The NFL Draft just ended, and training camps haven't even kicked off, but fantasy football fanatics are already getting their data together. So for those hardcore fans, this is a way-too-early preview of the Top 10 quarterbacks in 2015.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: Rodgers has one of the best receiver pairings in football-Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb-a ferocious running game led by Eddie Lacy, and a division of less-than-stellar secondaries to pick on. Plus, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh just bolted to the AFC. When healthy, Rodgers is a lock for 4,000-plus yards, 35-plus touchdowns, and single-digit interceptions.
2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Don't be fooled by the Frank Gore signing, the Colts are going to wing the ball all over the field. If you can live with some picks, Luck is maybe the most fun player to own in fantasy today. Luck attempted 38 passes per game in 2014 and racked up 4,761 yards and 40 touchdowns. And the Colts ADDED future Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson. Luck has wheels too, and adds value in the rushing categories. The only knock is a weak offensive line that may eventually get him killed.
3. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: Some will be worried about Manning's age and injury risk. I'm not one of them. Despite fighting Father Time Manning's release remains quick, and his weapons remain plentiful. He did lose freakish tight end Julius Thomas to free agency, but Manning has always made the most of what's available. That still includes Pro Bowler Demaryius Thomas, so all systems will be a go.
4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Brady's getting older, but he will have a healthy Rob Gronkowski in Week 1, meaning those weird, low-output games early in 2014 won't be a problem. Gronkowski is the key to this offense (aside) from Brady, and his presence allows Julian Edelman to be a receptions-machine. Plus, Brady's so hard to pick off he rarely shoots himself in the foot. He's safe, but lacks the high upside of the Top 3.
5. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: This is the year for his fantasy potential to meet his real-life stature. Wilson had a good, not great season throwing the football in 2014. 20 touchdowns and seven picks is alright, and six rushing touchdowns smooths things over for sure. Remember though, he did all that without high-caliber pass catchers. Now, he has Jimmy freaking Graham, and that should scare everyone. Wilson will still run, but now he has a ginormous target in the red zone. Defenses beware.
6. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: Brees had a "bad" year by his standards last season, and that included leading the NFL in passing yards. Losing Graham is a big blow to his value, and the Saints' offensive line improvements may hint toward increased reliance on the running game, but Brees will still pile up yards, and his new O-Line will give him more time to find his receivers. Don't writer him off just yet.
7. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben had the best statistical year of his career in 2014, and that should continue right through this year. Antonio Brown is an elite wide receiver, and even though Le'Veon Bell is one of the game's premier rushers, he is also one of the top pass-catching backs in the league. The defense is suspect in Steel Town, so shootouts should be plentiful, and with shootouts come pass attempts.
8. Eli Manning, New York Giants: Don't look now, but Eli was quietly excellent in 2014 with 30 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. It helps to have one of the most electric players in the NFL to throw to. Odell Beckham Jr. changed things for the Giants; offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo likes winging the ball everywhere, and with Beckham at his disposal there will be so many big play opportunities. They also added pass-catching stud Shane Vereen to wreak havoc out of the backfield. Big, big bargain potential here.
9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Matty Ice has been hurt by injuries around him the past two seasons, but he remains steady. If Julio Jones and Roddy White are healthy, the numbers will be there. Of course, it'd be nice if his offensive line stayed on the field too. With good help, I expect Ryan to finish better than ninth.
10. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Rivers is unspectacular, but he is basically a lock for 4,000 yards and 28-30 touchdowns. Expect more, and you're cooked. And don't get mad when there aren't any 450-yard, three-touchdown explosions. He's steady.
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