2009 F.F.T. ReDraft Quarterback Rankings (July. 1, 2009)
Note: Fantasy Points-based on 1 point per 25 yards passing, 6 points for every touchdown thrown, and -2 points for every interception thrown. Only passing statistics taken into consideration. Adjust accordingly to your league. Auction values based on $200 budget.
1. Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
Auction Value: $36
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
After two straight 4000+, yard passing seasons Brees took it even higher last season throwing for 5069 yards and 34 touchdowns. Not only does Brees put up big yards but also he has thrown at least 24 touchdowns in each of the past five seasons. By the way, Brees has not missed a start in 64 games. The only glaring weakness is the 15 or more interceptions he has thrown in six of the past seven years.
(09’ Proj: 4600 yards, 32 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) 344 Fantasy Points
2. Tom Brady-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $34
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
After putting up arguably the greatest season in NFL history in 2007, throwing for 4806 yards and 50 touchdowns he suffered a season ending injury in the first game last season. All the reports coming out of Patriots camp are saying that Brady is looking as sharp as ever and is ready to get back on the field. Talent surrounds Brady but the question of his health along with the fact that he had never thrown for more than 4110 yards and 28 touchdowns in any season before the monster numbers he put up in 2007 makes him a risky pick for a player ranked this high.
(09’ Proj: 4000 yards, 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) 320 Fantasy Points
3. Peyton Manning-Indianapolis Colts
Auction Value: $34
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 2
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
He is 33 years old, lost his coach, and no longer has Marvin Harrison but the bottom line is that he has never missed a game in his 11-year career while never throwing for less than 3747 yards or 26 touchdowns. I do not see him putting up anything lower than those numbers again this season.
(09’ Proj: 4000 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) 306 Fantasy Points
4. Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay Packers
Auction Value: $32
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 55
After sitting behind Brett Favre for three years Rodgers finally got his shot to prove his worth in 2008 and he did not disappoint, throwing for 4038 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding four more on the ground. With a year under his belt and all of the same supporting cast surround him there is no reason to expect a decline in 2009.
(09’ Proj: 4100 yards, 26 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) 296 Fantasy Points
5. Philip Rivers-San Diego Chargers
Auction Value: $32
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
Thanks in part to the decline of LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers defense not living up to their hype Rivers put up career highs with 4009 yards passing and 34 touchdowns. With L.T. a year older and a truly healthy Antonio Gates along with the ever-improving Vincent Jackson, I look for Rivers to once again put up numbers worthy of this lofty ranking.
(09’ Proj: 3900 yards, 27 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) 292 Fantasy Points
6. Kurt Warner-Arizona Cardinals
Auction Value: $30
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 33
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 59
He is 38 years old, had off-season hip surgery, and has to deal with the whole saga that is Anquan Boldin; for any quarterback not named Favre I would say their career was over, but Warner continues prove the critics wrong. Staying on the field is my only real concern with Warner as he has only played an entire 16 game schedule three times in his 11-year career. The Anquan Boldin saga could affect Warner’s numbers but I fully expect Boldin to be on the field come game day and for Warner and the Cardinals to make one more run at the Super Bowl.
(09’ Proj: 4100 yards, 26 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 292 Fantasy Points
7. Tony Romo-Dallas Cowboys
Auction Value: $28
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 10
We find out just how good of quarterback Tony Romo is now that Terrell Owens has left big D. Jason Witten is still a star but Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin, and Sam Hurd, are not number one receivers. Romo and the Cowboys need Roy Williams to step up and be the receiver they thought they were trading for last season, if he does then Romo’s numbers should be better than the projections below, if he bombs then they will likely be worse.
(09’ Proj: 3800 yards, 25 touchdowns, 18 interceptions) 266 Fantasy Points
8. Donovan McNabb-Philadelphia Eagles
Auction Value: $26
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
We said last season that if McNabb could finally stay healthy he would have 3800 yards and 256 touchdowns, well he did stay healthy and he put up 3916 yards passing (career high) and 23 touchdowns, adding two more on the ground. McNabb is not likely to put up monster numbers but he is rock solid and I consider him as a lower number one or high number two quarterback depending on your league size.
