Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: The questionable vets
This group of quarterbacks have been around for a few years. They’ve had mild success but are widely unreliable in season-long leagues.
Eli Manning, NYG
The Giants are going to have to rely on their running back. They gave Odell Beckham to Cleveland. Sterling Shepard is dealing with a thumb injury. Corey Coleman is out with an ACL tear. Golden Tate may be suspended for four games. The only healthy one is tight end Evan Engram.
Manning threw for over 4,000 yards but the 21 touchdowns was disappointing to any owner who had him. I don’t think he performs better than that this year. He’s a low-end QB2 and a last resort bye-week fill in.
Joe Flacco, DEN
I like the situation Flacco is in. He has solid wide receivers, a good group of tight ends and a dangerous trio of running backs. I just don’t trust Flacco. He made nine starts last season, throwing for 2,465 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
He’s had one 20-touchdown season in the last four years. His only 4,000-yard season came in 2016. Should he struggle, Head Coach Vic Fangio could pull the plug and put Drew Lock in. He’s another desperation pick.
Nick Foles, JAX
The move from Philadelphia to Jacksonville hurt Foles’ fantasy value. His receivers are not proven. Dede Westbrook has the highest upside. I’m not drafting any of their tight ends and their starting running back can’t stay healthy.
Looking at his two non-Eagles seasons, Foles played in 14 games and threw for 2,462 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. I’m not sure if it’s the stadium, the fans or the coaches but Foles may not be the same quarterback in Jacksonville.
Derek Carr, OAK
Carr has not lived up to expectations since getting drafted. His best season came in 2015 with 3,987 yards, 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Carr reached 4,000 yards last season but had just 19 touchdowns.
The additions of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams should help Carr get back to 4,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns. Though, the depth behind those two is a bit weak. Carr has a better supporting cast but I don’t think it’s enough to make him a weekly starter.
Marcus Mariota, TEN
Mariota has yet to play a full season in his four-year career. While he hasn’t surpassed 3,500 passing yards, he is effective on the ground. The addition of Adam Humphries and the return of Delanie Walker should help his value.
Mariota may not even be the starter this season. The Titans brought in Ryan Tannehill, who has similar career numbers. Even if Mariota is the starter, it’s hard to rely on him every week.
Andy Dalton, CIN
Dalton finished outside of the top 18 last year, mostly because he played in just 11 games. Though, he had 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 2,566 yards. In the year prior, Dalton had 3,320 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The possible loss of A.J. Green doesn’t help his projections. Though, having Tyler Boyd and Tyler Eifert on the field isn’t a bad backup plan. He’s a good pick in 2QB leagues and a streaming option in 1QB leagues.