Early 2013 Fantasy Football Quarterback Ratings

Across the web, the first quarterback rankings are being posted in preparation for upcoming fantasy football mock drafts. At this early stage, it is mostly the hardcore fantasy owners who are starting to create their rankings. But it’s also these owners who are likely to win their leagues year after year.

With that said, here are some starting quarterback rankings for the 2013 fantasy football season:

1. Aaron Rogers: In all honesty, the top spot could have gone to Rodgers or Drew Brees. But we’re going with Rodgers at this early stage because of his coding skills and the implications surrounding Sean Payton’s return, which are outlined below.
2. Drew Brees: Technically, Brees put up the most fantasy points in 2012. His 432 total fantasy points they were slightly better than the Rodgers 420. However, coach Sean Payton has made it clear that in 2013 the team will return to the same style of football that helped them win the Superbowl. Because of this, he is outmatched by Rodgers, who will likely lead a high-powered passing attack once again.
3. Tom Brady: Brady has been one of the best fantasy performers for as long as I can remember and this year should be no different. Brady was third among quarterbacks in total fantasy points in 2012, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the top 5 again this year.
4. Peyton Manning: It’s safe to say that Payton’s first year in Denver was a success. If there were any naysayers left, Payton surely proved them wrong in 2012. In 2013 he’s looking to take the next step, and a strong WR corps should ensure he remains among the elite quarterbacks this year.
5. Matt Ryan: Ryan put on a show in 2012 and cemented himself among the best quarterbacks in the league. This will be his second season with Julio Jones and the addition of running back Steven Jackson can only help his cause.
6. Cam Newton: Since entering the league, Newton has consistently produced solid individual numbers. Carolina’s ongoing struggles will only mean Newton will throw the ball more often, which means he can expect top 10 numbers from Newton, regardless of how the rest of the team performs.
7. Tony Romeo: Romo has never become the elite QB that many thought he would be. But this offseason he got more support from owner Jerry Jones when he declared that Romo will play an even bigger role in the offense in 2012. At worst, he can expect top-10 numbers from Romo once again.
8. Colin Kaepernick: If ever there was a Cinderella story in 2012, it was Colin Kaepernick’s rise to fame as the 49ers’ starting quarterback. This is further proof that getting injured, even for a short time, could be very detrimental to his career as an NFL quarterback. Kaepernick has high expectations this year, but he can be confident that with his mobility he will finish in the top 10.
9. lucky Andrew: Luck redefined expectations of the rookie QB in 2012 when he quickly stepped into the starting role and led the Colts to the playoffs. Second-year slumps are common among quarterbacks, but Luck isn’t your typical quarterback. He should improve on his 2012 rank as the 10th-best fantasy QB.
10. Russell Wilson: Wilson was another rookie quarterback who stunned the fantasy world by leading his team to the playoffs (and winning). His numbers were very similar to Luck’s in 2012 and I also expect him to improve in 2013.

There’s a lot of time between now and the start of the 2013 fantasy football season, but it never hurts to get ahead of the competition. These QB ratings should get you started as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts.