1. Andrew Luck- Colts
Entering his fourth year in the league, Andrew Luck has made nothing but improvements. Twice he has surpassed the 4,000 yard mark, and just this past year, Luck hit the 40 TD milestone for the first time in his career. His completion percentage has increased from 54.1% to 61.7%, therefore improving his QBR. Last year Luck did all that with an average group of Wide Receivers. Even though the Colts lost Reggie Wayne, they did add Andre Johnson. T.Y Hilton will surely have his best year so far barring injury, and Donte Moncrief should continue to improve after an impressive rookie year, considering the role he was in. There is nothing I see holding Andrew Luck back from piercing the 5,000 yard mark, and becoming the number one fantasy QB for 2015
2. Aaron Rodgers- Packers
If he isn't number one, then he most certainly is number two. Rodgers' performance speaks for himself. The only reason Rodgers is number two on this list isn't because he should experience any regression so long that he's healthy, but because Luck is about to enter a period where he has the best 4-5 years of his career, therefore bumping Rodgers down in the list. With a core trio of Nelson, Cobb and Adams, Rodgers should have no problems racking in the yards, and finding the end zone. As a close second, Rodgers should no doubt be the second QB off the board at your draft.
3. Russell Wilson- Seahawks
A dual threat quarterback equals a surplus of points. No, Wilson is not the star of a pass heavy offense like Luck is. But after having a career year, with 3,475 yards, 20 TD's, 7 INT's, along with 849 rushing yards paired with six touchdowns, you'd have to imagine he remains constant. His passing stats should only improve with the addition of Jimmy Graham, which, if Pete Carroll chooses to do, could increase Wilson's TD numbers in the Red Zone. Wilson will not have the same year on the ground, mainly because his opponents should implement some sort of QB contain to keep him in the pocket. Regardless, his ability to run makes him a fantastic option in the mid rounds of the draft. Wilson easily surpassed 300 fantasy points last year thanks to his legs and arms, so expect the same this year.
4. Drew Brees- Saints
I know what your thinking. He lost almost all of his weapons. He is 36. He can't even come close to matching his numbers from 2012 and 2013. I know. But he still is Drew Brees. So long as Brees is healthy and starting on the Saints, pencil him in for 4,000 yards at least and 25 TD's. I am that confident in the mans ability. Marques Colston may not be healthy now, but once the season rolls around, he should be Brees' number one target now that Graham is gone. Brandin Cooks will have a great comeback year after his outstanding first half of the year last year. Again, not much to say about Brees, besides the fact that he is Drew Brees.
5. Ben Roethlisberger- Steelers
Most likely my biggest surprise in the rankings this year, Big Ben reaches number 5. For the people who are scratching their heads questioning my decision, I have one answer. Why can't he be the number five Quarterback? With elite weapons like Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell on his side, along with Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant, and the always reliable Heath Miller, why can't Roethlisberger be #5? He has all the weapons, and if last year is any indication, he can easily have a repeat year. No other QB in the league has this kind of talent alongside him. The only question with Big Ben is can he stay healthy. If so, he's top 5 no doubt. If not, well, we would just have to see the plummet.
6. Peyton Manning- Broncos
This is probably the only time you will see Peyton Manning outside of the top five in any rankings this year. And here is why. If last year was any indication, his age is starting to get to him. He is brittle, and not as strong as he used to be. His production took a big hit once his thigh injury surfaced back in December of last year, therefore showing he can't play through injury like a younger, stronger player. On top of that, the Broncos have made it very clear they want to increase run production with budding star C.J. Andersen. With a decrease in his passing attempts, as well as decreased production due to age, expect Manning to have a less then stellar year this year.
7. Tony Romo
No running game plus amazing offensive line = Tony Romo and Dez Bryant love season. With the departure of DeMarco Murray, and the addition of Darren McFadden, the Cowboys have no one to run the ball on a consistent level like Murray did. Romo and Bryant had a great season last year, and with such a stellar offensive line that the Cowboys have, Romo will have nothing but time to find the perfect pass to the open receiver.
8. Ryan Tannehill
Despite my allegiance to the Patriots, I am a big fan of Ryan Tannehill. Last season, Tannehill was one of 5 QB's who posted 10 plus fantasy points in 15 of the 16 games they played. In the last three seasons, where Tannehill has not missed one game, his passing yards have improved every single season. His touchdowns have improved every single season. An increase in passing yards and touchdowns means an increase in Fantasy points. Sure, Tannehill doesn't have Wallace or Hartline anymore. But, the addition of Jordan Cameron provides a great middle of the field target, and Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, and Greg Jennings will provide Tannehill plenty of targets to throw to. I expect a monster year from Tannehill. And, if you are stuck with drafting a QB in the mid rounds of the draft, like rounds 6-8, Tannehill will be a great option for your team, which is hopefully stacked with great RB's and WR's
9. Tom Brady
My boy. Yes, he's suspended for the first four games of the season. But, he's still Tom Brady. His ability to make spectacular years with a rag tag wide-out core is impeccable, and his production will be proportional in his 12 game season. He won't hit 4,000 yards this season, but neither will the guys below him on this list. You may argue that guys like Cam Newton can run, but they sacrifice throwing skills for running skills. Brady will have a great year for where he is listed on my rankings.
10. Cam Newton
Hey look! We were just talking about Cam Newton and here he is, rounding out my list at number 10. Personally, I'm a big fan of Newton. He is one of the hardest working QB's in the league, and is arguably one of the most athletic QB's the league has to offer. With Kelvin Benjamin continuing to develop, we could see a huge increase in his passing production. The only reason he's at #10 on my list is because of the regression in run production for Cam. Ever since his 14 rushing touchdowns in 2011, he hasn't hit half of that since. NFL teams around the league have learned how to defend against him, therefore eliminating his running game, making him less of a dual threat as people think he is. For those rankings valuing him as a top seven or top five QB, they are overestimating his value as a runner now that he is starting to take on more of a pocket passer role. I urge you to watch some Panther's games this year. Look at how often he stays in the pocket, compared to 2011. That will prove those rankings wrong
Please stay tuned for more rankings on Running Backs, Wide Outs, and Tight Ends, based on PPR leagues!
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