Top 15 QB Rankings (2019-2020)
Quarterbacks are always a topic of discussion amongst Fantasy Football lovers. It really depends on your league and its scoring. In ESPN standard scoring leagues, QBs are often not selected until the later rounds, even though they might end up being your highest scoring player at the end of the year. The reason for this is the quantity of excellent QBs that are in the game, along with the fact that most leagues have you only starting one QB per week. Throwing Patrick Mahomes aside, the next 8 best QBs in per game scoring was within 2.7 points of each other. You can spend an early round pick on Mahomes, who is no doubt a game changer every week, but the drop off from elite RBs/WRs is a much steeper cliff. It will be difficult for Mahomes, who averaged 26.1 points/game in ESPN standard scoring to recreate those video game type numbers, especially after DCs have a full year of tape to game plan against him.
Spend your early-mid draft selections on FLEX players, assuming standard scoring (PPR or not). Instead of spending a mid round pick on a superstar QB, grab a flex position that you know will have a role in an offense, because you can still find excellent value QBs at very late rounds. If you play in a league where passing TDs count for 6 points, or a league where you start 2 QBs/week, it is much more crucial to grab one of the top guys earlier.
1. Patrick Mahomes
The obvious first QB taken in every single fantasy draft this year. With a 50 TD 5000 yard performance last year, the only question is how far will some reach to grab the reincarnation of Brett Farve.
2. Andrew Luck
Coming off a full season without injury, Luck is poised for another great year. The Colts ranked 5th in PPG last year largely in part to their terrific passing game, which ranked 6th in Passing Yards/Game last year. With a young and improving offensive line, Luck should see unbreakable pass protection which will allow for his continued success along and health. Luck is no doubt one of the best fantasy QBs available.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Even in the down year most would say Rodgers had, the man still threw for over 4400 yards, 25 TDs and a mere 2 INTs! There was clearly turmoil in how the offense was conducted under Mike McCarthy. With new coach Matt LaFleur taking charge, look for Rodgers to seek vengeance on the NFL and return to premiere fantasy QB standing.
4. Drew Brees
Not much you have to explain about Drew Brees playing with Sean Payton. The two have proven to be a deadly pairing on the offensive side of the ball, and their fantasy ranks show just that. The man hasn’t totaled less than 4000 yards since 2005, and 2017 was the only year since 2007 that Brees hasn’t totaled 30 TDs. The epitome of fantasy consistency.
5. Russell Wilson
Even in the most run heavy offense of 2018, Wilson still found a way to throw for 35 TDs. Wilson also has averaged 5.75 rushing attempts/game, with an astounding 5.6 yards/rush. Even if he doesn’t score many rushing TDs, this volume helps solidify his presence as a QB1.
6. Cam Newton
Another great example of a dual threat QB. Cam averages 7.5 rush attempts/game and 5.2 yards/carry. While Cam has proven he can be a great thrower at times, the consistency isn’t always there. Where the bulk of his value lies in fantasy in his ability to score on the ground, which constitutes 6 fantasy points vs. the 4 points he would get through the air (Standard Scoring).
7. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben led the league in passing yards last year with 5,129, and with his best receiver gone, Roesthlisberger will be forced to be at his best. With all the drama hanging over the Steelers last year, Big Ben quietly ended as the 3rd best fantasy QB (standard scoring). Look for him to continue his statistical relevance, but will it be enough to propel the Steelers to contention again?
8. Deshaun Watson
With a full year of game play in 2018, Watson proved he can be a fantasy stud. He threw for 4,165 yards and 26 TDs with another 551 yards and 5 TDs on the ground. This stat line led him to be the #4 ranked QB in standard scoring, which should be an encouraging sign for years to come.
9. Carson Wentz
People forget that Wentz is only two years removed from an MVP campaign. With the QB situation in Philly stable now along with his full health, look for him to have a great comeback year.
10. Matt Ryan
2010 was the last year Matty Ice threw for less than 4000 yards. Ryan is a very solid fantasy option, although his TD total year to year is somewhat of a roller coaster. Ryan was 3rd in passing yards last year and tied for 3rd in throwing TDs. Oh, and playing in a dome 8 times per/year doesn’t hurt his stock either.
11. Baker Mayfield
Coming off of an impressive rookie season in which Mayfield broke the record for most passing TDs by a QB with 27, Mayfield is destined for a great career. In an offense loaded with talent, Mayfield should continue to blossom into a star this year. Mayfield will be a consistent fantasy QB for a long time.
12. Phillip Rivers
It is unfathomable that Rivers is still overshadowed after throwing for over 4000 yards in every season besides 1 since 2007. Rivers has always and will always be a gunslinger, which is the jackpot for any fantasy owner. He is always around the 30 TD mark as well, which means you absolutely know what you’re getting when you draft Rivers.
13. Jared Goff
Coming off two outstanding seasons with an average of 4200 passing yards and 30 TDs, Goff has proven that he can play at a high level in this league. Jeff (8-8) Fisher is digging in his grave after watching how Sean McVay transformed the U-Cal Berkeley talent. In the most high-powered, well run offense in the league, Goff is another great option at QB.
14. Kirk Cousins
Although his big-game performances are in question, there is no denying Cousins success behind center in his last four seasons. In each of the last four years, Kirk has topped 4000 passing yards and 29 TOT TDs. A steady fantasy option, but certainly not top tier.
15. Kyler Murray
The first and only real question mark of this list. With Kingsbury in charge, Murray will undoubtedly get his chance to shine this year, but just how bright? Murray’s throwing accuracy and power in overshadowed by his ability to run. He really has a great arm and the Cardinals will need all the offense they can get to stay competitive in the nasty NFC West.
