Top 25 QBs of 2007

It's that time, finally. Time to start looking at the player rankings for 2007. I'll start this series by listing my top 25 QBs. I chose 25 because if you are in a 12 team league, like many of you are, then that leaves a starter and a backup for each team. So without further ado, lets get started!

Hopefully these rankings won't scare you too much.

1. Tom Brady - NE
2. Peyton Manning - IND
3. Carson Palmer - CIN
4. Drew Brees - NO
5. Phillip Rivers - SD
6. Donovan McNabb - PHI
7. Marc Bulger - STL
8. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
9. Jon Kitna - DET
10. Matt Leinart - ARI
11. Jay Cutler - DEN
12. Brett Favre - GB
13. Eli Manning - NYG
14. Michael 'Ron Mexico' Vick - ATL
15. Vince Young - TEN
16. Jake Delhomme - CAR
1 7. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
18. Chad Pennington - NYJ
19. J.P. Losman - BUF
20. Rex Grossman - CHI
21. Tony Romo - DAL
22. Matt Schaub - HOU
23. Jason Campbell - WAS
24. Byron Leftwich - JAX
25. Steve McNair - BAL

I know it may come as some surprise to see Peyton Manning not listed as the #1 QB, by myself. Many outlets indeed do have the elder Manning as their number 1 QB. I suppose I should attempt to rationalize this. First, I absolutely love what the Patriots have done to their receiving corps this off season. Adding Randy Moss is easily the best reason to bump Brady. However, they also added Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, as fabulous counterparts to Moss. The receiving corp, has suddenly gotten so swollen that it may be hard to find Troy Brown a spot on this roster. Keep in mind that Brady has a great tight end in Ben Watson, and Laurance Maroney who can catch passes out of the backfield. Without a true 'Goal Line Back' the Patriots could be forced to throw it in from 10 yds out, which is how Peyton Manning got all his touchdowns a few years ago.

Secondly, Peyton Manning's big claim to fame is that he is consistent week to week. Which if you are pulling a mid first round pick, Manning would be a great choice. However, you need to remember that Manning has rarely finished as the number 1 overall fantasy quarterback. Last year he wouldn't have gotten close if McNabb hadn't blown out a knee in week 9. While I appreciate all of Manning's skill and prowess for putting up points, I just don't think that he will be this year's number 1. Harrison is getting older, and was showing signs last year of losing a step. Joseph Addai has to prove that he can handle a full year as the feature back, now that Dominic Rhodes has moved on to Oakland to get a fresh set of DUIs.

Another surprising top 10 guy, is Jon Kitna. This just shows what kind of faith I have in the Mad Scientists offense. Kitna was among the leaders in yardage last year. He just needs some more TDs to go with it. Calvin Johnson, and Roy Williams should be all the Lions need to bolster those numbers. Also the Detroit running game looks dismal at best, with Kevin Jones, not likely to do anything special after Lis Franc surgery on his foot. Tatum Bell, TJ Duckett, and Shawn Bryson really aren't going to strike fear into the hearts of defenses, but they may be respectable enough to keep defenses from playing the pass too much. Also Detroit gets to play the Vikings Secondary twice, so that should help.

Five more QBs to keep an eye on.
1. Trent Green - MIA
2. Damon Huard - KC
3. Brady Quinn - CLE
4. Jeff Garcia - TB
5. Tarvaris Jackson - MIN

Green got an off season relocation to Miami. There he will have better receivers to throw to, and a decent running game to back him up. Green has also been among the league leaders before 2006, when he got his bell rung and missed most of the season. The knock this year on Green, is that Miami's O-Line isn't all that great. It could protect him well enough, but all it did last year is get Daunte Cullpepper nearly killed. Trent is just one good hit away from being knocked into retirement, so if you need a late round flier on a proven commodity, Green might be your man.

Damon Huard, Green's replacement is penciled in as the starter in KC. However, word out of Arrowhead is that the Chief's will do everything they can to make Brodie Croyle the starter. Huard proved last year that he is capable of handling the starter's gig. He played well enough to support fantasy teams, but not well enough to star. He does have Larry Johnson, who should put up fantastic numbers again this year, regardless of the troubles that have gone on with their O-Line. Although, if Croyle wins the job, don't expect Johnson or the Chief's to do anything fantastic this year.

Brady Quinn, has the weapons on Offense to do so damage, and a rebuilt O-Line to protect him. However, being a rookie, he needs to prove it in camp. Quinn would also be helped out with a running game. The Browns currently have no one of name, unless you think an old Jamal Lewis is going to regain his prior form. Quinn also needs to be able to beat out Charlie Frye to win the job, which could pose a bit of a challenge to the rookie. Most pundits seem to think that that won't be too hard. Look for Quinn to be one of the more surprising players this year.

Jeff Garcia - He should win the job in Tampa. Even though he has a sub-par offensive line. A running back coming off of a disappointing 2nd year, and a group of under performing wide outs. Will he be able to reproduce the magic that made him millions coming out of Philly? Doubtful. But he's good enough to keep an eye on.

Tarvaris Jackson - Umm.... He's the starter in Minnesota. That's worth something. His wide outs aren't stellar, but he does have a terrific running game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Plus Jackson can move a little when pressure is on. His O-Line SHOULD be the best in the league this year, after a year of gelling all the new parts together. However, he is from a small school, and didn't do anything last year to prove he's worthy of fantasy consideration. Like Garcia, he's just a guy to keep an eye on should your drafted QBs falter or get hurt.

Likely to go BUST in the night -

1. JaMarcus Russel - OAK - Rookie, bad offense, another new young coach. Could be the worst #1/#1 since Ryan Leaf.
2. Steve McNair - BAL - Old, losing his trick, can't run anymore. No targets to throw at that stay healthy. McGahee ain't going to save the ground game either.
3. Tony Romo - DAL - Was the media darling for 4 games. Then defenses figured him out. Throw in the fact that the last time we saw him on the field, he was crying. I don't see him doing much of anything this year.
4. Brett Favre - GB - Just a flat out wild card. Favre is always planning on retiring, but never goes through with it. He had a decent season last year, but is only one season away from setting an INT mark. He has good young WRs, but no ground game to speak of. He could be great this year, or he could be awful. That's the chance you take with the gunslinger from cheddar town.
5. Chad Pennington - NYJ - Chad had a decent year last year, only because nobody expected it. He is accurate, but still has a wet noodle for an arm. Thomas Jones should take pressure off Pennington, leading to lower overall numbers for Chad. He could be a serviceable backup, or he might not get out of the Preseason. Such is the chance you take with the leader of Gang Green.



There you have it, my predictions on the QBs this season. If you have any comments, criticisms, concerns, or questions, feel free to email me at eikey1729@yahoo.com . There is a direct link on the side bar of this blog. Hope you all have a great season!

Be on the look out for my top 50 RBs coming soon!