1. Drew Brees: Amidst the chaos that took place within the Saints organization last season, Drew Brees still managed to score the most fantasy points of any player in 2012, even though he was missing star tight end Jimmy Graham for a large portion of the season. Not bad, right? In the upcoming season, head coach Sean Payton will return from a one-year suspension, and the New Orleans Saints should regain control of the NFC South. You can count on Brees dominating the league in 2013.
2. Aaron Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers had an off year in 2012, and by off year I mean 4,279 passing yards with 42 TDs. The offensive line in Green Bay is one of the worst in the league, causing Rodgers to be very inconsistent throughout the season. In a draft loaded with offensive linemen, the Green Bay Packers did not draft a lineman until the fourth round. Also, the departures of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver should have a negative impact on Rodgers' 2013 performance.
3. Peyton Manning: Peyton Manning ended his 2012 season with a costly interception against the Baltimore Ravens, but his return to the game was nothing short of incredible. Manning was the runner-up to Adrian Peterson in the Most Valuable Player voting, but Manning beat AP for Comeback Player of the Year. The addition of slot-receiver Wes Welker creates one of the leagues most lethal wide receiver corps in the league. Manning is the NFL's iron man, but at age 37, his game will likely deteriorate as the season progresses.
4. Tom Brady: The loss of wide receiver Wes Welker in the off season will have a larger impact on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots than people think. Brady was reportedly "enraged" at the franchise when they let Welker go, and Danny Amendola is supposed to replace the missing slot receiver. Tom Brady will likely see a drop-off in 2013.
5. Cam Newton: A combination of size, speed, and arm strength makes Cam Newton one of the most valuable fantasy quarterbacks on the market. Newton's 2012 season started slowly, but after Carolina's Week 6 Bye, Cam regained his dominance at the quarterback position. His season totals last season did not replicate his rookie numbers, but hopefully, Newton will shake off the rust early in 2013 so he can put up some spectacular numbers.
6. Matt Ryan: Before 2012, Matt Ryan was an average fantasy quarterback with relatively consistent statistics that hovered around 10 fantasy points each week. Last season was a breakout year for Matty Ice, and he was even included in the MVP discussion by years end. Roddy White and Julio Jones will both be playing for Atlanta in 2013, and veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez has decided to return to the Falcons for one more season.
7. Andrew Luck: Andrew Luck's first season in the league resulted in 4,000 passing yards, but also a very high turnover count. Luck threw 18 interceptions as a rookie, with just 23 passing touchdowns. Despite a mediocre start to his career, Luck's size makes long term injuries unlikely, allowing him to escape the pocket and record 5-10 rushing touchdowns a year. Luck will only get better in time, and his resemblance to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers is uncanny. If you can't snag Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in the early rounds, Andrew Luck is your guy.
8. Russell Wilson: Russel Wilson's poise throughout the playoffs created buzz around the rookie quarterback. His poise against some of the league's top teams may be a sign of things to come in Seattle. Wilson threw for 26 touchdowns in the regular season, with a passer rating of 100.0. When needed, Wilson would escape the pocket, compiling 489 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns during the regular season. Newly-acquired Percy Harvin joins Sidney Rice and Golden Tate at the wide receiver position, giving Wilson the options he needs to succeed.
10. Colin Kaepernick: In the divisional round of the playoffs, Colin Kapernick proved himself worthy of the starting job in San Francisco, as he passed for 263 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Kaepernick set a record for quarterbacks when he rushed for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 11.31 yards per carry. Kaepernick's spectacular conclusion to his rookie season will more than likely carry over in 2013, and the addition of Anquon Bolding won't hurt either.
3. Peyton Manning: Peyton Manning ended his 2012 season with a costly interception against the Baltimore Ravens, but his return to the game was nothing short of incredible. Manning was the runner-up to Adrian Peterson in the Most Valuable Player voting, but Manning beat AP for Comeback Player of the Year. The addition of slot-receiver Wes Welker creates one of the leagues most lethal wide receiver corps in the league. Manning is the NFL's iron man, but at age 37, his game will likely deteriorate as the season progresses.4. Tom Brady: The loss of wide receiver Wes Welker in the off season will have a larger impact on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots than people think. Brady was reportedly "enraged" at the franchise when they let Welker go, and Danny Amendola is supposed to replace the missing slot receiver. Tom Brady will likely see a drop-off in 2013.
5. Cam Newton: A combination of size, speed, and arm strength makes Cam Newton one of the most valuable fantasy quarterbacks on the market. Newton's 2012 season started slowly, but after Carolina's Week 6 Bye, Cam regained his dominance at the quarterback position. His season totals last season did not replicate his rookie numbers, but hopefully, Newton will shake off the rust early in 2013 so he can put up some spectacular numbers.
6. Matt Ryan: Before 2012, Matt Ryan was an average fantasy quarterback with relatively consistent statistics that hovered around 10 fantasy points each week. Last season was a breakout year for Matty Ice, and he was even included in the MVP discussion by years end. Roddy White and Julio Jones will both be playing for Atlanta in 2013, and veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez has decided to return to the Falcons for one more season.
8. Russell Wilson: Russel Wilson's poise throughout the playoffs created buzz around the rookie quarterback. His poise against some of the league's top teams may be a sign of things to come in Seattle. Wilson threw for 26 touchdowns in the regular season, with a passer rating of 100.0. When needed, Wilson would escape the pocket, compiling 489 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns during the regular season. Newly-acquired Percy Harvin joins Sidney Rice and Golden Tate at the wide receiver position, giving Wilson the options he needs to succeed.
9. Robert Griffin III: RGIII's upside is extraordinary, will have to weary of the injury risk associated with the reigning Rookie of the Year. Doctors surgically repaired Griffin's ACL over the winter, and there is no telling what the effects will be of this surgery on RGIII's performance next season. Members within the Redskins organization have advised their yards and 5 rushing touchdowns during the regular season. Newly-acquired Percy Harvin joins Sidney Rice and Golden Tate at the wide receiver position, giving Wilson the options he needs to succeed.
10. Colin Kaepernick: In the divisional round of the playoffs, Colin Kapernick proved himself worthy of the starting job in San Francisco, as he passed for 263 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Kaepernick set a record for quarterbacks when he rushed for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 11.31 yards per carry. Kaepernick's spectacular conclusion to his rookie season will more than likely carry over in 2013, and the addition of Anquon Bolding won't hurt either.
Drew Brees - Sorry can't wait any longer on Brees.
ReplyDeleteAaron Rodgers - Almost a sure 15 + points every week.
Peyton Manning - Probably should be higher
Tom Brady - Seems to be drinking and dunking a lot.
Cam Newton - Must run in TDs to retain this value.
Matt Ryan - Virtual tie with Kaepernick.
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Looking back, Colin Kaepernick likely deserves to higher on this list
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