2008 NFL Top 10 Fantasy Quarterbacks

Whether you’re a GM coming off a Superbowl victory or one that stopped updating your roster after week four, picking the right QB is likely to be the most important draft day decision you make for 2008.  This off-season has been an exciting one if you’re the type that likes QB hype.  Will Favre find his groove in NY?  Can Leinert find his way back and finally establish himself as a top NFL quarterback?  Will Brady and Manning (Peyton that is) continue to distance themselves from the pack?  To help you sort through all of unknowns, injuries and player movements, we’ve simplified it all and put together a list of the top-10 QBs that should be at the top of your draft board.

1.) Tom Brady, New England - Coming off perhaps the best season of all time for a QB, there’s little to suggest that Brady, Moss, and Welker won’t have another record year. Expect Brady to throw for more than 45 TDs again this year.

2.) Tony Romo, Dallas - The Cowboys just continue to add weapons to their offense, which is expected to be one of the most prolific this season. With the addition of Felix Jones catching passes out of the backfield and the development of Patrick Crayton, defenses can no longer just be concerned about T.O. and Jason Witten. Look for another year of 35+ touchdowns from the head cowpoke.

3.) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - Always a top fantasy pick, there are more questions this year than last for the record setting QB. His knee must heal quickly and well so that he and Marvin Harrison can get their timing back and begin to put up big numbers again. Still, no GM will be fired for making this pick.

4.) Derek Anderson, Cleveland - This could be the best crop of pass catchers in the league this year. With Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth, Kellen Winslow and a hopefully healthy Joe Jurevicius, there will not be enough balls to go around. Look for Anderson to put up big numbers early and often.

5.) Drew Brees, New Orleans - This QB is poised for a great year. The team should be better than ever and with a host of young receivers he should have a lot of targets. Expect the Saints overall momentum to propel Brees to a great year and 30+ touchdowns.

6.) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh - Coming off his best year as a pro, big Ben still has a bevy of receivers to throw to in Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, not to mention a breakout year by TE Heath Miller. The latter part of the year was hampered by offensive line injuries but things should be better this year for Roethlisberger.

7.) Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia - One name is all you need to know: Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is perhaps the most unheralded superstar in the league and McNabb will be the beneficiary. Finally healthy, look for McNabb to regain his place among the NFL’s elite QBs.

8.) Carson Palmer, Cincinnati - Regardless of who is throwing the passes, with “Ocho Cinco” and T.J. “Whosyourmamma” catching the ball, big numbers will happen. However, with the offensive line looking more suspect than ever, Palmer could spend more time than usual on his back. Watch the preseason carefully for injuries in that line, but Palmer should have another good year.

9.) Philip Rivers, San Diego - All the pieces are there for Rivers to have a great year. Good blocking, second best back out of the backfield (see Westbrook above) in LT, best pass catching TE in Antonio Gates, and a very productive Chris Chambers spell trouble for opposing defensive backfields.

10.) Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle - Coming off his best year as a pro and most of his main targets are still with the team.  Expect Julius Jones to have a breakout season this year and add a few touchdowns catching out of the backfield.  Holmgren knows a thing or two about getting the most out of his tailbacks.  Expect another 25+ touchdown season.

Keep Your Eye On This Guy:  Matt Leinart, St. Louis - Okay, this might be a bit of a stretch, but Leinart was posed for a breakout year but will have to bide his time behind Warner for a few games. He represents the sleeper of the entire group. The pressure will be on, but with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin catching his passes, he will be able to take some big risk and expect many of them to pay off.  While he may not be your starter early in the season, expect the Cardinals to have to go to him earlier vs. later in the season and watch the balls fly.

Source: NFL.com

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