(09’ Proj: 3600 yards, 23 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) 262 Fantasy Points
9. Matt Schaub-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $26
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 16
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
I do not think anybody is questioning his talents anymore but he has yet to play in more than 11 games in either of the past two seasons. I hope that he finds a way to stay on the field for all 16 games this season because I love his potential to put up some awesome numbers this season. The Texans have an arguably the best receiver in the league in Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels are formable weapons themselves.
(09’ Proj: 3500 yards, 25 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) 258 Fantasy Points
10. Jay Cutler-Chicago Bears
Auction Value: $22
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
Cutler racked up an impressive 4526 passing yards to go along with 27 total touchdowns, 25 through the air but I do not think his numbers will be as impressive this season. He will quickly learn that Devin Hester and Juaquin Iglesias are not Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal although I will say I like both of their upside. He does have two capable tight ends and a great running back as safety valves. I do not see any way he attempts 616 passes as he did last season in Denver, if he does then Matt Forte owners will be very disappointed.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 23 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) 252 Fantasy Points
11. Matt Ryan-Atlanta Falcons
Auction Value: $20
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 32
I expected Ryan to be a future star I just did not think it would happen so soon. Ryan threw for 3440 yards and 16 touchdowns last season while only throwing 11 interceptions as a rookie and leading the Falcons from worst to first. With Roddy White continuing to show, he is one of the better receivers in the league and the off-season acquisition of Tony Gonzalez and I like Ryan to improve on his rookie numbers.
(09’ Proj: 3500 yards, 23 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) 252 Fantasy Points
12. Carson Palmer-Cincinnati Bengals
Auction Value: $18
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 2
Palmer is a wildcard who could turn out to be super values pick right here or a super bust pick. It is hard to ignore his talent and ability but it is also hard to ignore the fact that he no longer has T.J. Houshmandzadeh and is coming off an injury that kept him out of 12 games last season. As long as Chad Ochocinco shows up on the field, I think Palmer has a shot to put up some nice numbers with Laveranues Coles and rookie tight end Chase Coffman now in the mix. The Bengals poor rushing game and average defense should mean a lot of passing attempts.
(09’ Proj: 3600 yards, 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) 250 Fantasy Points
13. Kyle Orton-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $14
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 40
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I know I'm not alone as a Kyle Orton critic but I have to admit I like his chances to be a possible number one fantasy quarterback this season. The guy threw for just shy of 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last season in 15 games throwing to the likes of Devin Hester, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis. Granted he had Greg Olsen but he will see little downfall in Tony Scheffler and a big upgrade in Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Stokley. If Marshall misses any significant amount of time because of his off-field drama then drop Orton accordingly. The Broncos naming him their starter in mid June will only help his confidence.
(09’ Proj: 3500 yards, 23 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 250 Fantasy Points
14. David Garrard-Jacksonville Jaguars
Auction Value: $12
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 33
I know I am a lot higher on Garrard than most experts are but I do not think the addition of Torry Holt can be underestimated. I know the Jaguars are not loaded at receiver but they have a super star in Maurice Jones-Drew, a rising tight end in Marcedes Lewis, and a possible sleeper in Mike Walker to go along with Holt. I do not see Garrard as a fantasy starter at this point but I think he will be a solid number two and solid bye week play.
(09’ Proj: 3800 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) 248 Fantasy Points
15. Shaun Hill-San Francisco 49ers
Auction Value: $8
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 37
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I know your probably saying, seriously Shaun Hill at 15?! All the guy did last season was come in and throw for over 2000 yards and 13 touchdowns in only nine games and added a couple of rushing touchdowns as well. Not bad for a man that most people had not even heard of a few years ago. He still has to beat out Alex Smith for the starting role but Smith has shown little during his time on the field and is coming off a season ending injury. The 9ers have a lot of up and coming weapons; do not be shocked if Hill ends up in the top 10 by the end of the season.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 22 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 236 Fantasy Points
16. Eli Manning-New York Giants
Auction Value: $8
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
The positives for Eli are that he has increased his competition percentage from 48.2 his rookie season to 60.3 last year and he has thrown for no less than 3238 yards and 21 touchdowns in any of the past four seasons. The negatives are his 74 career interceptions in just five years and an inexperienced receiving core with the departure of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer he needs the likes of Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Kevin Boss, and rookie Hakeem Nicks to step up. I like his potential for big numbers much more in 2010.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) 228 Fantasy Points
17. Chad Pennington-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $8
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 30
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 24
Mark me down as a Pennington doubter and with good reason. In nine years, he has played in all 16 games twice, has thrown for over 3000 yards three times, and threw 20+ touchdowns only once. The one positive he brings is his decision-making skills; he has only thrown double-digit interceptions twice in his career. I also give him props for turning the Dolphins around last season with a career high 3653 yards passing and 19 passing touchdowns but if history has taught us anything, it is that it does not get much better.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 18 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) 222 Fantasy Points
18. Ben Roethlisberger-Pittsburgh Steelers
Auction Value: $6
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
After posting 32 passing touchdowns in 2007, Big Ben came crashing back down to reality last season with his typical 17 touchdowns. In five seasons, he has thrown 17 touchdowns three times, 18 once, and of course the 32 in 2007. Having him, this high is more a testament to the lack of confidence of the people behind him than it is to liking Roethlisberger.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 18 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 212 Fantasy Points
19. Trent Edwards-Buffalo Bills
Auction Value: $6
Bye Week: 9
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 23
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 63
This is a big year for Edwards to prove that he is a capable starting NFL quarterback. The addition of Terrell Owens can only help. Owens’s presence should allow Lee Evans to make big plays, which is where he is at his best. There is not much depth behind these two so if either goes down then Edwards’ stock plummets.
(09’ Proj: 3100 yards, 19 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) 208 Fantasy Points
20. Matt Cassel-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 53
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 53
I had him ranked quite a bit higher originally but I do not think you can ignore how important Tony Gonzalez was to this offense. Now teams likely will key on Dwayne Bowe meaning Mark Bradley, Tony Curtis, and Bobby Engram will have to step up and I am not holding my breath on that one. I think Cassel still has some solid games but I do not see him matching last season’s 3693 passing yards and 23 total touchdowns.
(09’ Proj: 3200 yards, 18 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) 206 Fantasy Points
21. Matt Hasselbeck-Seattle Seahawks
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
He’ll be 34 when the season rolls around and isn’t exactly a specimen of health, not to mention the Seahawks running game doesn’t take any pressure off of the passing game, meaning Hasselbeck could find it difficult to stay off his back. I like the addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh to go along with John Carlson, Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson. If he can stay on the field, I think he could put up bigger numbers than those projected below but at this point, I see him as high risk/medium reward.
(09’ Proj: 3000 yards, 19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 206 Fantasy Points
22. Matthew Stafford-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 7
Rookie
The Lions didn’t win a game last season, Daunte Culpepper is the projected starter, and the O-Line hosts a sack party every week BUT Stafford is a star in the making, has the heart of a champion, and most importantly, he has Calvin Johnson! Unless the Lions decide they would rather see Culpepper killed than their future star then there is no reason a team that went 0-16 would not start the player they took with the first pick of the draft. The Lions have a sneaky good offense regardless and Stafford will have his moments, both good and bad.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) 204 Fantasy Points
23. Jake Delhomme-Carolina Panthers
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 18
Take away 2004, 2005, and what has Jake Delhomme done?! 62 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 50 games, not exactly top end fantasy material. Look for the Panthers to run, run, and run some more with Delhomme giving Steve Smith a bone here and there but Jake’s days of being considered a fantasy starter are long gone.
(09’ Proj: 3300 yards, 16 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) 202 Fantasy Points
24. Jason Campbell-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 20
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
This is the last chance for Campbell as the Redskins and fantasy owners alike can only put up with so much hype and no substance. 3245 yards and 13 touchdowns with weapons like Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, D.J. Hackett, Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Malcolm Kelly, and Devin Thomas just will not cut it! There are no more excuses, it is now or never for Campbell. Obviously, by this ranking, I'm thinking never.
(09’ Proj: 3100 yards, 17 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 198 Fantasy Points
25. Joe Flacco-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 36
The future is bright but the Ravens did not do anything in the off-season to improve their subpar crew of receivers so I don’t expect too much more out of Flacco than 2971 passing yards and 14 touchdowns he put up last season as a rookie.
