Fantasy Football 2014: Top 30 QB Rankings and Analysis

Rivers surprised the fantasy world with a bounceback season last year on his way to winning Comeback Player of the Year.  He has looked sharp this preseason and seems to be a great fit for Mike McCoy’s offensive system. The only thing that could hold him back is that the Chargers want to be a run-first team instead of a pass-heavy offense like some of the higher tiered options.  I’d be extremely happy with Rivers as my QB2 but a little iffy with him as my QB1 in standard 10-team leagues.  . QB. San Diego Chargers. Philip Rivers. 11. player. 13

87. The upside with Newton is undeniable. He finished last season as the #3 scoring QB in fantasy despite being asked to do a huge percentage of the work in the Panthers offense.  He’ll be asked to carry the load again this season especially now that their offensive line and receiving corps were depleted this offseason by free agency and retirement.  Newton has been able to stay remarkably healthy, but I’m not sold on him or the Pathers team this season. I think it could be a rough year for him.. QB. Carolina Pathers. Cam Newton. 13. player

14. player. 57. Last season was a great one for the Bears offense, but unfortunately much of the positive gains happened with Cutler on the sideline.  That being said, the potential is definitely there for a potent offense in Head Coach Marc Trestman’s scheme.  The Bears have a pair of elite-level WR and a good running game, so the potential for Cutler is there if he can avoid bad decisions and injury.  Cutler is a solid QB2 with some upside, but I’d avoid counting on him in single QB leagues on a weekly basis.  . QB. Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler

QB. Seattle Seahawks. Russell Wilson. 15. player. 36. As he tries to avoid the overhype from a Super Bowl win, Wilson has been on fire this preseason.  He’s continued to be extremely efficient and avoid turnovers.  The only thing that keeps him from being a QB1 is the fact that the Seahawks offense is so run-heavy.  Wilson is a great QB2 and on some weeks will be a definite top ten option based on matchup and gameflow.

Roethlisberger is a proven QB in a pass-heavy scheme, but he’s struggled this preseason and Pittsburgh hasn’t looked ready for primetime yet.  Last year, a slow start cost the Steelers a shot at the playoffs despite a late run, but they look like they may be headed for another rocky beginning to the season. Roethlisberger has QB1 upside, but is best used as a QB2 in the right matchups.  . QB. Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger. 16. player. 55

Joe Flacco. 17. player. 26. Flacco had a disappointing season last year coming off his Super Bowl win in 2012.  Flacco finished as the 19th ranked QB in scoring behind Ryan Tannehill and Carson Palmer and just ahead of Geno Smith. I expect him to bounce back this year though under new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak.  Kubiak has overhauled the Ravens passing attack which should allow Flacco to be a QB2 again after a struggle last season.  . QB. Baltimore Ravens

56. The Bengals brought in Hue Jackson to run the offense after the departure of Jay Gruden.  Jackson will emphasize the run more than Gruden did, but the offense should be a little simpler and possibly more manageable for Dalton.  He’s looked really good this preseason, and Cincinnati has some great weapons, so I think Dalton is a solid QB2 option although asking him to get all the way to the top ten is overly optimistic.  . QB. Cincinnati Bengals. Andy Dalton. 18. player

Carson Palmer. 19. player. 32. Bruce Arians offense features plenty of passing attempts, and the Cardinals passing attack should be potent with a pair of solid WR in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd.  Floyd and Andre Ellington could emerge as even bigger threats this season giving Palmer slightly more upside.  The downside is that he’s an aging QB and takes a lot of risks with down-the-field throws.  He’s going to throw interceptions, and he’s going to make big connections, so if you are ready for the roller coaster ride of owning Palmer strap in and pick him as your #2 QB.  . QB. Arizona Cardinals

player. 48. McCown was impressive last year when he came on for Jay Cutler and connected with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery to turn the Bears offense into one of the best in the league.  With Cutler back healthy, McCown took his talents to Tampa and joined Coach Lovie Smith in what  will supposedly be an up-tempo offense.  If the O-Line can hold up, the Bucs have the weapons to made McCown a solid QB2, so take him as a low-end QB2 and see if he can carry over his success.. QB. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh McCown. 20