Now that the 2018 NFL Draft is over, it’s time to get down to serious business…and by serious business, I mean fantasy football.
Truthfully, based off this year’s rookie quarterback draft class and how it appears they’ll be managed, the bulk of this list could have been released about two months ago.
After a season wrought with quarterback injuries to marquee names, it appears a familiar face has emerged as fantasy football’s (debatable) top choice at quarterback:
- Aaron Rodgers, Packers – Rodgers returned late in the season after suffering a broken collarbone in Week 6 at Minnesota but couldn’t quite flash his usual productive ways. Armed with Jimmy Graham at tight end and a solid passing attack (even without the Oakland-bound Jordy Nelson), expect Rodgers to be at the top of the fantasy charts…assuming he stays healthy.
- Russell Wilson, Seahawks – Due to Tom Brady’s late-season malaise and the Carson Wentz injury, Wilson ascended to the top of the fantasy charts last season. Seattle’s lack of a running game, allowed Seattle to heavily (perhaps too heavily) on Wilson’s abilities. However, losing Jimmy Graham and trying to break in a rookie running back, may hurt his productivity early in the season.
- Tom Brady, Patriots – We’re approaching another huge test of Brady’s fantasy viability in 2018. Brady will be without Danny Amendola, who left for Miami; Brandin Cooks, who was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams after one season; and running back Dion Lewis, who left for Tennessee. Oh, and Brady will be 41 at the start of next season. However, if there is anyone who can adapt, it’s TB12.
- Deshaun Watson, Texans – Before suffering a season-ending knee injury, Watson was on pace to throw for 40 touchdowns last season. If he can return to form quickly, Houston could be one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL again.
- Carson Wentz, Eagles – In all likelihood, Wentz would have won MVP if not for his Week 15 injury against the Los Angeles Rams. His biggest question marks heading into 2018 for the defending Super Bowl champions? First off, how quickly can he get back to normal after suffering a major injury in December. Will he be ready to start the season? Secondly, the Eagles saw a lot of “Sisters of the Poor” opponents last season. They will not have that luxury this season. If Wentz gets back to form quickly, the Eagles will be potent once again.
- Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers – We are rapidly approaching the end for Roethlisberger. However, he still has arguably the top all-purpose running back in the NFL (LeVeon Bell); and the league’s most explosive receiver (Antonio Brown). Here’s hoping Big Ben can stay healthy once again.
- Drew Brees, Saints – Surprisingly, Brees finished out of the top 10 of standard scoring for fantasy quarterbacks for the first time in his career since 2003. After leading the NFL in passing yardage over five of the past six seasons, Brees took a backseat to the team’s rushing attack. Does that mean Brees is in decline? Or was it all a coincidence?
- Kirk Cousins, Vikings – Working with Kyle Rudolph, Adam Thielen, and Stefon Diggs should give Cousins and Minnesota’s passing attack a huge boost. Cousins succeeded statistically with an underwhelming cast of characters in Washington. Minnesota provides a vastly improved set of skill players at Cousins’s disposal.
- Matt Ryan, Falcons – The good news is Atlanta added Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a very talented receiving corps. The bad news is Steve Sarkisian is back as offensive coordinator.
- Cam Newton, Panthers – Despite his proclivity to wear bizarre looking hats and take some wicked hits, Newton is still among fantasy’s most potent quarterbacks. His passing numbers have been in decline since his 2015 MVP campaign. However, Newton made up for it establishing a career-high in rushing with 754 yards and six touchdowns. If you’re a Newton owner, those rushing numbers are great but probably sustainable in the long run.