With the 2014 fantasy football season behind us it's time to preview the 2015 Fantasy Football quarterbacks. Quarterbacks went early in the 2014 draft due to their 2013 numbers. But instead of carrying your team to a championship many quarterbacks under performed. How will this impact your first QB draft pick? How will it impact the average draft position of quarterbacks and most importantly who should you target headed into the 2015 fantasy draft?
Also read: RB Preview - TE Preview - WR Preview
My Top 20 For 2015
First tier (late Round 2)
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
2. Andrew Luck, Colts
3. Drew Brees, Saints
4. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Second tier (Round 4)
5. Matthew Stafford, Lions
6. Tom Brady, Patriots
7. Peyton Manning, Broncos
Third tier (Rounds 6-7)
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
11. Cam Newton, Panthers
Fourth tier (Rounds 8-10)
12. Philip Rivers, Chargers
13. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
14. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
15. Eli Manning, Giants
16. Nick Foles, Eagles
Fifth tier (Round 11 on)
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens
18. Jay Cutler, Bears
19. Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
20. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
What Can We Learn From Last Season
Wilson finished in the top 10 but only threw 1/2 the TD passes as Luck but his 849 rushing yards led the next quarterback by more than 200. There where other QB with a low ADP that performed at a top-10 level, such as Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ryan Tannehill of the Miami Dolphins, but Wilson topped 30 fantasy points 3 times and tied for tops with Luck at the position.
Biggest upset: Denver’s Manning was drafted before the 3rd rounds in many QB friendly leagues. However, he didn’t exceed 13 fantasy points in any of the final five games and his deep ball lost zip as the season wore on. NFL scouts pointed out Manning, 38, looked fatigued and his arm strength appeared compromised. Let's someone else take risk on P. Manning if he comes back for another hora in 2015.
Tom Brady got off to a very slow start in 2014 due to Gronk's slow injury recovery but eventually finished as the No. 8 quarterback. The NE offensive line got their act together (thanks to dependable and solid coaching) which is important to make a mental note of, trust.
Rookies: Manziel was a major fail when he finally got a chance to play, several others showed promise. Teddy Bridgewater of the Minnesota Vikings from Week 8 on became a reliable fantasy option, scoring double digits fantasy points in eight of nine contests. Blake Bortles of the Jacksonville Jaguars has the most potienal as a sleep pick in 2015. He has exciting, young playmakers at wide receiver, and management has stated they plan to build the team around him going forward. Which means they see him as the future and that could turn into reliable fantasy points if even in a two QB fantasy team.
The 2015 Fantasy Draft
In most leagues quarterbacks should not be taken in the first round. Was Manning really worth the third overall pick in 2014. Value-based drafting teaches you to look for points over replacement and there is always depth in a "passing league", so wait for the 2nd tier QB and you'll do much better in your draft. We all know who the top tier quarterbacks are in drafts, so look past those guys in your upcoming draft and set yourself up with solid RB production instead. You'll be head of the 8 ball is you draft running backs and wide receivers and then choose two quarterbacks to play based on match-up such as Romo, Matt Ryan and Roethlisberger then follow up much later with a sleeper like Bortles. Now if for some reason a top tier QB falls to you in the third round (or late second), by all means snatch him up if his likely value over a platoon RB or 2nd tier WR is undeniable.
