Early 2013 Fantasy Football Quarterback Ratings
Across the web early quarterback rankings are being released in preparation of upcoming fantasy football mock drafts. At this early stage, it's mostly hard-core fantasy owners who are starting to create their rankings. But it's also these owners who are likely to win their leagues year after year.
With that being said, here are some early quarterback rankings for the 2013 fantasy football season:
- Aaron Rodgers: In all honesty, the top spot could have gone either way Rodgers or Drew Brees. But we're going with Rodgers at this early stage because of his scrambling skills and the implications surrounding the return of Sean Payton, described below.
- Drew Brees: Technically, Brees put up the most fantasy points in 2012. His 432 total fantasy points were slightly better than Rodgers' 420. However, Coach Sean Payton has made it clear that in 2013 the team will return to the same smash-mouth style of football that helped propel them to a Superbowl victory. Because of this he gets edged-out by Rodgers who will likely lead a high-power passing attack once again.
- Tom Brady: Brady has been one of the top fantasy performers for as long as I can remember and this year should not be any different. Brady was 3rd among QBs in total fantasy points in 2012, and it would not surprise me to see him anywhere in the top 5 again this year.
- Peyton Manning: It's safe to say that Payton's first year in Denver was a success. If there were any detractors left, Payton certainly proved them wrong in 2012. In 2013 he's looking to make the next step, and a solid WR Corps should ensure he remains among the elite QBs this year.
- Matt Ryan: Ryan put on a show in 2012 and cemented himself among the best QBs in the league. This will be his 2nd season connecting with Julio Jones and the addition of running back Steven Jackson can only help his cause.
- Cam Newton: Since entering the league Newton has steadily produced solid individual numbers. The ongoing struggles of Carolina will only mean that Newton is slinging the ball more-often, which means you can expect top 10 numbers from Newton regardless of how the rest of the team performances.
- Tony Romo: Romo has never turned into the elite QB that many thought he would be. But this off-season he received further backing from owner Jerry Jones when he declared the Romo will have an even larger role in the offense in 2012. At the worst, you can expect top 10 numbers from Romo once again.
- Colin Kaepernick: If there was ever a Cinderella story in 2012, it was Colin Kaepernick's rise to fame as the starting 49ers quarterback. This is further proof that obtaining injured, even for a short time, could be very detrimental to your career as an NFL QB. Kaepernick has big expectations this year, but you can feel confident that with his mobility he will finish in the top 10.
- Andrew Luck: Luck redefined rookie QB expectations in 2012 as he promptly stepped into the starting role and lead the Colts to the playoffs. Sophomore slumps are common among QBs, but Luck is no typical QB. He should improve on his 2012 rank as the 10th best fantasy QB.
- Russel Wilson: Wilson was another rookie QB who stunned the fantasy world by leading his team to the playoffs (and winning). His numbers were very similar to Luck's in 2012 and I also expect him to improve in 2013.
There is plenty of time between now and the beginning of the 2013 fantasy football season, but it never hurts to get a head-start on your competition. These QB ratings should get you started as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts.