Fantasy Football

Since we are starting so late and since there are only thirty-two starting quarterbacks in the NFL (though over 60 made starts last season, but is anyone considering drafting more than maybe four of the backups in the league?), we are going to limit our profile on them to three posts: this one, value picks & the quarterbacks to avoid.

1) Tom Brady
Just like with Randy Moss, you set the single season record for touchdowns at your position, you are the default number one fantasy option the following year. Particularly for Brady, since his cumulative of TD’s was 50. 50! He won’t be able to repeat that (if he does they are probably going undefeated again in the regular season), but this is the safest pick in the draft, much less at just quarterback.

He's kind of a douchebag, if you can stomach having him on your team then you'll be all the better for it.

2) Drew Brees
I guess I am supposed to put Peyton Manning here by default, but with his nagging injuries I’m inclined to drop him a little (don’t worry Manning apologists, it won’t be too far). Brees plays in a weaker division (and conference), has more weapons at his disposal (Including a brand new tight end, , and had a stronger second half of the season last year. Amidst all this evidence, we’re inclined to put Brees in the two slot.

3) Tony Romo
Fantasy football isn’t a measure of wins and losses but of individual statistics. At the moment, Romo has a top three receiver, a top five tight end, a great running game and a history of putting up big numbers in the regular season. Last year he had five more throwing touchdowns and threw for more yards than Manning. He even ran two into the end zone. With again, the uncertainty of his injury and the fact he plays in the AFC south, we have Romo here at three.

4) Peyton Manning
Hey, he’s still Peyton Manning. Despite my utter, irrational contempt for the guy, I can’t deny the results. Should he stay healthy, he’ll have another pro bowl season at a bare minimum.

5) Ben Roethlisberger
I know the popular sentiment for the five hole is Carson Palmer, but he has limited himself to the right side of the field since his knee injury. Roethlisberger has arguably better receivers, two better tight ends and a better running game (keeping opposing defenses honest). With their defense taking a step back this season, going for 28+ ppg will be an attainable goal for the offense.

Rounding out the top nine:
6) Matt Hasselbeck: As reliable as anyone, just don’t count on them to win two games in the playoffs.
7) Derek Anderson: Was much higher until the pre-season game against the Giants.
Carson Palmer: Puts up lofty numbers against weak teams, drops the ball against contenders. His picture should under the definition of “Inconsistent” in the dictionary.
9) Brett Favre: This might be too low, but its like walking into a drug deal with him this year: anything could happen.

Five value picks later today.