Fantasy: Quarterback Primer
Football is officially back.
Whether you've been researching fantasy stats since last year's Super Bowl or you accidentally clicked on this page thinking it was erotic fiction, theScore is ready to lead you to a fantasy championship.
But there is no time to waste if you're going to earn bragging rights over your friends and coworkers, or if you plan on winning a few dollars in daily fantasy leagues.
So let's get to it.
Fantasy Position Primers
QB | RB | WR | TE
Quarterbacks
When building a draft plan, one of the first things you need to decide is what round you want to select your starting quarterback.
It's a move that comes down to personal preference, but with the growing number of competent passers it's become easier and easier to wait before addressing the position.
This year, there appears to be 14 legitimate fantasy starters at quarterback, and that's not including some younger passers who could make the leap.
You can view our complete quarterback rankings here.
Simply the Best
Peyton Manning, Broncos - The conversation about quarterbacks starts with Peyton and how could it not after his record-breaking 2013 season. Will the Broncos' offense be as dominant this year? It seems improbable, but even a slight drop off would keep Peyton as an uber-elite option. If you're confident in Manning's ability to come close to last seasons numbers, draft him whenever you want.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers - Before last season, Rodgers was the star quarterback with the elite receiving corps, who you could draft and not worry about in the slightest. Unfortunately, an injury derailed his campaign and that may cause some owners to forget how outstanding he can be in fantasy.
Drew Brees, Saints - Any thoughts that the 35-year-old may be declining were put to rest with his third straight 5,000-yard season. Yes, you read that correctly. The only knock on Brees was that he failed to reach the 40-touchdown mark he had attained the prior two years (how embarrassing, he had just 39).
A Chance to be #1
Nick Foles, Eagles - It doesn't matter how much of an innovator Chip Kelly is on offense, Foles will not repeat his 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions stat line. Even if he shows he's fallible, Foles is still the quarterback of a highly-productive offense.
Matthew Stafford, Lions - Stafford has struggled with his mechanics at times, but he has the best receiver in the business in Calvin Johnson always there to save the day. The team also added Golden Tate in free agency and drafted tight end Eric Ebron with their first round pick. With so much skill around him, Stafford will continue to be a quality fantasy threat.
Andrew Luck, Colts - With a full compliment of weapons and a sneaky ability to pick up yards on the ground, Luck could be poised for a career year. The Colts' defense could also force Luck into weekly shootouts, much like the team's two playoff games a year ago.
Better Than You Think
Robert Griffin III, Redskins - Mike and Kyle Shanahan are gone and so is the knee brace RG3 wore last season. The new system will have Griffin throwing more and while he may never have a rushing season like he did in 2012, he will be much better than the quarterback we saw last season.
Jay Cutler, Bears - Cutler's injury in 2013 has created a value opportunity for drafters this year. From his coach to his skill position players, everything is in place for Cutler to far exceed his current draft position as the 13th quarterback off the board.
Safe and Reliable
Tom Brady, Patriots - With Rob Gronkowski out of the lineup, Brady posted some clunky games during last year's campaign. Having Gronk healthy would be a major boon to Brady's fantasy prospects, but he still remains more of a low-end QB1 at this point.
Matt Ryan, Falcons - Even without the now retired Tony Gonzalez, a healthy receiving corps of Julio Jones and Roddy White is about as good as it gets on the outside. Ryan may not be a very exciting pick on draft day, but he also won't sink your season.
Tony Romo, Cowboys - Romo may be the most under-appreciated fantasy quarterback of the last five years. He finished in the top ten a year ago and has a good chance of doing it again, playing with emerging superstar Dez Bryant, safety blanket tight end Jason Witten and a solid pass-catching back in DeMarco Murray.
Continuing to Rise
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers - We are still waiting on Kaepernick's ascension to fantasy stardom that was supposed to happen in 2013. Kaepernick is being drafted a few rounds later this season, but still has the same upside he did a year ago.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks - If you are willing to wait on a quarterback this year, Wilson may be the best player to target. After finishing last season with the eighth-most fantasy points at his position, Wilson is being selected as the 15th quarterback, on average, in this year's drafts. There are no words to explain that phenomenon.
Prepare to be Disappointed
Cam Newton, Panthers - Newton's offensive line may be the worst it's been since he entered the league. Even if rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin is as impressive as the reports coming out of Panthers camp suggest, Newton is still working with a subpar cast.
Andy Dalton, Bengals - The fantasy value in Cincinnati will come from its running game, which will be the focal point of their new system. After a solid season last year, expect a drop off from Dalton.
Alex Smith, Chiefs - Andy Reid worked his magic on Smith in their first season together, but the lack of impact playmakers outside of running back Jamaal Charles will never allow Smith to be a full-season fantasy starter.
Savvy Veterans
Philip Rivers, Chargers - Rivers proved he still had it with his fifth 4,000-yard season in the last six years. With Keenan Allen and Ladarius Green coming into their own, Rivers is being disrespected by his current 10th round ADP.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers - An unproven receiving corps, outside of Antonio Brown, is holding Big Ben back. If Markus Wheaton and Lance Moore can provide stability, Roethlisberger could sneak into low-end QB1 territory.
Carson Palmer, Cardinals - The yardage and touchdowns should be there for Palmer this season as his offense continues to improve under pass-happy head coach Bruce Arians. But Palmer is still prone to throwing back-breaking interceptions. He will need to cut down on his turnovers to be anything more than a fantasy spot starter.
Surprise Party
Josh McCown, Buccaneers - McCown is one of the most intriguing options at the position. The preseason will tell the story, as Tampa Bay essentially reproduced the exact environment McCown excelled in last season in Chicago.
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins - A new offensive coordinator always brings hope to a franchise, especially when they come from a successful offense like the 2013 Eagles. Bill Lazor should help bring more scoring to Miami, but his effect on Tannehill remains to be seen.
Jake Locker, Titans - Locker has accuracy issues, but he gains valuable fantasy points with his legs and has a receiving corps on the verge of a breakout. He should be fun to scout in the preseason.
Don't Forget About Us
Johnny Manziel, Browns - Even if he doesn't get the Week 1 start, Manziel will see the field this season. Johnny Football may have his day in the fantasy spotlight, but he is nothing more than a flier in 2014.
Sam Bradford, Rams - Bradford was actually performing well before injury got the best of him. If his receiving corps can take a step forward, he could be a deep sleeper.