Raymond Ayala’s Top 20 Quarterbacks

1) Drew Brees (NO) – Brees has been a model of consistency since his time with the San Diego Chargers. Things have gotten even better in New Orleans, where Brees has found some great targets in Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, and Reggie Bush. Brees was able to throw for over 5,000 yards and 34 Touchdowns, and that was without any of those touchdowns going to Jeremy Shockey. Look for Brees to have a great season, and Brees should be the first quarterback taken in mixed leagues, in my honest opinion.
2) Peyton Manning (IND) – Manning continues to be the king of the quarterback crop, and was named NFL MVP last season. He losses Marvin Harrison, but that did not make a difference last year, so it probably will not this year. Look for Manning to put up even more Touchdowns then he did last season. Manning will probably be the first quarterback taken, though I think Brees will have the better year fantasy-wise.
3) Tom Brady (NE) – Brady was the most important player in most peoples 07-08 fantasy football campaign, taking home MVP honors after breaking the touchdown record. Last season Brady’s year was done by Game 1, as a leg injury ended his season. Now Brady steps back into the starter role with a different team that he must once again get used to. Still I would definetly say that he is good for 30 touchdowns this season, and the passing yards will be high as well. Brady will be selected in the late 2nd round, early 3rd round of most mixed drafts.
4) Kurt Warner (ARZ) – Warner did not lost any single player that contributed to an MVP-like season last year, even though Anquan Boldin is supposedly not happy with the organization. Warner will continue to put up the same numbers so long as he has Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin to throw to. While Warner is old and a risk, he is still an accurate quarterback who will deliver Touchdowns this season. Warner will most likely fall in the third-fourth round of most major drafts.
5) Philip Rivers (SD) – When the Chargers let Drew Brees walk after a monster season, people in San Diego became very skeptical of Phillip Rivers. After a season like he had last year though, the skeptics have been put to rest. Rivers is hot-headed, but it is just apart of his game. He will only get better with an improved Ladainan Tomlinson this season. Feel free to take Rivers in the first five rounds.
6) Tony Romo (DAL) – No more T.O., no more Jessica Simpson=no more tabloid spotlight distracting Romo. He has settled in quite nicely with his No. 1 Wide Receiver Roy Williams.
7) Aaron Rodgers (GB) – Last year was no fluke. Rodgers has but the Favre-era behind him for good in Green Bay, and he plans on proving it this season.
8) Carson Palmer (CIN) – Palmer will be out to show the world that he is 100% healthy this season, and Chad Ochocinco is still one of the best Wideout targets in the game.
9) Matt Ryan (ATL) – The rookie surprised many this season, achieving Rookie of the Year Honors in the process. He is the real deal and his numbers will increase by 10 in the touchdowns category.
10) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – The key to Roethlisberger’s season will be his usage of Santonio Holmes. If he uses him like he did in the Super Bowl, then the Steelers could be looking at another ring, and Ben could be looking at 5-10 more touchdowns this season.
11) Donovan McNabb (PHI) – Speed is the name of the Eagles game this year, and McNabb adds that aspect to the team. Will be one of the leaders in rushing yards for a QB, by seasons end.
12) Jay Cutler (CHI) – Trade to Wide-Receieverless Chicago hurts his fantasy value. Would not be more than a 2nd QB on my team.
13) Matt Cassell (KC) – Trade from New England hurts Cassell, but at least he has Dwayne Bowe on his team. If only Bowe would learn not to drop so many balls.
14) Chad Pennington (MIA) – Last year was a fluke for Pennington, as I expect him to be played less in favor of Chad Henne by seasons end. Pat White will also take away snaps from him
15) Trent Edwards (BUF) – Adding Terrell Owens will add TD’s to any quarterback’’s statline. Edwards ain’t to bad himself either though, he could be a breakout star this year.
16) Shaun Hill (SF) – Hill showed patience, as the 49ers opted for J.T. O’Sullivan to start last season. This year Singletary knows that the team is safe in the hands of Hill, especially when you have a running back of Frank Gore’s caliber.
17) Joe Flacco (BAL) – Flacco is improving and will suffer if Derrick Mason follows through with his retirement claims. I expect a big year out of Flacco though, especially with a year of experience under his belt.
18) Matt Hasselback (SEA) – The addition of T.J Houshmanzadeh to the already strong Nate Burleson, will equal some great stats for Hasselback this year. Only problem could be Seneca Wallace.
19) Jason Campell (WAS) – I think all the Brett Favre talk did to Campell was make him more inspired. I would be not surprised if he had a 20+ touchdown season this year.
20) Josh Freeman (TB) – It’s tough not to go with the proven veteran Jeff Garcia (OAK) here, but he plays for a terrible team. The Wide Receivers are set up for Freeman in Tampa Bay and he seems to be their long term option.