Summer is just about here. That means NFL Teams have taken a step closer to the beginning of the 2018 NFL Regular Season. For us NFL fantasy football players, it's important to start creating our lists. I've done just that with my Top 10 quarterbacks heading into the summer.
NFL Fantasy: Top 10 Fantasy Quarterbacks Heading into the Summer
1. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks haven't exactly solved their offensive line issues. That's a double-edged sword if you're a Russell Wilson fan. It means that the onus, again, will be on Russell to throw TD passes and rush the football into the end zone. Wilson could be a great fantasy QB this season because the offense will revolve around him.
However, that also means he could be running for his life on too many plays, throw errant passes that get picked off, or gets hurt after taking a big hit. Right now, Wilson is at the top of my QB list. He might not stay there after the summer, though.
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers should bounce back from his injury without any issues. He won't have Jordy Nelson to throw the football too. WR Davante Adams is a pretty good Plan B. Also, I believe RB Aaron Jones becomes a huge part of the Packers' offense this season. With Jones getting carries and catching the ball out of the backfield, Rodgers should stay out of trouble.
I believe that when he's healthy, he's still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
There was rumor that Brady hadn't decided to play this season. Although the rumor has died down some, there's still a chance that Terrific Tom doesn't lace them up for the Patriots. Without Tom Brady, New England's season is probably over before it started.
If Terrific Tom does play, he should be a Top 5 fantasy football quarterback again. Julian Edelman, Brady's favorite target, should be healthy while the Pats always find running backs that can catch the ball out of the backfield.
4. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Cam shows up fourth on my summer rankings. There's a big chance that he ends up falling past my Top 5, though. The reason I write that is because the Panthers used their Round 1 pick on a wide receiver, D.J. Moore. Although Carolina could use Moore, they could have used an interior lineman more, no pun intended. Cam must evade the rush up the middle because the defensive ends for Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans are talented.
We'll see how Cam's summer goes.
5. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
There's no reason to believe Wentz doesn't show up to training camp ready to roll. Wentz is the Philadelphia Eagles QB1. Although Nick Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, it's Wentz who helped Philly get to the best record in the NFC and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
Wentz had a breakout season last year. He was on his way to a possible NFL MVP before getting hurt. I believe Carson Wentz picks up this season where he left off last season. Plus, Philly's system requires their QB to throw at least 2 TD passes a game.
6. DeShaun Watson, Houston Texans
I'd rank him him in the Top 5 if I was positive he'll come back as strong as he was before the injury. Watson's a once in a lifetime QB talent. I thought he was the best QB going into the 2017 NFL Draft. He did nothing to prove me wrong in his rookie season.
If he looks great during the preseason, watch out. Watson might be the best fantasy quarterback this year. That's how awesome he was before he got hurt.
7. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Brees ranks slightly ahead of the Rams' Jared Goff. But, it's only slightly. Drew can still light it up with 500 passing yards and 4 TD passes on Sundays. These New Orleans Saints don't need Brees to do that every game, though. All they need Brees to do is get them in position so that one of their electrifying running backs, especially Alvin Kamara, can punch it into the end zone.
Don't get me wrong, if it's Round 4 in your NFL Draft and Drew Brees is still on the board, you had better consider drafting him. However, don't take him too early.
8. Jared Goff, L.A. Rams
The L.A. Rams are at 10 to 1 to win Super Bowl 53. Before last season, the Rams were around 100 to 1 to win Super Bowl 52. That's a huge drop in odds from one season to another. It turns out that both quarterbacks taken with picks 1 and 2 in the 2016 NFL Draft are adept at putting up huge fantasy football points.
I know that there's plenty of fantasy football fans who disagree with having Jared Goff in the Top 10. Think about it this way: Goff can throw the football to a bevy of pass catchers, including great RB Todd Gurley II. It's also Jared's second year in head coach Sean McVay's system. I think he has a monster season.
9. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
In 2017, Stafford threw for 29 TD passes and close to 4,450 yards. Those aren't blow you away stats. They're pretty good, though. What's really exciting about Detroit this season is that for the first time they've got a chance to field a good defense. That should help Detroit stay out of trouble, which means Stafford can run the offense more efficiently.
You should get at least the 29 TDs. You probably won't get the 4,450 yards. It won't matter. There are few quarterbacks in the NFL that produce on a weekly basis like Stafford. His consistency isn't bad, he could surprise you with a 400 yard 4 TD game once in a while, and if you draft Stafford, it won't be until Round 5 or so.
10. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck is my go for the bullseye QB in my Top 10. You remember Andrew Luck, right? The man who's barely played in the NFL the past couple of seasons? The Indianapolis Colts could have drafted any number of top QB draft prospects. Instead, they decided to stick with Luck.
That tells me Andrew's not only ready to go, he's going to play with a chip on his shoulder. The Colts drafted 2 guards, including Notre Dame player Quenton Nelson, 2 defensive ends, and an outside linebacker in their first 5 picks. Nelson was the Colts first pick. The other 4 picks were in Round 2. Indy sure is looking to bolster their pass rush on defense as well as protect Andrew Luck. Good signs if you're an Indianapolis Colts fan.
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