan should come back to earth.
Other than last year and 2012, he really hasn’t been an elite fantasy quarterback. Keep that in mind when it’s your turn to draft a quarterback. — Back-end starter
5. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
If Wilson scrambles like he did last season, and doesn’t contribute in the rushing touchdowns category, he should be listed much further down the list.
Injuries hurt his fantasy campaign last season, limiting his scrambling ability and making him one-dimensional. It’s natural to see some growth in the passing department, but he still needs that rushing total to be among the top-five fantasy quarterbacks.
Wilson’s fate is likely tied to Eddie Lacy’s ability to be a better running back than anyone on the Seahawks roster last season. If Lacy is able to move the chains and keep defenses honest, Wilson can easily be a top-five option. If the running game struggles again, it’s hard to believe Wilson can man the offense’s burden by himself.
There’s major upside, but there’s also a lot of doubt. — High-upside starter
4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Which Andrew Luck are we going to see? Are we going to see a quarterback who still throws too many interceptions, without garnering big-time yards? Or are we going to see a more mature version of a player who is learning to cut down on mistakes?
If it’s the latter, there’s a solid case to think Luck is the best fantasy quarterback in 2017. The Colts are going to throw all over the place, and with a defense not known to be dominant, Luck will have several opportunities.
Other than 2014 when he threw for 4,761 yards, he hasn’t been a big yardage guy. And his touchdown production has gone more than 30 only twice in his career.
It’s time for Luck to take another step and get more into the 30-plus touchdown, single-digit interception route, instead of what he’s shown in recent years. — Top-three starter
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
He’s going to be a high-yardage guy. He’s going to throw for several touchdowns. My biggest issue, though, is his love affair with turnovers, which dwindles his value in certain weeks.
Among the top-tier group, he threw the most interceptions last season with 15, and that’s a regular occurrence. And while you’re going to get some monster games from Brees, you’re also going to get some duds. When risking such a high draft pick, you can’t take that step back in certain weeks.
At some point, too, we’re going to have to start talking about age. Brees is 38 and this is his 17th year in the NFL. With an average draft position as high as Brees commands, I’m not risking my fantasy team’s future with that baggage. — Risky top-tier starter
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Here’s another guy where age could come into play at some point. He’s the best, but at some point, even the best falter. He will be 40 by the time the season starts, and even though some of his best days have come in recent years, I have to believe the energy exerted during the screw-the-NFL season last year, will catch up to him this season.
The best thing about Brady is that he won’t turn the ball over, so those negative points won’t be there. That means he doesn’t have to go too crazy with his yardage, although in recent years, he’s put up some big numbers.
The Patriots don’t have a strong running game, so they need Brady to pick apart defenses. But are you willing to put your team’s livelihood on a guy who is 40? He’s probably going to be a top-five option, who can be a consistent weapon, but his age and wear and tear from all the playoff games, scares me to death. — Risky top-tier starter
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
The best, most consistent fantasy quarterback is Rodgers. He’s going to throw touchdowns and the Packers need him to survive.
There’s really no reason to analyze Rodgers since he’s always going to be in that top-three and generally won’t have a down week. He’s the perfect quarterback to have on the roster…but his price is too high for my blood.
FantasyPros has his ADP listed at 22, meaning he will go late in the second round. That’s if your league’s overzealous owner can contain him or herself before picking him earlier. The depth among quarterbacks is good enough that Rodgers isn’t that much better than the rest of the quarterbacks in the league to justify a spot that early in the draft. He’s the best fantasy quarterback, but not worth a second-round pick. — Top starter
