Premature 2010 Fantasy Player Rankings: Top 10 Quarterbacks

Quarterback rankings are based on PPR leagues (point per reception) that reward 1 pt. per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 pts. per TD rushing/receiving, 4 pts per 25 yards passing, and -2 pts. per INT or fumble lost

Check out our other early rankings: Top 10 Running Backs / Top 10 Wide Receivers

1. Peyton Manning

The best in the business, and probably ever, he’s a winner no matter who is around him. Lock him in for 4,000 yards and around 30 TDs every year. He has a laser rocket arm, he’s always healthy, he’s unbelievably consistent, and he has weapons aplenty. Aside from the usual suspects, Clark, Wayne, and Addai, newcomers Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Donald Brown are finding their stride. Add a healthy Anthony Gonzalez in 2010 and Peyton and the Colts just keep rolling.

2. Drew Brees

Brees is one of the best in the game. Last year he threw for 5,000 yards, this year his team is 13-1 and he’s thrown a league leading 33 TDs. He has a rifle of an arm, he’s deadly accurate, and he’s in complete control of the game. It’s merely a preference when it comes to choosing between him and Manning as he can put up 30 points in any given week. With talents like Colston, Shockey, Meachem, Thomas, and Bush around, the Saints offense will continue to be one of the most explosive for years.

3. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is leading your league in scoring right now, and it’s not surprising. He’s the total package. He can air it out with the best of ‘em and he leads all QBs in rushing yards and rushing TDs.  He’s blossoming into one of the best young QB’s in the game.  He’s consistent, he has quality receivers around him, and he’s only just getting started. It’d be hard to reach for him over Manning and Brees, or even Brady for some, but if you live in Wisconsin, or you favor youth, go ahead and grab him.

4. Tom Brady

Brady has had his ups and downs this season, but he’s still one of the best in the game. The numbers haven’t come as easily this year, but overall he’s still managed to stay in the top 10. With a full healthy season under his belt, and Moss and Welker at his disposal, Brady could easily improve on his ‘09 season. 50 touchdowns isn’t realistic, but no one would be surprised if he finished as the best fantasy QB, or the NFL MVP, or the SuperBowl MVP, or in a GQ spread.

5. Matt Schaub

Schaub finally broke through as the fantasy star we imagined he’d be if he stayed healthy. His big arm and accuracy have made him one of the most consistent fantasy performers in the league. If you’re playing against Schaub, your always on edge. If you have Schaub, you’re likely playing in your superbowl. Schaub’s arsenal starts with the best receiver in football in Andre Johnson. Add star TE Owen Daniels back in the mix next year, and another healthy season, and your looking at a top 5 QB.

6. Phillip Rivers

Rivers grabbed this struggling 2-3 chargers team, threw them on his back and hasn’t looked back. The short arm throwing style is awkward to watch, but he’s very accurate and excellent in the clutch. He has weapons all around him in Gates, Jackson, and LT, and he’s just entering his prime years. Rivers won’t explode with huge games, but he is consistent as they come. With only one game under double digit scoring in ‘09, he’s as safe a pick as there is after the big names are off the board.

7. Tony Romo

Much was made early in ‘09 about Romo’s struggles, but he’s calmed his critics over the course of the season and put up great numbers.  Romo is a playmaker and he’s found an explosive compliment in Miles Austin. He’s been excellent at taking care of the ball, and he seems to have a renewed focus. He should finish ‘09 with about 4,000 yards and just over 25 TDs.  With solid weapons in Witten, Roy Williams, and the three talented running backs, Romo will put up similar numbers in 2010.

8. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben has always had the tools to put up big numbers, but his team has always focused on the run. Not anymore. This Steelers team airs the ball out. With a number of 300 yard games, two with 400 and 500 in another, Ben is certainly utilizing his weapons. Hines, Santonio, and the new deep threat Mike Wallace have all had plenty of work, and it shouldn’t change next year. Ben is talented enough to carry this team, and he’ll have the Steelers back in the mix in 2010.

9. Eli Manning

Eli looked like an MVP through the first five games, but tailed off against a tougher schedule. He’s gotten it back together and put up solid numbers along the way. His 26 TDs are good for 5th in the league, and he’s kept the mistakes to a minimum. He should finish year around the top 10 in points and next year should be similar. Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham have all become legitimate weapons in this offense. Eli could be a top 5 name if he was more consistent.

10. Donovan McNabb

McNabb has been excellent this season and he has his Eagles heading to the playoffs again. Sure, he seems like he’s getting old, but he’s still playing like the same old McNabb, and he’s really just the same age as Peyton. With the most explosive player in football in DeSean Jackson at his disposal, and up and coming stars in Maclin and McCoy, McNabb will have more veteran weapons than ever in 2010. When he stays healthy, he’s always consistent. A solid pick in the middle rounds.

JUST MISSED, AND WHY

Brett Favre – He’s been great and his weapons are abundant, but 41 is ancient in the NFL. If he comes back he could potentially finish in the top 10. He’s never missed a game but there are more youthful options to anchor your team.

Vince Young – Vince could very well crack the top 1o. His playmaking ability as a runner/improviser is excellent, but his passing yards are always lacking.  He’s looked like a winner in 8 games this season, but he still has plenty to prove as a reliable QB1..

Carson Palmer – Carson looked poised for a big 2009, but the Bengals have favored the running game. He’s still a great player in this league and if Cincinnati decides to open up the offense, he has the ability to lead your team.

Matt Ryan – As solid as Ryan has been, he has yet to showcase the big passing numbers.

Kurt Warner – Warner has two of the best WRs in the game, but his age and his health keep him just outside the top 10.

Jay Cutler – Get him some weapons and anything is possible.

