Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-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. Getting a breakout QB or even just solid value at the QB position is a huge step to building your championship team.
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 looked at the AFC South after starting with the AFC East. Today, we turn our attention to the QB’s of the loaded AFC North.
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.
Last year, the Ravens were able to parlay their second division championship into a Super Bowl win, but the Steelers and Bengals are out to knock them from their divisional pedestal. Even the Browns have looked much better in preseason meaning this division could easily be the best in football.
We’ll start with the World Champions…
Aug 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass past the hand of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann (71) at M
Projected Starter: Joe Flacco
Last Season: Before his magical playoff run, Flacco’s season was fairly mediocre. He finished as the 14th QB in ESPN Standard Scoring behind Russell Wilson, Andy Dalton, and Josh Freeman. He threw for 3,817 yards and 22 touchdowns during the season and was wildly inconsistent with four games over 20 points and six games under 10.
Offseason Changes: Flacco got PAID this offseason after bringing home the title to Baltimore. He flourished after an Offensive Coordinator change which may bode well for this season, but on the other hand, his weapons are more limited than they were last season. Dennis Pitta who was a huge part of the postseason run is gone for the season, and Anquan Boldin signed with the 49ers. Jacoby Jones and Ed Dickson will be asked to step up, but it’s unclear how effective they’ll be.
My Outlook: The Ravens offense will be better this year under OC Jim Caldwell, but losing receivers just about cancels that out. I see a slight improvement for Flacco and view him as a marginal QB1 or a strong QB2
Your Take:
Aug 12, 2013; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) participates during training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Last Season: Big Ben ranked 19th among fantasy QB’s in ESPN Standard Scoring. His lower overall numbers are reflective of missing three whole games and playing limited in others due to shoulder and rib issues.
Offseason Changes: Big Ben should be fully healthy, but the rest of his offense is less than its best. His blocking was one of his big problems last season, and there has been more transition this offseason. He also lost Mike Wallace (free agency) and Heath Miller (torn ACL). Antonio Brown is still a very good options, and the Steelers retained Emmanuel Sanders as well. The Steelers offense under Todd Haley seems to be a good fit for Big Ben, but there are plenty of questions about personnel and durability in Pittsburgh.
My Outlook: I wouldn’t feel comfortable with Roethlisberger as my #1 QB outside of extra-deep leagues. However, as a QB2 he’s one of the best options out there and has upside of being a low-end QB1. If you can pair Ben with another QB in about the same range you could potentially platoon through the matchups and end up doing well. The key with Ben, though, is getting him at the right price. Steelers fans and name recognition tend to drive up his price making him too pricey (or going too early in the draft) for me.
Your Take:
Aug 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up prior to a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Andy Dalton
Last Season: Dalton was the best QB in the division for fantasy points last season finishing 12th behind 3,669 yards and 27 TDs. He had two stretches where he strung together 20+ point performances, but finished the year with five straight sub-15 point weeks. He didn’t reach 300 yards in his last 10 games, and struggled in the playoffs as well.
Offseason Changes: The Bengals drafted Giovani Bernard to upgrade the backfield, and he may spread out wide giving Dalton a boost with YAC numbers on screens. The receivers are similar to last year’s corps, but when AJ Green is the headliner of the list that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
My Outlook: Dalton is extremely streaky both within games and week-to-week. He’s definitely a QB2 but without a huge amount of upside. He’s going too early for me in most drafts based on a few nice games early last season.
Your Take:
Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) throws a pass in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Starter: Brandon Weeden
Last Season: Weeden finished his rookie season ranked 26th in QB scoring based on ESPN Standard scoring. He missed the last game of the year and was limited in a few others. He still finished with more fantasy points than Michael Vick, Jake Locker, and Mark Sanchez and was just behind fellow-rookie Ryan Tannehill. Weeden had a few games of solid points, but also many with single-digits.
Offseason Changes: The overhaul in Cleveland included a new coach in Rob Chudzinski and OC in Norv Turner. The Browns passing game is expected to be much more up-tempo this season and should allow Weeden the opportunity to succeed. The question remains as to whether he’ll take advantage of that opportunity or not.
My Outlook: I think Weeden will improve and has a solid chance of being a QB2 and a decent bye-week fill-in in the right matchups.
Your Take: