Where does Philip Rivers rank among top 10 fantasy quarterbacks?
By Joey Nicks
4) Russell Wilson- I love Russell or “Houdini”. He extends plays and makes things happen that I can’t explain. Wilson also presents a dual threat. He can take off running and has a pretty accurate arm down the field.
He almost hit the 4,000-yard mark and he threw for a league best 34 touchdowns last year. Just awesome! When you have nice yards passing, rushing yards and lead the league in touchdowns, that would make an awesome option for a fantasy quarterback. His playoff schedule scares me, but two home games should help him in the end, especially against the Minnesota Vikings. Playoff schedule: vs Minn, AT 49ers, vs. KC
3. Philip Rivers- One thing I never understood about fantasy analysts is why they have been so down on Rivers. The guy is a chucker. He looks to throw the ball all the time which is why he ranked 2nd in the NFL behind only Tom Brady with just over 4,500 yards passing in 2017. He also heaved 28 touchdowns which tied for 5th. It befuddles me.
One thing that has been true with the Chargers for years is it’s rare when they don’t put points up. Philip should offer really good value too for the reason with analysts always being down on him. I wouldn’t buy it just yet. I still would take him over the rest, if anything based on value alone. I usually like to take Rivers and a breakout candidate as my back up. While the playoff schedule scares me a little I feel like my top three guys are pretty matchup proof. The Chargers also play home in two out of the three playoff games which is a boost too. Playoff schedule: vs Cin, AT KC, vs. Ravens
2. Aaron Rodgers- Rodgers is a guy who can carry a team by himself. A quarterback who has been single-handedly put on a separate level, he was hurt most of last season. When healthy he’s spot on and few quarterbacks compare.
His numbers can’t really be compared to the rest on this list, but his history surpasses them. I do feel like there is better value in the NFL, in terms of overall value. Aaron is a guy that no one can blame ya though. He also has an awesome playoff schedule. I think I like his the most out of everyone on this list. Playoff Schedule: vs Atl, AT Chi, AT NYJ
1. Tom Brady- He will be the GOAT until he proves otherwise. Don’t get me wrong he had a couple games last year that made me slap my head at how bad he was, but everyone is allowed a dud or two.
While I am pretty big on his playoff schedule, Brady threw for more yards (4,577) and had the highest average per game (286.1) in the league last year. “So Joey what about touchdowns?” Answer? Brady was 3rd in the league with 32. Impressive. Everything is there for Brady to do what Brady does best. Like I said, playoff schedule is strong and is probably the best right now. Playoff schedule: AT Mia, AT Pitt, vs. Bills
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Honorable mention quarterbacks
Carson Wentz: I think 2019 will be an AMAZING year for Wentz, no doubt! I just would like to see him healthy and am a little worried he is rushing himself back. Take a flier.
Deshaun Watson: With one of the best young receiving corps in the NFL, no doubt he impressed last season in the very short time he played. Problem? Sophomore slump? Also his ACL could take a season to adjust and the way he tends to play leaves him vulnerable. Take a flier.
Ben Roethlisberger: Prone to injury! I don’t like players who are injury prone, no matter how great the reward is. I also have read from numerous sources that he is feeling his age. Which I’m OK on passing this year. Try to avoid.
When it comes to drafting players like quarterbacks, I think you can find so much value as to where you can not find value at running back or wide receiver. As crazy as it sounds, you could even mark some tight ends at higher value (since only a few really impress). My advice? Find value and put a good stock in a playoff schedule, not just for quarterbacks, but for every position.
Side notes, all my statistics came from NFL.com and my fantasy playoff schedule refers to Weeks 14, 15 and 16.
Bolt Pride!