Fantasy Football 2008: Keepers and Sleepers - Quarter Backs (QBs)

This is only my second year in the fantasy football realm. Last year was my first year and I made the playoffs, unfortunately Brett Farve had a bad game in the playoffs (though Green Bay did win) and my hopes for winning it all were shot down. I had a total of two leagues last year I played in, one from work and the other a public league on Yahoo!

This year I am in two leagues from work and another separate public league from Yahoo! In addition to that I am playing in leagues for free at www.nfl.com and www.espn.com. I even went so far as paying for one more league over at www.fanball.com, formally CDM. So all in all I have about ten active leagues this year. Crazy I know but I am officially addicted to these fantasy sports leagues.

I grew up in a sports household that watched the Buffalo Bills lose four straight Super Bowls (both my parents were from Buffalo). I watched the Washington Capitals suffer in mediocrity for several years; I went to Camden Yards and watched the Orioles with my dad (I even saw Clemens versus Mussina). To say it lightly, I am a sports fan. My knowledge of sports is extensive and fantasy leagues are right up my alley.

So in that vein I decided to share my research with others (assuming you're not in my league). I spent a few hours surfing several sites to come up with my list of players I think will be big impact this year as far as fantasy goes. I love the top ten-list format and I will use it here, be sure to check out my other articles as I cover the rest of the positions.

A bit about my rationale before we begin, I will list ten players that I define as sleepers (guys you might not have heard of who will light up your league) and keepers (guys whom you don't think of right away, i.e. no LT here).

1) Trent Edwards - Edwards enters this season in Buffalo as the undisputed starter. He's not going to go crazy but I think he is a solid QB2 for any league. Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch will both see increases in passes.

2) Brett Farve - A solid QB1 that could be found floating around during the 5th and 6th rounds. Farve may be in unfamiliar territory but make no mistake about it; he's still Brett Farve.

3) Aaron Rodgers - It's hard not to follow up Brett Farve's name with Aaron Rodgers. There is a ton of talent in the WR position in Green Bay. I would argue that Rodgers doesn't have to be great just good. Keep in mind we are talking about fantasy football not a run to the Super Bowl. Rodgers should put up good numbers and be a steady QB2.

4) Troy Smith - Now I'm not saying Smith is the best thing since sliced bread but he is the starting QB for the Ravens and has a great slot receiver in Derrick Mason. McGahee has been known to catch a few balls himself. If Smith stays healthy then he should be on your roster.

5) JaMarcus Russell - A big question mark. Russell has talent, no doubt about that. Oakland went out and landed Javon Walker. Along with Ronald Curry that should give him some weapons. The big question is whether he can make smart NFL plays rather than shoot from the hip gunslinger plays. There is only one Brett Farve and he already leads the NFL in touchdowns AND interceptions.

6) Matt Schaub - I like Schaub. I own him in at least two leagues. He's solid and should get some quality chances to improve on last years numbers.

7) Kurt Warner - This guy IS the starter in Arizona, no question about it. Along with that should come the outstanding numbers just like last season. If you hurry you might be able to find him floating on the free agent wire. Snag him!

8) Donovan McNabb - Although he has injury issues he is a safe bet for the most part. Brian Westbrook is a great receiver and is on of McNabb's favorite targets. I found McNabb floating around the 5th-6th round. Normally, my strategy is to wait for the "leftovers" as far as QBs are concerned but I snagged McNabb when I could.

9) Chad Pennington - Chad got a bum rap in New York. Sure he wasn't great but he was the all-time completion percentage leader in Jets history. Now he's in Miami and he's pissed. Watch for Ted Ginn Jr's numbers to skyrocket. A good QB2 pick.

10) Jason Campbell - This guy is ready to explode. He was solid last year and this year he should try and hit his WRs more this season. Chris Cooley was his favorite target last year. That's not going to change but he should have a lot more confidence to go to Moss for the big plays. I would even give him the QB1 status.

Well there you have it. Like it or not, you should flag these players and at the end of the year send me a thank-you note.