Fantasy: Who will finish as the No. 1 QB in 2016?

As we wade through the fantasy offseason, plenty of questions provoke debate. Which players will exceed expectations? What should we expect from the rookie class? Who will come back strong from season-ending injuries?

Rankings give us an idea of how players will perform, but they don't get into the nuance of when it's worth taking a risk on a guy with boom potential. What if we want to know who has the best chance to end the year as the top player at their position?

The following table isn't a ranking of where players will finish in 2016. Instead, the goal is to decipher who has a chance at putting together a transcendent season and standing as the No. 1 fantasy quarterback by year's end.

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends

Quarterbacks

Cam Newton

Newton was the No. 1 fantasy quarterback in 2015, thanks to 45 combined touchdowns (35 passing, 10 rushing). With Kelvin Benjamin returning, Newton is positioned for another year at the top.

Aaron Rodgers

With Jordy Nelson out of the lineup, Rogers and the Packers' passing game weren't the same. Nelson is healthy again and so is Rodgers' fantasy value.

Andrew Luck

Luck battled injuries and missed significant time during a forgettable 2015 season. This year he'll remind people that he's one of the NFL's elite.

Drew Brees

Brees has led the league in passing yards for five straight seasons. The decline will come eventually for the 37-year-old, but the additions of tight end Coby Fleener and rookie receiver Michael Thomas give him hope for recapturing the fantasy crown.

Russell Wilson

After finishing in the top 10 his first two seasons, Wilson came third each of the last two years. If he continues to improve as a passer, his rise to the top might be inevitable.

Carson Palmer

Bruce Arians loves to throw the ball, and with an excellent receiving corps at his disposal, Palmer should remain near the league lead in passing yards and touchdowns.

Ben Roethlisberger

The loss of Martavis Bryant hurts, but the return of Le'Veon Bell and the arrival of Ladarius Green will keep the Steelers' passing game rolling. Let's not forget the presence of the all-world Antonio Brown as well.

Tom Brady

If Brady somehow avoids his four-game suspension for the second consecutive season, he'll jump into the top five on this list. Until then, he's a long shot to end the year first overall.

Philip Rivers

Rivers will benefit from offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt rejoining the Chargers. With Whisenhunt calling plays, Rivers had a fifth-place fantasy finish in 2013. Travis Benjamin also gives the team a quality deep threat to replace the now retired Malcom Floyd.

Blake Bortles

Bortles was the No. 4 fantasy passer last season, so another step up the ladder is possible. The Jaguars have the offensive talent to support their third-year quarterback, but as the team continues to improve, there might be less garbage time for Bortles and company to rack up stats through the air.

Eli Manning

The lack of a consistent rushing threat will keep the offense dependent on Manning's arm, but if he's going to reach new heights, the Giants will need another pass catcher to emerge across from Odell Beckham Jr. Rookie Sterling Shepard could fill that role and be the catalyst for Manning's fantasy value.

Derek Carr

Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree make up one of the best receiving duos in the league. Playing behind the Raiders' upgraded offensive line, Carr's upside cannot be denied.

Tony Romo

In his last full season, Romo managed a top 10 fantasy campaign while DeMarco Murray was leading the league in rushing attempts. Rookie Ezekiel Elliott could restore the Cowboys' run game, which may actually help Romo's fantasy numbers.

Kirk Cousins

Over the last three games of the 2015 regular season, Cousins trailed only Cam Newton in fantasy points. With first-round receiver Josh Doctson joining the receiving corps, Washington is hoping Cousins can continue to overachieve.

Tyrod Taylor

Taylor is capable of reaching incredible highs, leading to several QB1 fantasy weeks, but his health will always be a worry every time he runs with the ball. The availability of his top wideout Sammy Watkins is also a cause for concern heading into the season.

Ryan Tannehill

New head coach Adam Gase has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks, most recently rehabilitating Jay Cutler in Chicago. If he can work that magic on Tannehill, there's a chance the young passer could finally reach his potential.