Tier Four – Ideal QB2s
Though I’d be OK rolling one of these guys out if QBs go earlier than expected, I’m really hoping to have a guy from the above tier. Most of these ceilings aren’t quite as high, nor are the floors any sturdier. But many of the below names will produce QB1 numbers on any given Sunday, and two would make a nice committee for matchup playing.
15. Cam Newton (CAR) (Previously QB8) ?
Stock Down Update: This offseason has not been kind to Cam Newton’s bounce back campaign. First, coach Ron Rivera stated he wants Newton using his legs less, which create about 75% of his fantasy value. From there, Newton underwent shoulder surgery on his throwing shoulder which has him questionable for the start of training camp. Sure, he’s expected back by Week One, but this only increases Rivera’s fuel for reducing Newton’s carries. All-in-all, these developments make another inconsistent, frustratingly undependable campaign far more likely than a major rebound… even if Newton will be one of the highest-upside bench stashes an owner can make.
Previous Assessment: After an abysmal campaign in light of expectations, Newton makes for a classic post hype bounce back… if he has any kind of spine. Down at #8 despite his immense upside, said spine is in serious scrutiny (alliteration, child). Nonetheless, Cam’s ceiling is genuinely the top scoring signal caller; he’s only one year removed from this feat. Yet, coming off a hellish 2016 in which his 35 passing TDs dropped by 16, his 639 rushing yards decreased by nearly 300, and his 10 rushing TDs were cut in half, Newton’s value is far from a guarantee. If Cam finds his swag and his legs, you’d be hard pressed to find a higher ceiling in Rounds 8 or 9; if investing, you’ll need to build in some floor with another top-12 signal caller.
16. Eli Manning (NYG) ↗ (Previously QB21)
Stock Up Update: The Giants run more 3-wide sets than any other team, and are now rolling out what could be the league’s most dangerous trio in Odell Beckham, the newly added Brandon Marshall, and a developing Sterling Shepard. Even Eli can’t fuck up such a prime weapons cabinet, right? His arm did appear to be declining, but coach Ben McAdoo is a creative schemer who’ll cook up something special with these weapons.
Previous Assessment: Sup Odell?
17. Matthew Stafford (DET)?
Simply put, I’m just not a Stafford guy. True, in 2016, he proved his genuine starting NFL worth in his first year without Calvin Johnson, and even pulled off a QB7 fantasy finish. But, without a semblance of a running game, these numbers should’ve been even greater. Stafford finished under 15 fantasy points nearly half the time, and his ultimate top-ten fantasy finish was really buoyed by a few huge games where he may have been on your bench. The Lions are also interested in adding a monster goal line back, which further darkens Stafford’s TD upside. Yes, his best game came Week One with Ameer Abdullah healthy and the dump-off /screen game clicking; if this happens all year, #16 will be far too low. To me, he’s nothing more than a higher-floor target if you go for a risky ceiling (i.e Cam Newton or Marcus Mariota) early on.
18. Carson Wentz (PHI) ↗ (Previously unranked)
Stock Up Update: Wentz flashed brilliance throughout his rookie campaign, despite having arguably the worst receiving corps at his disposal. Now, he gets a bonafide alpha in Alshon Jeffery and a certified deep artist in Torrey Smith all added to Jordan Matthews, who should roam wild in the slot now. Wentz and his underrated athleticism instantly vault into sexy QB2. range; I wouldn’t be shocked if he was 2017’s massive breakout at the position.
Tier 5 – Last Draftable QB2s
What a drop off. Wouldn’t want to enter 2017 with any of the following as my lead guy (and with 18 options ahead, I shouldn’t have to).
19. Blake Bortles (JAC): For all the flak he took, Bortles actually finished as the QB9 in fantasy, well ahead of Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger. He seemed more comfortable once Doug Marrone took over, and while his leash may be shorter, Bortles could rebound huge.
20. Carson Palmer (ARI): Though he’ll be motivated for what’s likely his last hurrah, Palmer showed some serious signs of decline. This is the David Johnson show now, and Palmer should provide serviceable, but modest, numbers. With Bruce Arians’ explosive scheme, Palmer has a slim chance at a massive rebound. There’s worse ways to burn a 15th round pick.
21. Andy Dalton (CIN): Ginger-bias is definitely kicking in. I can never get behind Dalton, no matter how many top-15 seasons he churns out. On the positive, AJ Green is a flat out beast.
22. Ryan Tannehill (MIA): An endorsement of Adam Gase and Tannehill’s explosive surrounding cast, and nothing more.
Do you really want me to rank the likes of Joe Flacco and Alex Smith? At no point should you be considering them over lottery ticket skill position players. Go call your dad and apologize for your failure as a son.
Continue onto the last page for our 2017 Fantasy Football Quarterback Cheatsheet
