Fantasy football position rankings: Top 5 QBs

As the NFL preseason approaches, so does the draft day for fantasy football leagues everywhere. With that, it is important to all owners to have the information to help plan out a draft. So Informed and Unfiltered is here to break down all the text into the top five players at each position using ESPN's player rankings.
Before we get into that, let's go over a couple of things.
Number one: fantasy football is unpredictable. Surprises happen all of the time so the experts try to tell you what they think is probable. Berry said that nobody saw Kirk Cousins being a better player than Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck, but it happened in fantasy football last year.
Number two: The rankings is specifically for a standard league so those of you in a point per reception league must dig a little deeper.
So now that you are a little prepared, we will basically go down the draft sheet from top to bottom. That means quarterbacks will be first today. The list will be a top five with five honorable mentions. You will have to find more details on honorable mentions on your own time.

No. 5 QB: Tom Brady

Despite being out for the first four games of the season, Tom Brady is projected as a No. 5 fantasy quarterback. Photo from downtrend.com

It is pretty unbelievable to think that Brady could be in the top five of Berry's rankings since he is missing the first fours weeks, but before we go there let's look at 2015 first. Of the top performers in fantasy last year, Brady had 4,770 pass yards (only Drew Brees had more), 36 touchdowns, seven interceptions and had a total of 335 points (good for second of all fantasy players).
Brady's suspension could be a spark for revenge that could make him still be in the top five, but of course it would take some serious production to get higher than five, but this ranking is plausible.
If his yards drop by 1,000 and his touchdowns drop by eight, that is still good enough to be top 10. I am not buying this ranking personally, but even a top 10 quarterback is good enough to be competitive.
Brady's 2016 projections are 3,324 pass yards, 26 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 229 points. Good for eighth of all quarterbacks.
Drafting Brady before the fourth round is a reach in my opinion, so try to take him anywhere from fifth to seventh. Of course this would depend on how many teams are in your respective league.

No. 4 QB: Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has been a solid fantasy quarterback since his rookie year, but there could be some questions on Wilson's production with Marshawn Lynch's retirement. Photo from sportsonearth.com

 Wilson has been an nothing but productive, and he had a phenomenal 2015 since he was the third best fantasy player. Wilson threw for 4,024 yards, 34 touchdowns (third most), eight interceptions and 322 points. Fantasy owners also get a juicy bonus from Wilson as he ran for 553 yards.
Now any person who pays attention to the NFL can tell you Wilson benefited from having Marshawn Lynch in his backfield. Defenses had to respect Lynch as a threat and it helped open up the rest of the offense for Wilson. That said, Wilson still had to make plays; and he did.
Wilson's 2016 projections are 3,689 pass yards, 34 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 495 rush yards and 302 points. Some of these numbers are down, but Wilson could be a top three quarterback according to ESPN.
Looking at these numbers still makes me wonder if it is realistic or if Wilson is actually due for a bad year.
Wilson does not have to be a pick earlier than the third round depending on the size of the league, and could be available in most 10 or 12 team leagues by the fourth round.

No. 3 QB: Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck is coming off of an injury-plagued 2015, and the weight will still be on his shoulders to lead the Colts to the playoffs in 2016. Photo from nytimes.com

Let's face it; Luck had a horrendous 2015. He played in seven of the nine games the Colts had before their bye week, and never came back as he sat the rest of the season out.
But Luck deserves a pass for that because his offensive line did him no favors, and the Colts use a vertical passing offense so he was running for his life. He also threw a lot of interceptions (12), but to be clear he had no time to let plays develop.
You try playing with a lacerated kidney and see what happens. You probably would not even get on the field. Luck played a few games with it.
It is safe to expect more than 15 touchdowns from Luck as long as he stays healthy, but the interceptions will have you pulling your hair out.
Luck is still worth the risk though because his 2016 projections justify it. ESPN estimates 4,207 pass yards, 33 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, 265 rush yards and 292 points.
Do not be surprised if Luck can cut down on the interceptions and add more rushing yards/touchdowns for some extra value.
Still, it may be wise to not take Luck earlier than the fourth round (depending on the league). Waiting later would be risky, but there may be some who will not want to risk investing their QB 1 slot on him. Maybe someone will get lucky (no pun intended, seriously).