(09’ Proj: 3200 yards, 16 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) 198 Fantasy Points
26. Brady Quinn-Cleveland Browns
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 39
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 34
I love Quinn’s potential but it is difficult to predict just how well he will do this year. This is season number three but he has only played in four games and still has to beat out Derek Anderson for the starting role. The Browns have Sir Drops A lot in Braylon Edwards, an aging Jamal Lewis, and I won’t even talk about Donte’ Stallworth (Editor's Note: Suspended Indefinitely - 6-29-09). They did draft a couple of nice receivers so there are likely better days ahead of Quinn and company, just not this season.
(09’ Proj: 2600 yards, 19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 190 Fantasy Points
27. Sage Rosenfels-Minnesota Vikings
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 43
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 48
Many experts believe that Tarvaris Jackson will be the Vikings starting quarterback this season but they did not bring in Rosenfels to sit on the bench, unless of course they end up bringing in Brett Favre. Sage is the best of both worlds, he has proven over the past couple of years that he is a home run hitter but he also strikes out a lot. The Vikings have arguably the best running game in the league, which should open up some big plays for Sage & Co. Just beware that he is the type of player that could lead the league in points one week and put up negative points the next. If the Viking bring in Favre then Rosefels falls drops to Jackson’s spot below.
(09’ Proj: 3100 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) 190 Fantasy Points
28. Kerry Collins-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 60
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 54
He is exactly what the Titans want in a quarterback, a leader that will not LOSE them games, in other words a fantasy dud. KC only threw for 2676 yards and 12 touchdowns last season but the Titans love the fact that he knows how to hand the ball off and only threw seven interceptions. I actually like the weapons the Titans have in Chris Johnson, Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Bo Scaife, and rookies Kenny Britt and Jared Cook but do not expect the Titans to open up the offense much this season as long as Collins is under center.
(09 Proj: 2800 yards, 14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) 176 Fantasy Points
29. JaMarcus Russell-Oakland Raiders
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 24
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 29
Nothing that Russell and the Raiders do would surprise me, I could see him having a breakout campaign or I could see him losing his starting role to Jeff Garcia or anything in between. If the young talent surrounding him steps up then Russell could be a steal this year, if not, then we could be having this same conversation again next year.
(09’ Proj: 2600 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) 170 Fantasy Points
30. Mark Sanchez-New York Jets
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
Rookie
Sanchez was all the rage at the combine and NFL draft, forcing the Jets to trade up to get what they hope is the future of their franchise. I like his potential but I am not sold on his ability to have a great rookie campaign, remember he came out after his junior season and very few quarterbacks are ready to make this transition right away. The cupboard is not bare for the Jets but Sanchez will need Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney to step up to keep the pressure off Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller.
(09’ Proj: 2800 yards, 14 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 168 Fantasy Points
31. Marc Bulger-St. Louis Rams
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 5
Fool us once shame on you, fool us twice shame on us, fool us again, oh hell no Mr. Bulger! Has there ever been a player more hyped over the past few years than Bulger? Sure, he has had a few nice years but the bottom line is that he has only played in all 16 games once in his career. He has only thrown 11 touchdowns in each of the past two years and now he has lost his number one receiver in Torry Holt. It looks like a long year again in St. Louis.
(09’ Proj: 2600 yards, 13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) 154 Fantasy Points
32. Byron Leftwhich-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
The one thing you can say about Leftwhich is he is tough. Unfortunately, toughness does not translate into fantasy points. In six years, Leftwhich has never thrown for over 2941 yards and 15 touchdowns and has not been a full-time starter since 2005. There is no guaranteed he will be the starter this season in Tampa but I am still betting that Josh Freeman is a year away and in my mind Leftwhich is better than Luke McCown. I don't think it matters whether Leftwhich starts or not because the Bucs starting quarterback’s fantasy value looks to be very limited this season.
(09’ Proj: 2300 yards, 10 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) 140 Fantasy Points
33. Daunte Culpepper-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 51
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 50
The only reason Mr. “Roll on” ranks this high is simply that he could end up as the Lions starter at the beginning of the season. It has been downhill since his awesome 2004 season in which he threw for 4717 yards and 39 touchdowns, since then he has combined for 4610 yards and 17 touchdowns while throwing 26 interceptions. He could not even stay on the field for a 0-16 bunch last season so I do not see any reason the Lions will not throw rookie Matthew Stafford to the wolves but if Daunte gets the nod, he could put up some "okay" numbers simply factoring in Calvin.
34. Derek Anderson-Cleveland Browns
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 52
Anderson came out of nowhere in 2007 posting 3787 passing yards and 29 touchdowns but injuries and the presence of Brady Quinn meant only 10 games, 1615 passing yards, and 9 touchdowns for Anderson last season. Brady Quinn has the inside track of being the Browns starter this season but if, Anderson can beat him out then his fantasy value increases dramatically. One thing to keep in mind is that Anderson is a turnover machine, throwing 35 picks with seven fumbles over the past three seasons. No doubt a big part of why teams are not rushing out to trade for him.
35. Luke McCown-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Will battle Byron Leftwhich and rookie Josh Freeman for the Bucs starting job this season and while I give the advantage to Leftwhich, it would not be a surprise if McCown were to win the job. In 2007, he posted 1009 yards passing and five touchdowns in five games. I do not see much value in the Bucs starting job this season so even if he does win the job his fantasy value is limited.
36. Jeff Garcia-Oakland Raiders
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 22
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 27
Garcia has only had one season in his career in which he did not throw for at least 10 touchdowns that is pretty much where the good ends. He is 39 years old and has not had any real fantasy value since 2002 when he was still throwing to Terrell Owens. Going to Oakland gives him a shot to add yet another 10+-touchdown season to his career but if he does then the Raiders are in more trouble than I thought!
37. Matt Leinart-Arizona Cardinals
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 18
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
What can you say? Matty Hollywood cannot even beat out old man Kurt Warner and while I am not ready to write him off just yet, I am close. 3458 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 21 career games is unacceptable from the former first round pick. As long as the Cardinals have one of the best receiving corps in the league the starting quarterback is going to have value so if Warner goes down Leinart is a must pick up.
38. Seneca Wallace-Seattle Seahawks
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 57
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 40
Wallace continues to be one of the better back up’s in the league, playing in 10 games last season, throwing 11 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Matt Hasselbeck is not immune to injuries so at some point Wallace will likely see the field but his fantasy value is limited.
39. Alex Smith-San Francisco 49ers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 20
I am no longer a believer in Smith; he is coming off a major injury and has only thrown 19 touchdowns in 32 career games while adding 31 interceptions. The former number one pick is on the cusp of being a big fat bust unless he can beat out Shaun Hill for the 9ers starting job and post 3000+ yards and 20+ touchdowns; I do not believe he can accomplish any of the three.
40. Kellen Clemens-New York Jets
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 27
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 45
How would you like to be Kellen Clemens, first the Jets trade Chad Pennington giving him hope to be the 2008 starter (yank the rug) enter Brett Favre. Favre retires in the off-season and Clemens is ready to be the 2009 starter (yank the rug) enter Mark Sanchez. It is obvious the Jets have no faith in Clemens and his 1555 yards passing and five touchdowns in 14 career games are not impressive. With ALL of that said, if he does beat out Sanchez then he could put up comparable numbers to Sanchez’s predicted numbers above.
41. Vince Young-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
Young is quickly joining fellow 2006 first rounder Matt Leinart on the bust list, as he too cannot beat out an old man in Kerry Collins. Young wants out of Tennessee so watch his situation closely as a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered and raise his stock. As long as he is stuck behind Collins, he is not worth worrying about but if he sees the field, he is somebody to keep an eye on.
42. Tarvaris Jackson-Minnesota Vikings
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 30
The Vikings believed in Jackson when the rest of world thought they were crazy, turns out, they were, but it is obvious that they no longer believe by bringing in Sage Rosenfels and talk of adding Brett Favre. Even if Favre stays retired and Jackson beats out Rosenfels I do not see any value as he just does not have the arm to put up big numbers and if Favre does come to town you can drop Jackson to Favre’s spot on this list.
43. Josh Freeman-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
Rookie
Nobody saw his stock rise more from the end of the college season to the April NFL draft than Freeman. The Bucs brought Freeman in to be their future leader but I do not see any way he sees the field this season unless he really steps up his game and both Byron Leftwhich and Luke McCown falter, if Freeman does see the field expect many growing pains with minimal fantasy value this season. I am not a believer in Freeman but he could surprise and have big years ahead.
44. Tyler Thigpen-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I do not believe that Thigpen is a very good NFL quarterback but fantasily (OK so that's not a word but it should be) speaking he is worthy of picking up if Matt Cassel falters or gets injured. Thigpen threw for 18 touchdowns, ran for three more, and even caught one last season. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs use Thigpen in a wildcat type of role from time to time.
45. Rex Grossman-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 49
Originally, I had Dan Orlovsky ranked here but I believe Grossman will win the battle to be Matt Schaub’s primary backup. Sage Rosenfels has shown that playing behind oft-injured Matt Schaub has its rewards and having Andre Johnson at your disposal does not hurt. I am going out on a limb and saying that Schaub remains healthy this season but history says he will not and if/when he does go down Grossman could be worth picking up, especially for a bye week replacement. I hated writing that.
46. Chris Simms-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 36
Is in an open competition with Kyle Orton to be the Broncos starter this season but the fact that the Broncos traded for Kyle Orton as part of the Jay Cutler deal says to me that they like what they see in Orton. If Simms is named the starter or sees action at some point, he is worth an acquisition.
47. Kevin O’Connell-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Tom Brady is coming off a season ending injury and Matt Cassel is in Kansas City leaving O’Connell in a very interesting situation as the Patriots back up. As long as Brady is healthy O’Connell won’t see the field much but if Brady goes down then all of a sudden you’ve got to give this no-name the same consideration that Cassel got last year.
48. Troy Smith-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 38
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Smith appears to be just another Heisman winner who’s skills do not translate to the pros but he looks like he could have some limited fantasy value if Joe Flacco were to go down. I do not see much long term potential.
49. J.T. O’Sullivan-Cincinnati Bengals
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
After playing seven seasons without attempting a single pass, O’Sullivan threw the ball 26 times in 2007 for Detroit and had 220 attempts for 1678 yards, and eight touchdowns in nine last season with the 49ers. Carson Palmer is coming off an injury so O’Sully could be in a very intriguing situation should Palmer go down again.
50. Jon Kitna-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
Kitna is 36 years old and has 151 interceptions in 128 career games but he has shown that he is a capable fantasy starter when he is on the field as evident by six years of 3000+ passing yards and five years of 18+ touchdowns passing. I like his ability to be a fantasy starter should Tony Romo go down but I do worry about the fact that Kitna has never had a top tier tight end in his career so Jason Witten’s numbers could suffer if Kitna is in the lineup.
51. Kyle Boller-St. Louis Rams
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 31
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 39
Boller could have done worse than signing with the Rams to be the back up to oft-injured Marc Bulger. There is still no reason to like Boller even if Bulger goes down unless the young Rams receivers mature quicker than expected. Even then, I am leery. How can I get excited about a guy who threw for 2559 yards and 13 touchdowns in his only season as a full-time starter?
52. Jim Sorgi-Indianapolis Colts
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 52
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Peyton Manning has never missed a single game in his career but he is getting older and after five years, Sorgi has proven that could be a capable fill in if Manning ever was injured. Obviously Sorgi is no Manning, but he is worth picking up if he ever sees the field for more than mop up duty. I like the fact he has only thrown one interception in his 156 career passing attempts.
53. Ryan Fitzpatrick-Buffalo Bills
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Trent Edwards is the clear-cut starter but hey so was Carson Palmer in Cincinnati last season before missing the final 13 games due to injury. Fitzpatrick took over for the Bengals passing for 1905 yards and 8 touchdowns, not exactly impressive but in his defense the Bengals were in disarray. Fitz could be an interesting bye week play if Edwards is unable to go.
54. David Carr-New York Giants
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 58
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 43
After five years of getting beat to hell as the starter in Houston Carr has been a back up the past two seasons. Eli Manning is following in his brother’s iron man status, as he has not missed a game in over four years so unless history changes, Carr will not see much more time than he did last season. Carr did complete nine of 12 passes last season for 115 yards and two touchdowns. I would take a chance on him if Eli were not under center.
55. Pat White-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
Rookie
White is a crapshoot because the Dolphins have created plays to take advantage of his abilities but there is no word on exactly how or how many plays he will be in on. I do not see much value in basic point system leagues but leagues that award extra points for quarterback rushing and receiving statistics White looks to have some decent value. It is well worth monitoring him during the first few weeks to see exactly what he can do.
56. Josh McCown-Carolina Panthers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 34
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 35
Jake Delhomme is getting older and is not exactly in perfect health so McCown could see the field at some point this season but since we are not very high on Delhomme why would it change if McCown were under center?
57. Brian Brohm-Green Bay Packers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 63
Aaron Rodgers proved last season that he is the clear-cut starter for the Packers so Brohm will not see the field unless something happens to Rodgers. While he did not appear in a game last season, I still like the potential of the second year guy out of Louisville. He could be a very intriguing free agent pick up if he gets on the field.
58. Billy Volek-San Diego Chargers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 47
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Volek is a long way from his 2004 season when he posted 2486 yards passing and 18 touchdowns in only 10 games, he is now 33 and knows his role is backing up Chargers starter Philip Rivers. Volek showed in a the playoffs a couple of years ago that he is a capable replacement if Rivers is out and could be worth a bye week start if he gets another opportunity.
59. Kevin Kolb-Philadelphia Eagles
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 49
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I am sticking with exactly what I wrote last year about this guy. The Eagles drafted Kolb to force Donovan McNabb out of town but it’s year number three and McNabb is still the Philly quarterback and we still don’t know if Kolb was worth a high draft pick or not. Last season he attempted 34 passes throwing zero touchdowns and four interceptions. McNabb has a history of injury problems and the Eagles have some solid weapons so Kolb could be worth a look if given the opportunity to play. Do not be shocked if the Eagles go with A.J. Feeley as they seem to like the guy for some reason.
60. Chris Redman-Atlanta Falcons
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 35
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Matt Ryan is the Falcons present and future signal caller so I do not expect to see Redman on the field any time with the Falcons as long as Ryan stays healthy. Redman showed in 2007 that he is capable of putting up solid numbers, throwing for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in only seven games and he had fewer weapons than the Falcons have now. I would not hesitate to pick up Redman if something were to happen to Ryan.
61. Charlie Batch-Pittsburgh Steelers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 56
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 51
Batch is 34 years old and coming off an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2008 season but he has proven to be a capable backup, throwing for eight touchdowns in 71 attempts over the past three years. He could be a decent bye week play if Ben Roethlisberger misses any time.
62. Brett Basanez-Chicago Bears
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Basanez has only seen time in one game, back in 2006, completing six of 11 passes for 56 yards while throwing one interception. He is the primary back up to Jay Cutler, which gives him some minimal value.
63. Joey Harrington-Atlanta Falcons
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 38
Will have to beat out old man Mark Brunell for the Saints backup role to have any value and hope that Drew Brees does not take every single snap as he did last season. The Saints offense is loaded and Harrington has put up some OK numbers in the past so if Brees ever were to miss a snap Harrington would have good value. He has to be smarter though, 85 interceptions in 81 career games is not going to cut it.
64. Patrick Ramsey-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 44
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 41
It is hard to believe he is entering his eighth season already. Ramsey will battle Vince Young to be the backup for Kerry Collins and even if he wins the role and Collins goes down I just do not see much value unless the Titans completely open up their offense (which is not going to happen as long as their running game remains one of the best in the league).
65. Stephen McGee-Dallas Cowboys
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
Rookie
McGee was a disappointment at Texas A&M but the word out of Cowboys camp is that McGee has been very impressive and the Cowboys love his potential. It may just be coach talk but if wins the backup role to Tony Romo you have to like his future. I do not know if the Cowboys would throw McGee to the wolves if Romo would go down but if they do, he may be worth a free agent pick up.
66. Chad Henne-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I do not know if Henne is the future for the Dolphins but I do know that Chad Pennington is not. Henne appeared in three games as a rookie completing 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards. When Pennington falters or gets injures, and the odds are he will, Henne could step in and remain the starter for years to come if all went well. I do not see much fantasy value at this time but the Dolphins offense is ever improving so it is close.
