Following his MVP performance in Super Bowl XLII, Manning entered the 2008 season with expectations as high as ever for the former first-rounder. While his eight-round ADP didn’t quite place him in the top-10 among drafted quarterbacks (he was drafted eleventh overall at position), most owners expected Manning to use his playoff performance as a springboard to greater things...

While he set career-highs in completion percentage and yards per attempt, Manning ultimately fell short in the important categories, finishing with his lowest yardage and touchdown totals in his four years as a full-time starter. His underwhelming season (3238 yards, 21 touchdowns) landed him squarely in the mid-teens in the final rankings.
 

Ryan, on the other hand, proved to be one of the true values of the 2008 fantasy season. Predictably, the rookie went undrafted in all but the deepest leagues thanks to the seemingly hapless position in which the Falcons entered the preseason following the Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino debacles, but he finished just outside the top-15, ahead of veterans such as Jason Campbell, Jake Delhomme and Marc Bulger. While he wasn’t a weekly starter by any means, he strung together a nice stretch from Weeks 5-10 in which he threw for a pair of touchdowns in four of the five games on his way to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Neither Manning nor Ryan was consistent enough in 2008 to warrant status as a top-tier player at their position. Will either of the young quarterbacks reach that level in 2009?

REDRAFT CONSIDERATIONS

While it is impossible to fault Ryan for his inconsistency last year, much of the blame in Manning’s case can be directed at the Giants’ commitment to the running game. The Giants and the Falcons finished first and second in the NFL in rushing offense, respectively, each team averaging over 150 rushing yards per contest. It will be each team’s continued commitment to running the ball that will limit both quarterbacks’ values next season, likely preventing either of them from reaching that No. 1 status again.

Of course, the proverbial "elephant in the room" in this discussion is the status of Ryan’s and Manning’s respective receiving corps. The Falcons are set at the position next year with Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas - assuming they avoid any potential contract issues by extending the Pro-Bowler White.

The Giants, however, are currently looking at a starting duo of Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith or Sinorice Moss. While Plaxico Burress’ future with the team is murky at best, Amani Toomer has made it clear in no uncertain terms that he will not rejoin the team next season. If the Giants decide to part ways with Burress (which does not look as much of a certainty as it did two months ago), the team will need to add a game-changing receiver to make Manning much more than a fantasy afterthought next year.

KEEPER/DYNASTY CONSIDERATIONS

Manning’s keeper qualifications are almost non-existent given the Giants’ current issues. Manning will never be as prolific a passer as his brother; that much has become clear. Where will Manning go from here though? The end of his 2008 season was equally as "pffft" as the end of his 2007 season was "BOOM". He may yet become a consistent fantasy option, but he is dangerously close to falling into Kerry Collins territory.

Ryan’s credentials as a keeper candidate are obvious. He is only the second rookie quarterback in history to throw for 3,000 yards in his first season (Peyton Manning was the first). He threw for at least 200 yards in nine consecutive games (Weeks 6-15) and completed at least 60 percent of his passes in twelve games. The Falcons leaned heavily on their running game this season, but as Ryan and his young receivers continue to develop their relationship, expect the Falcons to expand their passing attack. Looking at the 2009 season, Ryan should crack the top-12 of fantasy passers, but his real value peaks when you look beyond next season.

SITUATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

When Burress was removed from the Giants’ lineup last year, Manning’s season fell apart. He threw just 6 touchdowns after Week 11 (Burress’ final week), three of which came in Week 12. In his final four games, just as owners were heading into the playoffs, Manning threw for a mere 614 yards (54.6 completion percentage) and two touchdowns. The numbers speak for themselves, but to watch Manning perform without Burress was to watch a quarterback without confidence and security.

Ryan had some of his best games last year when running back Michael Turner struggled. While the dominance of Turner certainly contributed to Ryan’s early success, the young quarterback came into his own around mid-season, as evidenced by his 200-yard passing streak and high completion percentage.

BOTTOM LINE

Manning is a bust candidate and Ryan is just scratching the surface of his potential. As far as 2009 projections and average draft position goes, the quarterbacks are moving in opposite directions. Ryan is a potential anchor at the quarterback position, while Manning, even if Burress returns, projects to be a matchup starter.

REDRAFT EDGE: Ryan
+++++

KEEPER/DYNASTY EDGE: Ryan
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