No. 2 QB: Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL and in fantasy football. 2015 was a tough year without his favorite target Jordy Nelson, but Nelson is ready for 2016. Photo from sportsrapport.com

Rodgers has been a perennial top quarterback pick in fantasy football for several years, and it is no secret that he is considered to be one of the best in the NFL.
2015 was a difficult season for Rodgers as the biggest news of the preseason was Jordy Nelson's injury that kept him out the whole regular season.
Rodgers was ranked seventh of fantasy quarterbacks with 3,821 pass yards, 31 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 344 rush yards and 286 points. And that was a down year for the all-pro.
His favorite target (Nelson) is back, Eddie Lacy is expected to have better year after dropping some weight and that is enough to help Rodgers in his 2016 fantasy campaign.
There are some questions about the offensive line, but they have been there for years past and Rodgers still found a way to produce.
His 2016 projections show 4,236 pass yards, 33 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 238 rush yards and 312 points. Those extra points will help anybody who drafts Rodgers to win every week (and maybe a shot at a league championship.
If there is any doubt Rodgers cannot live up to the expectations they would be injury related.
The guy is very reliable, so if you have him on your draft board make sure to not let him go to the third round in your league.

No. 1 QB: Cam Newton

Cam Newton proved that he deserves to be in the conversation of top quarterback in the NFL and in fantasy football with his 2015 season. Can he improve -- or at least repeat -- his MVP season?

Newton was unbelievable last season, and the Panthers are hoping there is more where that came from.
Last year's MVP also ended the drought of Heisman underachievers -- at least the ones who won it before him. The verdict is not in the ones who won after him yet.
Newton's 2015 delivered 3,837 pass yards, 45 touchdowns (10 rushing), 10 interceptions, 636 rush yards and the most points of any fantasy player (373).
Matching those numbers will be tough -- especially the rushing touchdowns -- but it does not mean it is impossible. His physical prowess is obvious, and he showed he can make he offensive teammates better.
I am no longer a doubter, but even if his points take a 50 point dip a fantasy team can still win with Newton as QB 1.
ESPN's 2016 projections for Newton include 3,781 pass yards, 34 touchdowns (5 rushing), 13 interceptions, 682 rushing yards and 335 points.
Newton will be like every other top fantasy player coming off of a season like the year before. He will be highly coveted, and will be on every person's draft board.
I would not recommend picking him in the first round, but someone in your league will -- and it is logical. It is truly a judgment call for every person drafting.

*Honorable mentions for quarterbacks 6-10 include Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers

Tom Brady's submission is not a guilty admission

New England's quarterback Tom Brady ended his fight against the NFL with a loss, and he is not used to losing.
He's been a target of the league for several months after the DeflateGate scandal that still has no conclusion, but needed a scapegoat.
Might as well be Tom as the league looked like amateur night trying to find out how deflated footballs were in the Patriots' equipment.
The league took its time trying to find any evidence that proved Brady to be involved in the controversial game that eventually led to a championship.
In my opinion, they failed. And they knew it.
The NFL behaved liked the scorned ex-girlfriend who was ready to claim their relationship was never fulfilling.
It constantly pushed to get Brady at any cost; even if it meant looking foolish and appearing babyish.
In the end, the NFL got what they wanted, even if it meant assassinating one of the greatest stars the league has.
Cheating was the No. 1 claim of this situation, but cheating happens on every play.
The league wants you to believe that Brady cheated by having footballs that were below league standards for PSI, but Aaron Rodgers expressed his desire to have footballs that were over the PSI limit.
Has he been investigated? The answer is no.
The NFL needed a scapegoat, much like MLB needed Alex Rodriguez to be the fall guy for P.E.D. use.

Photo by cbssports.com - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it his career goal to take down Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. In the end, all he did was hurt the shield.