67. Todd Bouman-Jacksonville Jaguars
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Originally, this was where I had Cleo Lemon ranked but the Jaguars showed him the door in mid-June leaving only Bouman and Paul Smith behind starter David Garrard. I am not a fan of the 36-year-old (will turn 37 in August) but I do believe there is value as the Jaguars starter this year and he is ahead of Paul Smith. Bouman has not been on the field since 2005 when he threw for 722 yards and two touchdowns on 68 of 122 passing for New Orleans. He only has 230 pass attempts in his 12-year career for a grand total of 1683 yards and 11 touchdowns. The fact that he has stuck around the league this long says something, of course the fact that he rarely plays says something as well.
68. Dan Orlovsky-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 49
Originally, I had Orlovsky ranked where Rex Grossman is but I give the advantage to Grossman to be Matt Schaub’s primary backup. If Orlovsky wins the job then these two should be switched. I will say the same thing I did on Grossman’s blip; Sage Rosenfels has shown that playing behind oft-injured Matt Schaub has its rewards and having Andre Johnson at your disposal does not hurt. I am going out on a limb and saying that Schaub remains healthy this season but history says he will not and if/when he does go down Orlovsky could be worth picking up, especially for a bye week replacement.
69. Todd Collins-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 50
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I am sure the Redskins would like Colt Brennan to step up and beat out the 37-year-old Collins to backup Jason Campbell. Collins has only played in 44 career games in 15 years and has a whopping 22 touchdowns so even if he sees the field you cannot put your fantasy hopes in his hands.
70. Cleo Lemon-Free Agent
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: NA
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 55
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 42
Lemon showed in 2007 that he is a capable starter, putting up 1773 yards and six touchdowns for a poor Dolphins team. The fact that the Jaguars cut him leaving only Todd Bouman and Paul Smith to backup David Garrard makes me question Lemon’s work ethic as well as ability at this point. He should land somewhere and in the right situation, I still think he has the possibility of putting up decent numbers.
71. Drew Stanton-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 42
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
After sitting out his entire rookie season injured, Stanton came back and only played in three games last season, passing for 119 yards and one touchdown. Stanton was hyped as the possible future starter of the Lions but Matthew Stafford put an end to that thought. But if Stafford struggles and Daunte Culpepper follows suit then Stanton will get a chance to prove his worth.
72. Brodie Croyle-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 28
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 37
I have never been a Croyle fan and now that he looking at a third string role I really have no love for him. I will give him props though; in the two games he appeared in last season, he completed 20 of 29 passes (69%) for 151 yards. That is about as good as it will ever get for Brodie.
73. Matt Gutierrez-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
I like Gutierrez as a potential sleeper should Tom Brady be injured again. Kevin O’Connell is listed as the backup but do not be shocked if Matty G beats him out before all is said and done. I know people look at his bio, see that he went to school at Idaho State, and write him off but he started his career at Michigan so he is not just some guy then went under the radar. Even though it is not likely that he will see the field this year I still like his chances to make some noise in the next few years.
74. Brett Favre-Retired for now
Auction Value: $0 (if he plays for the Vikings: $8)
Bye Week: NA Vikings: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None (our rankings came out before he unretired)
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
Favre retired AGAIN in the off-season after posting 3472 yards and 22 touchdowns last season for the Jets but word is that he his read to come out of retirement AGAIN. I totally expect Favre to sign with the Vikings any day now. There is no reason Favre would throw for the Vikings and the Vikings would not send a trainer to look at him if both parties did not have interest. Obviously, the Vikings would love Favre to be their quarterback in 2009 and at this point, I believe he will be. Word is that Favre’s shoulder is fine and he will just need some time to get his stamina in his arm ready. If Favre does come back then you can move him up at least 40 spots. I went ahead and put his Vikings projections below; these would rank him at number 17.
(09’ Proj: 3400 yards, 18 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) 214 Fantasy Points
75. Michael Vick-Free Agent
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: NA
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
There are a whole lot of ifs right now when it comes to Michael Vick that need to be addressed before you can even think about drafting him. First, he needs to be reinstated by the NFL, the Falcons have released him so that is one less thing to worry about, but he now needs to find a good fit, and finally he needs to get into football shape and learn a new offense. There is no way that all of that happens this season in my mind but if he ends up in the right situation, he could be somebody to think about next season.
