Fantasy Football Focus on Quarterbacks: Reviewing 2012 and Previewing 2013
Although some of the fantasy predictions were not spot on, the quarterback position predictions were pretty locked in although the rookies did break into the top 10 unexpectedly, so here is a rewind of 2012 and a glimpse ahead at the 2013 season.
December 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) prior to kickoff of a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
1. Drew Brees-(Pre-Season Rank-#1)
Rewind– Brees was our #1 Fantasy QB going into 2012 and he delivered as promised. Brees went for 422-670 5,177 yards with 43TD’s and 19INT’s. The only downfall of Brees season was the int’s and if you played week 13 in your fantasy playoffs Brees probably killed you.
2013 Glimpse– Brees could have even better stats with Sean Payton getting reinstated by the NFL. Brees will be a lock top 3 QB again this coming season.
Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
2. Aaron Rodgers (Pre-season Rank #2)
Rewind– There was no way that Rodgers could match his 2011 stats and losing his starting WR’s for on and off for most of the season didn’t help. Rodgers is still great and was able to make James Jones and Randall Cobb into big time receivers. Rodgers ended the season 372-553 for 4,303 yards with 39TD’s and only 8 INT’s. Rodgers not only improved throughout the season he had three of his best games during the fantasy playoffs.
2013 Glimpse– Only Brady and Brees could possibly be picked ahead of Rodgers in your 2013 draft.
Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field after losing to the Baltimore Ravens 28-13 in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tom Brady (Pre-season rank #3)
Rewind– Brady had another typical great year, he helped owners in the playoffs but probably killed people you in the Fantasy Super Bowl especially when it was against the Jaguars. Brady ended the season throwing for 4,827 yards with 34 touchdowns and 8 picks. The emergence of Stephen Ridley probably helped them offensively overall but hurt Brady’s TD numbers.
2013 Glimpse– Brady is Brady… he’s a top 3 every season.
Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) heads to the bench in the second half as NFL referee Bill Vinovich makes a call against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4. Peyton Manning (Pre-Season Rank-#8)
Rewind– This is my favorite player…..fantasy wise in 2012! I made a risky trade in my dynasty league and it paid off with another championship. Manning was a huge question mark entering the season and even early on in the year looked shaky, but he hit his stride by Week 4 and it seemed like vintage Manning throwing for three Td’s and one pick a game to go along with 300 yards. Manning’s season ended liked it usually does in a playoff loss, but this is fantasy so thanks for the cash Peyton!!
2013 Glimpse– Manning has at least one or two good seasons left in the tank if his neck holds up. He’s a top 5 QB this coming season.
Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
5. Matt Ryan (Pre-Season Rank #6)
Rewind– Ryan had the best season in his career to date. The offensive playcalling along with Julio Jones coming into his own helped create the perfect storm in HotLanta. Ryan threw for 4,719 yards with 32 td’s and 14 int’s. Ryan is efficient but he may be missing his security blanket if Tony Gonzalez retires. Ryan is not spectacular but seems to improve each year. Ryan was very consistent with only one stinker of a game when he threw 5 picks against the Cardinals.
2013 Glimpse– Ryan is a solid pick in the 2nd or 3rd round. He’s not sexy to start in your lineup but he consistently puts up points.