1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints – While the more conventional pick would be Tom Brady because of the offensive weapons that he has, Brees is my pick. With a solid enough running game around him and a very underrated receiving core headed by Marques Colston, Brees surprised a lot of people last season. Why would those numbers go down? Brees approached one of the most untouchable records in NFL History, missing Dan Marino’s all-time passing yards mark because of a dropped pass in overtime. His 5,069 yards and 34 touchdown passes were the only thing that kept the Saints competitive last season as Reggie Bush battled injuries and their defense played out as one of the worse in the league. Jeremy Shockey should have a better season after getting over injuries and personal issues from last season, which will give Brees another red zone target. Again, it may not be the normal pick, but if you want to take a QB in the first round, take someone with a bionic arm. Projections: 96 QB Rating, 5,025 yards, 39 TDs
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots – No quarterback in the NFL will have a better supporting cast around him next season. Combine the Pats’ rock solid offensive line with the amazing receiving core of Randy Moss, Joey Galloway and Wes Welker, Brady has a chance to put up ridiculous numbers yet again. That injury last season scared a few people off in terms of drafting him in the top five, but there are some reports that he will comeback to the Pats this season better than ever. Even if he does, I’ve never been a fan of the Pats and the whole schmuck of an operation they are running up there in Foxbrough. Projections: 95 QB Rating, 4,607 yards, 35 TDs
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts – Perhaps the most dependable guy in all of football. Has played in all 16 games for each of the 10 seasons that he has been in the league. Even though he is losing Marvin Harrison (Maybe to Minnesota?), Manning will still have one of the best receivers in the game in Reggie Wayne as well as the best red zone tight end in the NFL with Dallas Clark to throw to. I’m also high on Anthony Gonzalez, who will be replacing Harrison as the number two receiver, and I think he can give the Colts a good third pass catcher. Manning’s success will rely heavily on the production of Joseph Addai. Addai seemed like a top RB in the NFL after two back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons in 2006 and 2007, only to fall on his face last season with a disappointing 544 yards. If Addai returns to form, Manning could easily be the best QB in the NFL again. Projections: 97 QB Rating, 4,556 yards, 35 TDs.
4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers – Without the Brett Farve sage for him to worry about, I love Rodgers in Green Bay this season. In his first season as a starter, Rodgers threw for 4,038 yards and 28 TDs. If the offensive line can step up, Rodgers has one of the best supporting casts in the NFL. The beast that is Greg Jennings caught 80 passes for 1,292 yards and two TDs last season, and at 25, just signed a three year extension with the Packers. On the other side of the line, Rodgers will have veteran Donald Driver, who, even at 34, had another 1,000 yard season last year. Aaron will also have a solid tight end to go to in the red zone in Donald Lee. Add-in Ryan Grant in the backfield, and your offense has enough playmakers to make the defense wonder. Projections: 93 QB Rating, 4,244 yards, 31 TDs.
5. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers – Yeah, he lost to a high school kid in a skill competition, but he did not take the tapes. I am looking at you, LeBron. One could make the argument that Rivers was the best QB in the NFL last season, with Brady out and Peyton Manning dealing with some knee issues, but I don’t buy him over Brees. Still, he lead the NFL in QB Rating with a 105.5 rating, and threw for an impressive 4,009 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rivers is lucky to have two of the best pass catching backs in the NFL behind him in Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson. LT isn’t the same as he was three years ago – some don’t even think he is a top five RB anymore – but he should still be able to give the Chargers 1,000 yards from scrimmage. The real reason I love Rivers for fantasy? Vincent Jackson. A very underrated receiver who is still improving at the age of 25. At 6-foot-5, Jackson had a nice 59 catch-1,098 yard season last year combined with seven trips to the end zone. Chris Chambers should be able to provide a solid 35 receptions and 500+ yard season for Rivers, giving him yet another target. Oh yeah, and having one of the best tight ends in football helps too. Antonio Gates should be due for another 8-11 touchdown season. Projections: 102 QB Rating, 4,125 yards, 33 TDs.
Up Next in our Fantasy Football Preview: Top Five Running Backs.
