Only one game remains in the 2015 NFL season, so we’re turning that sad reality into our way too early look at the 2016 fantasy football draft.
In this edition of looking ahead to 2016, we’re looking at the quarterbacks who finished 21st to 25th this past season, and will judge how well they’ll finish next year compared to their stats this past season.
21. Jay Cutler, Chicago, 226.46 points
Hype train: Just right
We know who Cutler is by now. He’s a guy who can make some throws (he threw for 21 touchdowns), but also can make bonehead decisions.
He tallied only 11 interceptions this past season, which in Cutler’s world is a tiny number. In nine seasons as a starter, he’s thrown 11 or fewer interceptions three times.
In terms of putting up big points, Cutler isn’t generally your guy. That’s OK. His average draft position should be in the lower teens or high 20s.
With the reduced turnovers, he still went over 15 points only seven times in 2015, which isn’t going to cut it as a top option.
But he can still sling it at times, and during a six-game stretch this past season, he went for more than 17 points in each contest.
He’s a solid backup, so don’t reach for him.
22. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee, 210.02
Hype train: Hop off…for now
We’re worried about fantasy owners going crazy over Mariota based on potential next year. Is the talent there? You bet. Does he have any weapons? No.
He was the “it” quarterback on the waiver wire after week 1 when he went for 24.96 points. He also turned in plus-20 point performances three other times, including two 30-point barrages.
When he’s on, he’s as good as any quarterback. The problem is that he failed to register a passing touchdown in five games and the injury bug already has crept up to bite him.
He missed the majority of five games this past season and with his running background, we’re hoping he gets the message to not get hit as hard.
With the absence of talent on the Titans, Mariota will have a difficult time putting up consistent numbers. He can be good, but we’re scared of the rest of his team. He would be a good flier as a backup.
23. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota, 200.44
Hype train: Just right
The hype escalated for Bridgewater heading into this past year. He was the 16th ranked quarterback entering the fantasy football season and many believed he could be a steal late in the draft as a starter.
He fizzled, though, giving us pause for his ability next season.
Because of those expectations, the public will likely fade Bridgewater for next year’s draft, making him available far later than this past season. That’s a good sign for fantasy owners.
Bridgewater has shown the ability to make passes, but Minnesota’s lack of wide receiver depth and ability stunted Bridgewater’s growth this past season.
He had a difficult time finding the end zone and his passing yards were bleak. But, we expect the Vikings to depend a little less on the run next season, allowing Bridgewater more room to throw the ball.
If that happens, his value will be just right as a late-round flier or waiver wire addition.
24. Sam Bradford, Philadelphia, 194.90
Hype train: Just right
Boy, were we wrong about Bradford. We were hyped about his capabilities this season in a Chip Kelly offense and that fizzled out.
Bradford entered the season as the 14th ranked quarterback, but he finished 10 spots lower. And we’re surprised it wasn’t any worse.
He failed to fully grasp the offense and the weapons just weren’t available for him. So, next year, we doubt his ranking will come close to last year’s and he likely won’t get drafted.
And that’s where he should be. But he could provide some depth with a new system that fits his style better. Don’t dare reach for Bradford, hoping for a miracle.
But if he gets acclimated to the new system, he may be worth a backup role and could deliver significant points every now and then.
25. Brian Hoyer, Houston, 166.64
Hype train: Hop off
We’re finished with Hoyer. We don’t want him as a backup or a starter.
An important trait for a fantasy football backup is that person has to be healthy. Hoyer just hasn’t shown in his career to stay healthy.
When given the opportunity to start, he’s never finished a full season. And he’s failed to complete more than 61 percent of his passes.
We can’t trust him on a consistent basis to slice through even bad defenses. That’s not a good sign for a backup. Don’t even take a flier on Hoyer in 2016.
