Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks for a receiver against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As we continue our pre-draft fantasy football coverage, we continue our look division-by-division at the most important position on every team–Quarterback.
Fantasy QB’s sometimes get downplayed based on your scoring system, but having a top QB option is vital to an extended run in the playoffs. Even if you don’t go QB early, it’s important to get value when you do draft a QB and get consistent points all season long to get weekly wins.
In this series, we are looking at each division team-by-team and examining how the starting QB did last year, changes made over the offseason, and my outlook on if they’re moving forward or stepping back. Yesterday we started with the AFC East and today we turn our attention to the QB’s of the AFC South.
At the bottom of each page, you’ll be able to vote in a quick poll on where you think each QB will rank at the end of the season.
The Texans have won the division the last two years, and will look to make it three in a row. In order to threepeat, they’ll have to hold off Andrew Luck and the quickly-rising Colts.
We’ll start with Texans…
Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) throws during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Matt Schaub
Last Season: Schaub hit the 4,000 yard plateau and threw for 22 TDs. He scored double-digit fantasy points in just one of his last four games and finished 17th in ESPN Standard scoring. The Texans offense has become extremely run-heavy which minimizes Schaub’s fantasy value.
Offseason Changes: The Texans receiving corps is still suspect behind Andre Johnson, but the drafting of DeAndre Hopkins and the improvement of Keshawn Martin will be key as the Texans try to develop a second option. Owen Daniels is back at TE and will also be a big part of the passing game if he can stay healthy.
My Outlook: I expect Schaub’s number to be a little better this year. I like Hopkins as a #2 option and think he’ll need to score more as opponents key on the run game. My guess is that he’ll be back in the top 15 this year, although I doubt he climbs into the top ten.
Your Take:
Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) watches from the sidelines during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Buffalo defeats Indianapolis 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Last Season: Luck was the ninth-ranked QB last year in ESPN Standard scoring ranking ahead of Matthew Stafford, Joe Flacco, and Eli Manning. He carried his owners down the stretch with 13 or more fantasy points in 10 of his last 11 games.
Offseason Changes: Luck enters his sophomore season with his second offensive coordinator after Bruce Arians moved on to take the Head Coach position in Arizona. Pep Hamilton is the new OC in Indy. Hamilton was Luck’s Stanford coordinator so the comfort-level shouldn’t be an issue, but the look of the offense will definitely be different.
My Outlook: Luck’s numbers are expected to tick just a bit downward overall by most projections due to the more conservative style of offense. I think he’ll have a decent season probably finishing between 10-15 in QB scoring.
Your Take:
Aug 8, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) takes a snap from center Rob Turner (58) while warming up before a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Jake Locker
Last Season: Locker finished 28th among QBs in standard scoring although part of that low rank was due to him missing six regular season games. He had just single-digit points in three of the last five games and peaked in week three in a big win over the Lions.
Offseason Changes: The Titans brought in Ryan Fitzpatrick as a backup/alternative if Locker cannot improve his efficiency. Fitzpatrick actually had more fantasy points than Locker last year in a solid season in Buffalo. Kenny Britt is reportedly recovered, Kendall Wright is a year more experienced, and Justin Hunter is a nice rookie sleeper. The weapons are there if Locker can put it together.
My Outlook: I love Locker’s tools and his weapons. I think he’s a nice breakout candidate if he can stay healthy and avoid the killer turnovers that plagued him last year. He could breakout into a solid QB2 this season with an improved running game and solid receiving weapons. I like Locker to be a top-20 QB by the end of the seasion
Your Take:
Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Blaine Gabbert
Last Season: Gabbert was a mess and the Jags offense was the worst in the league with him under center. He was outscored by almost 20 points by his backup Chad Henne who started seven games compared to Gabbert’s ten. Henne will probably play some games this year, but I highly doubt either will be fantasy factors
Offseason Changes: Lots. the Jags overhauled just about everything including bringing in new coach Gus Bradley. The receiving weapons are actually decent, but the QB play hasn’t been.
My Outlook: Much like the Jets yesterday, this is a pretty easy call: STAY AWAY.
Your Take: