Fantasy Football 2009: The Top 10 Quarterbacks to Draft

Most Fantasy Football owners won't draft a Quarterback until they have first settled their running game. Yet in today's NFL, the two-back system has diminished the value of the Running Back in Fantasy Football, increasing the value of Quarterbacks overall. Here then are the top 10 Quarterbacks available for the 2009 Fantasy Football season.

1) Peyton Manning (Colts) :

Manning is as steady as they come, having thrown for over 4,000 yards in 9 out of the last 10 seasons. What's more, Peyton who also has 333 lifetime touchdowns, has never thrown for less than 26 touchdowns in a season. Definitely a Fantasy Football franchise Quarterback , take Manning in the first round of your Fantasy Football Draft and don't worry about your QB spot the rest of the year.

2) Drew Brees (Saints):

Brees is coming off a career year in which he threw for 34 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards. While he will not duplicate those numbers this year, it's worth noting that Brees now has three straight seasons of 4,000 or more yards passing, and five straight with over 24 touchdowns. Brees is a very safe bet in Fantasy Football, where Super Bowl rings won don't count as a stat.

3) Tom Brady (Patriots):

The Patriots let go of Matt Cassel this season, signaling that Brady is ready to carry the load again in 2009. Brady sat out most of 2008 with injury after re-writing the record books in 2007. Though he will not throw for another 50 touchdowns this season, look for Brady to still get you over 3,500 yards and 28-30 touchdowns. Having Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw too won't hurt either.

4) Kurt Warner (Cardinals):

Warner has indicated he will play this year, and hopefully he will do so for Arizona. Warner's quick release and the Cardinal's Receiving Corp are a deadly combination. When he gets in a zone, few QBs in the league can keep up with Warner. Age and the fact that he has not signed with the Cardinals yet knock him down a peg or two.

5) Tony Romo (Cowboys):

Despite the Soap Opera that is the Dallas Cowboys, Romo is still an elite passer with a 94.7 lifetime QB Rating. Though he missed three games to injuries last season, Romo still posted great fantasy numbers. With an offense that features Barber, Witten, and Owens, Romo will again post big fantasy numbers. Tony should get you close to 4,000 yards and 26-30 touchdowns this season.

6) Aaron Rodgers (Packers):

Rodgers did his best to make Packer fans forget Brett Favre, throwing for 4.038 yards and 28 TDs last season. Rodgers should be able to duplicate that form in 2009. Look for +3,750 yards and +25 TDs from Aaron this year. The fact that he has both Jennings and Driver to throw to is a bonus.

7) Philip Rivers (Chargers):

Not to disrespect Rivers, who last season led the NFL in passing with a 105.5 QB Rating, but the Chargers don't have the best of receivers, and it's doubtful that Rivers can match his career year in 2009. Still, with Gates and Jackson to throw to, and a solid running game, Rivers should be able to get 3,500 yards and 20-25 touchdowns this season.

8) Jay Cutler (Broncos):

Statistically, Culter had a good season last year, throwing for 4,526 yards and 25 TDs. Still, he threw for 18 interceptions and the Broncos were after former Patriot Matt Cassell this winter, which is not a ringing endorsement for Cutler. Blessed with good receivers, Culter should post good number, just keep an eye on the turnovers this season.

9) Matt Ryan (Falcons):

Ryan had a tremendous rookie year, throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 TDs. Look for him to build on that in 2009. He has good chemistry with his number one receiver Roddy White, and a year of NFL experience under his belt. Though not a player to take in the first 3 rounds of the draft, he still makes for a solid QB choice.

10) Matt Cassell (Chiefs):

Matt Cassell had a good season in relief of Tom Brady last season, and he is coming over to a team that will need him to throw often. With Bowe and Tony Gonzalez as targets, Cassell should be good for +200 yards per game, and 20 total touchdowns this season. I favor him at the number 10 spot over Donovan McNabb, who may be in decline.

Statistical Source:

www. Sports.yahoo.com