2017 Fantasy QB Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Rodgers led all QBs in total fantasy points and led in points per game with a tick over 27 points per game. The Packers took a slight hit on the offensive line losing T.J. Lang but still should be one of the best pass blocking groups in the league. Green Bay also upgraded at tight end with the addition of Martellus Bennent and Ty Montgomery is expected to have a big season at running back both as a runner and receiver which also helps Rodgers. He could be even better in 2017.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots

Brady only played in 12 games last season so his total points were not very high but he was fourth in points per game and had one of his best seasons ever. He also did not have Rob Gronkowski for a large chunk of the season. Combine a healthy Gronk with the new addition of Brandin Cooks at receiver and Brady could be in store for a season on par with his 2007 season. If he was 30 years old he’d be number one in these rankings but given that he is 40 there is a risk of physical decline that I had to take into consideration which bumped him to number two on this list.

3. Matt Ryan, Falcons

Ryan finished third in points last year and I think he will again in 2017. The Falcons are loaded with skill players including the NFL’s best receiver and the best running back tandem that features two backs that both have an impact catching the ball. There most likely will be a little regression to the mean by Ryan who had by far the best year of his career but he is in a great position to put up terrific numbers again.

4. Drew Brees, Saints

Brees finished second in scoring last season but the Saints lost one of their best receivers in Cooks. The Saints also picked up Adrian Peterson in free agency to form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL along with Mark Ingram so I expect them to run more than they have in recent memory. Brees will still get his numbers but the combo of more called running plays and Brees being a year older could result in a slight dip in the fantasy numbers we have become accustomed to from Brees.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

I believe Roethlisberger is the most underrated player period headed into this season of fantasy football. Injuries are the one thing that can derail him and when I say injuries I mean to him or any of his offensive weapons. We know that Ben, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Martavius Bryant have only played in 11 games together in large part due to one of them always being hurt or suspended. However, I predict those four stay on the field to play at least 12 games which would mean the Steelers would be in the running for best offense in the NFL and Ben in the running for MVP. Even with no Bryant last season and Bell only playing 12 games Big Ben still managed to finish 7th in points per game among QBs. So with all of his weapons healthy and on the field a majority of the season Ben could finish as high as top three in a perfect world but the Steelers recent injury history suggest that at some point one of them if not more will be hurt so fifth is as high as I could go for Ben.

6. Cam Newton, Panthers

Fantasy football is different than real football and though Cam is no where near a top five QB in reality his rushing ability makes him an elite option at his position in fantasy. Rushing yards and rushing TDs count for more than passing yards and passing TDs under standard scoring settings and thus Cam gets a boost. Cam finished as the 15th ranked QB last season despite missing a few games and he also had one of his worst seasons. I believe Newton plays better in 2017 with improved line play and the addition of Christian McCaffrey, who is a game breaker.

7. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers

Winston was the 10th overall fantasy QB in total points last season and should be even better in 2017. Not only should he be a better overall QB in his third season but I believe the additions of Desean Jackson and O.J. Howard will pay huge dividends for him and the Bucs passing attack. Statistically Winston could put up elite numbers this season.

8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys

A few months ago I probably would not have ranked Dak this high but giving the fact that Ezekiel Elliot is suspended six games I believe more will be asked of Dak which means better fantasy numbers for him. Dak is a threat to score a few rushing TDs and I believe his passing TDs are going to go up this year as well.

9. Russell Wilson, Seahawks

Wilson finished 11th overall last season and that was in large part due to a bad ankle that hampered his ability to run. Wilson should be 100% in 2017 which means the running production should be back which will give him a big boost in fantasy. Unfortunately the Seahawks offensive line is still the worst in football and I believe that will hurt his ability to be as effective as he could be.

10. Derek Carr, Raiders

Derek Carr was in the midst of a terrific season in which he was a serious MVP candidate before going down in week 16 and missing the rest of the year. However, if Carr can play the entire year in 2017 he should be a top 10 QB in fantasy. I do believe the Raiders want to make a consorted effort to run the ball which is why they brought in Marshawn Lynch which could take the ball out of Carr’s hands some but could also open things up for him as well.