The NFL has prided itself on being the most progressive league in professional sports, but this comes across as a pissing contest that Goodell was not willing to lose.
Be careful players. The league made a line. And what was traditionally practiced and preached will no longer be tolerated. DO NOT CHEAT...

Broncos, Manning head to second Super Bowl in three years

Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (No. 18) will make his fourth Super Bowl appearance and is the first quarterback in league history to take more than one team to multiple Super Bowls.

    The Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning have life in them yet, and they will make an appearance in Super Bowl L to face the Carolina Panthers on Feb. 7 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
    Denver defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick 20-18 in another chapter of the Manning versus Brady rivalry.
    It will be Manning's fourth trip to the Super Bowl, and he has a chance to even his record to 2-2 and get a second ring should he and the Broncos win.
    Manning was far from spectacular by any stretch throwing for 176 yards and two touchdowns, but Brady was worse as the 4-time champion threw for 310 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the losing effort.
    The loss also marks the third time Manning has gotten the better of Brady in postseason play as Manning is now 3-0 since 2006 when going against Brady, and no other quarterback has as many playoff wins versus Brady. In AFC championship games, Manning has a career record of 4-1, but the elusive second Super Bowl ring is the next target in his cross-hairs at this stage in his illustrious 18-year career.
    "It's been a unique season," Manning said. "And this game today was a unique game."
    Manning has been known as an offensive stat machine, but at this point in his career he has been more of a game-manager as his physical skills have deteriorated since undergoing multiple surgeries during the 2011 season; his final season with the Indianapolis Colts.
    The No. 1 ranked (in defensive efficiency) Bronco defense -- led by Von Miller -- was the difference-maker of the game as Brady was under duress through all four quarters. Brady was hit a season-high 23 times, and he had not been hit more than 12 times in a single game during the regular season going into Sunday's game.
    In Brady's defense, the Patriots led the league with 37 starting combinations on their offensive line throughout the entire 2015 season, and that lack of continuity would affect any quarterback regardless of how much success was accomplished.
    Turnovers were also a factor as Brady threw two interceptions in the first half. In four of the last five playoff games, Brady has thrown an interception. This season when the Broncos have multiple takeaways, they are 7-1 and 7-0 when they win the turnover battle.
    Denver also saw something from Manning they had not seen very much this season. Going into the game, Manning had one touchdown pass at home. In the first half alone, Manning had thrown two to tight end Owen Daniels.
    "He's going to do what he has to do to win," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's one of the greatest competitors ever in this league."
    Another reason why the rivalry between Manning and Brady has an impressive history is because both quarterbacks hold career playoff records. Brady is first all-time in starts (30), passing yards (7.647), and passing touchdowns (55) while Manning is second with 25 starts and 7.022 passing yards and ranks fourth with 38 passing touchdowns.
    Speculation throughout the league is that this may be Manning's final season, and he will get one more chance to leave his postseason legacy on a high note following the 43-8 loss in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. Plus, Manning has an opportunity to be the oldest (39 years) quarterback to win a Super Bowl since John Elway.

*All information was borrowed from espn.com, @ESPNStatsInfo, @MarkMaske, @WillReeveJr and @Zaclee_nyc
 

Peanut butter and jelly: NFC and AFC championships

Photos (from top left clockwise) by seattletimes.com, nfl.com, charlotteobserver.com and zimbio.com

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    For nearly every football fan, the Super Bowl is the most important game of the entire season, but at times that is the game that has let NFL fans down with large margins of victory. Some would argue that the best games are in the round before the Super Bowl; the week of both the NFC and AFC conference championship games. This is the week that will tell fans what to expect come Feb. 7 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. 

    In 2016, the NFL has the top two seeds from both conferences meeting to compete for an opportunity at winning a Super Bowl since 2004. In the NFC, the Carolina Panthers will host the Arizona Cardinals for a rematch between two teams that met in the wild card round in the 2015 playoffs. The AFC will feature another chapter in the Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning saga that may be the denouement of this well-marketed rivalry between two sure-fire hall of fame players.

    Carolina is a team that despite only losing once in their last 17 games is somewhat of a dichotomy. It is not necessarily a polarizing effect, but the consensus is that the Panthers are the favorites against the thought that they are a product of a weak schedule. Carolina has done what has been asked of them; beat whomever your opponent is. The sample size is there and the mid-term exam (as far as importance goes) was passed when the Panthers defeated the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round last week.

    The Arizona Cardinals have also been an unpredictable team, but mostly because of the history of the franchise. Ever since the Cardinals moved to Arizona, it has been a laughingstock of poor management up until the time the organization opened their new stadium in 2006 to spark excitement in the fan base. This season has been the best in franchise history as the team has a top offense and defense, and it was the most wins for the organization since moving to Arizona in 1988.

    The Panthers' strengths are their ability to run the football with Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert as well as their stellar defensive play anchored by Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman. Newton is the star and face of the franchise, but this game will determine if doubters will either buy, question or sell Newton. Arizona is a team that is not afraid to throw the ball downfield, and use numerous defensive packages to pressure opposing quarterbacks with the likes of Calais Campbell, Deone Bucannon and Patrick Peterson. The theme of this game may just be, "who will make more mistakes." Many will look to see if Newton can pull off the big win against another tough opponent, and others may be cheering for veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to chase down that elusive Super Bowl ring some thought he could have won in 2009.

    On the AFC side, the New England Patriots will visit the Denver Broncos, and Brady and Manning have been and will be the focus of the game. It will mark the 17th time the two have competed against each others respective teams, and it will be the fifth time the two future hall of fame quarterbacks will try to eliminate one another from advancing in postseason play (it is 2-2 as of now). Both quarterbacks are not what they once were, but Manning has been the target in an onslaught of criticism since his health has deteriorated over the last few years. Brady has faced questions of his viability as recently as last season, but another Super Bowl victory over Seattle silenced some of those critics for now.

    The Broncos have arguably the best defense in the NFL as they allow the fewest points and create pressure with a front seven that many would say is also the best. Brady can still be a very dangerous passer, especially when he has his favorite targets on the field to force opposing defenses to respect the Patriots' attack. Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman are key to how much success the offensive unit may or may not have. New England are also weak at offensive line as they have used the most starting offensive lineup combinations in the league, but Manning faces a similar red flag with opposing defenses pressuring the Denver offensive line to force Manning to make plays.

    New England is not really a team to have a philosophy that continually is in their game plan. The Patriots play football like a game of poker; they do not play the cards they play the man. Head coach Bill Belichick devises a game plan that is all about taking advantage of weaknesses or mistakes he finds by studying opponents. Denver is a more formulaic offense now that Manning is not as dangerous as he was in his prime. The Broncos have used a running attack that is designed to relieve some of the pressure from Manning. Eyes will be on whether Manning can make throws on critical downs in cold weather in the high-pressured moments that are expected in the playoffs.

    

    Predictions: The Cardinals and Panthers have been playing complete football as both have been able to score and prevent scoring from the opposition. Weather will be a factor for both teams as winter storm Jonas will affect the passing game. Arizona will struggle if they cannot at least have balance, but Carolina very well could lean on their running game since that is what they do best. Because both defenses are dangerous, this game very well could be low-scoring. I did pick Arizona to go to the Super Bowl (via Twitter), and though I am less certain, I will still stick with the Cardinals to win 20-16. (Carolina is favored on most betting lines at -3)

                          New England and Denver is a less intimidating match in my opinion because I am one of the doubters of Manning's arm strength. Denver's defense has also raised a question in me that maybe there is a vulnerability since Pittsburgh was able to put a scare into the Broncos in the divisional round a week ago. Picking against Brady and Belichick is not something I can have much confidence in. I do not expect New England to have much difficulty scoring somewhere around 27 points, but I am not sure Manning can help the Broncos score as much as 20 points in this match up. I did pick New England to go to the Super Bowl as well so I will be comfortable to stick with the Patriots winning 30-20. (New England is favored on most betting lines at -3)