With the NFL lockout seemingly coming to an end, it’s time to start seriously getting into fantasy football mode.
So, what better place to start than the most important position in the game?
Here’s my list of the top five fantasy quarterbacks for 2011. Here's what Fantasy Knuckleheads has already done on this topic. And here’s a look at Greg Brosh’s overall top 50 rankings.
- Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers – It doesn’t matter who is catching passes in San Diego, Rivers is going to put up huge numbers. And, now that there’s a chance Vincent Jackson will return, Rivers will have his best receiver back. That spells huge fantasy numbers from the best fantasy quarterback in the NFL.
- Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers – Rodgers put up big numbers last year with a non-existent running game. With Ryan Grant returning this year, the Packers should be a more balanced team. That means more passing lanes for Rodgers. With a receiving corps of Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson, that means big fantasy numbers for the Green Bay quarterback.
- Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints – Brees had a down year last year but was still a very solid fantasy quarterback. He threw a lot of dumb interceptions in 2010, a trend that won’t continue in 2011. Brees will be back and better than ever in 2011, making Marques Colston, Robert Meachem and every other Saints receiver very valuable.
- Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts – Manning is battling some injury troubles right now and there’s speculation that he won’t be ready at the start of the season. But, if I know anything about Peyton Manning, it’s that he’ll be playing when the season starts, injury or not. And, with Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark at his disposal, he’ll put up big numbers even if he’s only at 80% health.
- Tom Brady, New England Patriots – Our top 5 QB list wouldn’t be complete without Brady. Brady has been one of the most consistent fantasy studs of the past five or so years (torn ACL excluded). He has Wes Welker and a pair of excellent young tight ends at his disposal, so there’s no reason to think he won’t put up big numbers again this year.