Premature 2010 Fantasy Player Rankings: Top 10 Wide Receivers

Wide Receiver rankings are based on PPR leagues (point per reception) that reward 1 pt. per 10 yards rushing/receiving and 6 pts. per TD rushing/receiving.

Don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Running Backs for next season.

1. Andre Johnson

Andre is a fantasy monster. He’s a physical freak with vacuum-like hands and great speed. He’s such an explosive player that if your losing by 38 and you only have him left on Monday Night, you still have a chance. He’s plays as a possession receiver and a deep threat. He’ll run someone over after a catch, and he’s the go to guy in the red zone. His ability is seemingly unlimited, and with one of the best young QBs throwing him the ball, he’s as good as it gets. All of this and no ones ever heard him talk.

2. Larry Fitzgerald

Larry gets the media hype and rightfully so. He’s arguably the best player in football and he may as well have the best hands. His massive frame and leaping ability make him the top red zone threat in football. If he didn’t line up opposite Boldin and there weren’t questions about his aging quarterback each year, he probably be interchangeable with Andre. And he still might be. No one would fault you for making him the first receiver off the board, and if your league awards points for catching random falling objects in an office, even better.

3. Brandon Marshall

B-Marsh is phenomenal. Off the field issues aside, he’s a quarterbacks dream. Hes big, he’s a great route runner, he’s fast, and runs well after the catch. Marshall will get his points no matter who is throwing him the ball, and now that he’s been paid, his heads in the right place. He hauled in 18 passes in a single game in ‘08 and 21 in one in ‘09. He can single-handedly win you a game, and he’s only getting better.

4. Reggie Wayne

No wants wants to play against Reggie. As the number 1 target of the best quarterback in the game, he makes for a miserable match up. He’s big, he’s physical, and has great hands. Peyton loves to find him deep, but he’ll also rack up receptions underneath. He’s as safe a receiver as there is and he’s one of the few elite choices. He and Peyton only seem to get better with age, and who knows if they’ll ever lose another game.

5. Randy Moss

Moss and Brady have shown glimpses of their ‘07 selves this year, but overall it’s been a work in progress. Regardless, Randy still remains one of the best deep threats in the game. At any point in time, Randy can go off for 3 TDs and 150 yards. That can’t be said for many others. His athleticism is second to none, even in his 30’s. It’s only his attitude that anyone questions, but he has the right people around him to keep him focused. He’ll bounce back this year and be right back in the fold as a top receiver again next year.

6. DeSean Jackson

Probably the most electric player in the NFL. He has soft hands, he’s incredibly shifty, and he can fly. If he has the ball in space, he’s probably going to score. If your playing against him, you just have to hope he freaks out at the goal line and spikes the ball too early. DeSean is just entering his prime and the Eagles will continue to get him the ball on punts, kick-offs, runs, passes, punt passes, run-kicks, pass-offs, you name it. With 8 TDs over 50 yards, you can’t call him a fluke, he really is that explosive.

7. Wes Welker

The blue collar “backyard football player”, says a Carolina DB. I can see that. Welker is a PPR monster. He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s sure handed, and he’s not afraid to get hit. Brady has become so reliant on him over the middle, 1o receptions a game is like clockwork. The touchdowns haven’t been there with Welker as he’s strictly a possession guy, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent pass catcher. He’s had at least 9 receptions in 8 different games this year. The stingy Patriots will be back at it in 2010, and Welker will again be a major factor.

8. Roddy White

Roddy has flown a bit under the radar this year, but he’s actually just second to Andre in overall targets. He has great hands and he can fly. His 8 TDs lead his team and he’s putting solid up numbers even with Chris Redman at the helm. With a healthy and smoothly shaved Matt Ryan back in the fold in 2010, White should be primed for another top 10 season.

9. Calvin Johnson

Calvin has been a disappointment in ‘09, but it’s difficult to develop a rapport with a rookie QB that can’t avoid the injury bug. The Lions offense has looked decent at times, and with a year under Stafford’s belt, and a summer to train with CJ, things will get better. Calvin is still just 24 and he’s widely considered the best physical specimen at the WR position. He’s the total package and his quarterback should figure that out by 2010. If the Lions make any progress it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Calvin finished in the top 5.

10. Marques Colston

Colston is the premier option on the most potent passing offense in football. His enormous hands and ideal frame make him Brees’ favorite Red Zone target, and his 9 TDs would agree. His reception numbers are down a bit this season as Brees has been spreading it around, but Colston has still been adequate. In years past, Marques has made a living racking up big catches late in games, but with an undefeated record, the Saints are rarely playing catchup in the 4th quarter. And not that New Orleans will lose many games next year, but Colston should bounce back with more opportunities and better numbers in 2010.

The Next 5

11. Miles Austin - Knack for the big play could put him in the top 10.

12.Vincent Jackson – Big WR who’s emerged as one of Rivers go to guys.

13. Sidney Rice - If Favre sticks around, Rice should hover in the top 15.

14. Hakeem Nicks – Nicks takes the next step and becomes Eli’s new Plax. Top 10 potential.

15. Hines Ward - Continues to get it done year after year. Still healthy, will be Ben’s top option again in ‘10

Just Missed, and Why

Dwayne Bowe – Has tools to be great, needs to get on the same page with Cassel.

Steve Smith (NYG) – Poor man’s Wes Welker, receptions are there, TDs are rare.

Steve Smith (CAR) – Great player, but lacks a QB who can get him the ball.

Anquan Boldin – Nagging injuries and Larry Fitz keep him from being a top guy.

Greg Jennings – Rodgers spreads the ball everywhere this year. Jennings numbers are suffering.

Chad Ochocinco – The Bengals seem committed to running the ball.

Santonio Holmes – TDs are down. Hines gets more red zone looks.