1. Andrew Luck, Colts:
2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
3. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
5. Cam Newton, Panthers
- Luck has proven to me since his rookie season that he is the best QB in the NFL. Coming off a year with over 4,700 yards, he will continue to shine.
2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
- Aaron Rodgers is probably the safest quarterback to take this year, never failing to post stellar stats. While he also has a great backfield that will only get better this season, we should not worry about it hindering his numbers.
3. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
- Coming off a fantastic season, Russell will be sure to post even better numbers this year. Russell has gained a top-tier TE in Jimmy Graham, plus the Seahawks drafted Tyler Lockett, who will quickly become the number 1 option at the receiver. I am predicting that we will see this year the Seahawks will put a much higher emphasis on passing than in the last couple of years.
4. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
- Big Ben had an amazing season last year with 5 25+ Point games. With Antonio Brown's improvements over the last couple of years, we can expect a great season awaiting Roethlisberger.
5. Cam Newton, Panthers
- Coming off one of his best seasons, Cam will play even better this year. Kelvin Benjamin is Cam's number one option this year, and Benjamin will improve exponentially compared to last season. Plus, it never hurts to have a QB that can also run for yards too.
6. Peyton Manning, Broncos
- With the loss of Julius Thomas, I am forced to push Peyton down to number 6. Peyton is only getting older. With that being said, Peyton is still one of the greatest QB's ever, and let's not forget his unbelievable season two years ago. Be sure to expect great numbers from Peyton, but nothing too special.
- I predict Tony Romo to have one of his best fantasy seasons yet. With the loss of Demarco Murray, Jason Garrett will be sure to push a more passing emphasis on this season. Plus, Romo has great options to throw to such as top-3 WR Dez Bryant, Veteran-Star Jason Witten, and deep-threat Terrance Williams.
- Since the bounty scandal in New Orleans, I cannot say I have been a fan of the Saints. The organization is simply not what it was 6 or 7 years ago. Because of that, the Saints front-office has made lackluster moves, like dealing away Jimmy Graham among others. With all of this however, Drew Brees is still a legend and he has Brandon Cooks to throw to. Expect good numbers from Brees though.
- Ryan will be sure to perform well this season. With star receiver Julio Jones finally healthy and veteran Roddy White back, there is no reason to not have Matt Ryan as a mid-to-low end starter.
- I am a huge fan of Tannehill this offseason. This is mainly because I believe the Dolphins made the best moves this offseason, second to the Eagles though. They upgraded their TE from Charles Clay to the impressive Jordan Cameron. They also added Kenny Stills in the free agency, and Devante Parker, who has the ability to be a top-5 receiver in the coming years. If Jordan Cameron can play the way he did two seasons ago in Cleveland, we can expect top-tier numbers.
11. Philip Rivers, Chargers
- I am personally not very sure about Philip Rivers. Keenan Allen is returning after a sophomore slump, and Malcolm Floyd is not a very strong receiver either. However, Rivers has two skilled Tight Ends to throw to. With the addition of Melvin Gordon, who can quickly rise to being one of the best backs in the league, the Chargers may not use Rivers as much as last year. Still, Rivers is a good pick for either a high-end backup, or a QB not worth taking in the first couple of rounds.
- I am very excited for Sam Bradford this year. He is playing in a top-notch offense under Chip Kelly who has put so much work into building an offense fit for Bradford. While he is extremely injury-prone, I am not very worried. Bradford and Jordan Mathews, who I believe is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, will be a fantastic duo. Plus, Nelson Agholor is unproven, but can also impress this year the way Mathews impressed last year. I place Bradford relatively low because of he is injury-prone, but if he is healthy he can post top-10 numbers. If you take him as your starter, be sure to also have an impressive backup QB just in case.
13. Matthew Stafford, Lions
- I am very worried about Stafford this year. He has an even better backfield that will most likely get the ball more. He has Calvin Johnson to throw to, except he is coming off an injury. Golden Tate is a very strong second-option-receiver. However, I just cannot see Stafford producing the way he did a couple years ago, rather he will probably have another sub-par season, like last year.
14. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
- I am a big fan of QBs that can run, forcing me to put Kaep in the top 15. I do like the addition of Torrey Smith, plus Anquan Boldin is also a solid receiver. If all the QBs above are taken early he can be a good pick.
15. Eli Manning, Giants
- While I do rank him low, I love Eli Manning this year. He has two amazing receivers to throw to in Odell Beckham jr. and Victor Cruz. Plus, the Giants may also pass to one of their newest additions, Shane Vereen. I am still a bit worried however. Cruz is coming off a severe injury. He might have to adjust to becoming a second, not first, option to Eli who will use Odell Beckham jr. more than ever. Also, the Giant's offensive line has been abysmal lately. Eli is an average backup spot on your team this year.
- I know right now you are thinking why I placed the Super Bowl champion below Eli Manning, however there is an explanation. In an average league, there are 14-15 regular season weeks, with the rest being playoffs. Assuming Brady's suspension holds, Brady will be suspended for over 25% of your regular season. Aside from this, the AFC East has improved tremendously. The Pats will not win the same way they did last year assuming the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins play as good as they look on paper. The Pats lost a couple offensive starters as well. If Brady's suspension is lowered to two games or no suspension at all, I see him as a 13 or 14.
17. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
- I have no idea what to expect from Palmer this year. He is aging, and so is his top receiver. There are better options for a backup QB.
- Uncertainty. Uncertainty is how I describe Jameis. The way he looked two years ago shows me he has massive upside in the NFL. However, he has gotten into some trouble in college which can translate to this league. On the field, he can be great. Mike Evans showed upside last year, plus Vincent Jackson can be a monster when he gets enough targets. Plus, Winston is an excellent scrambler. I loved watching him play in college, and if he plays the same way this year (which I doubt), he can be worth starting.
19. Marcus Mariota, Titans
- Again Uncertainty. I guess you can say this with any rookie, however these two exhibit it perfectly. It will be interesting to see Mariota play on a mediocre team. I do expect him and rookie Dorial Green-Beckham to establish great chemistry and score many TDs early on in the season. Both him and Jameis are definitely worth picking late.
20. Jay Cutler, Bears
- I am worried about Jay Cutler this year. He lost his number one option, in an already terrible offense. He did not show great chemistry with Martellus Bennett in the final weeks. The only guy I can trust to perform is Alshon Jeffery. He has potential to be a high-end backup however.
21. Joe Flacco, Ravens
- He is talented, but do not even bother drafting him. He will probably spend the season in your free agency.
22. Alex Smith, Chiefs
- See Above. His only hope is Jeremy Maclin and Andy Reid.
- See Above. His only hope is Mike Wallace.
24. Andy Dalton, Bengals
- See above. His only hope is Mike Wallace, however he will probably give the ball up more than usual this year due to their stellar backfield.
- I am very interested to see Ryan Mallet as a starter this year. I believe he can prove that he is talented. Still, do not even bother drafting him.