Image via Wikipedia
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB – The Super Bowl Champion is back and stronger than ever. His receiving corps remains intact and TE Jermichael Finley is healthy again. He’s the top fantasy football QB in 2011.
2. Michael Vick, Phi – He’s a dangerous passing threat, with excellent threats at the skill positions, and a running threat, who can score from nearly anywhere on the field. That adds up to a lot of fantasy points.
3. Drew Brees, NO – The Saints offense is as explosive as ever and will continue to pass first with Sean Payton calling plays.
4. Tom Brady, NE – Brady’s supporting cast now includes Chad Ochocinco which will make it more difficult for opposing defenses. 2010 will be a tough effort to duplicate but expect another top 5 fantasy football season from Brady.
5. Peyton Manning, Ind – Manning posted strong numbers even though he was without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie for most of the season. With their return to the mix, expect Peyton to continue being Peytonesque.
6. Phillip Rivers, SD – Vincent Jackson is back from the get go and San Diego will be throwing a lot. Look for Rivers to have another stellar season playing against a less than formidable AFC West.
7. Matt Schaub, Hou – Schaub comes off a 4,370 yard, 24 TD season and is still on the ascending in his career. Look for a similar effort in 2011.
8. Tony Romo, Dal – The biggest question is will he stay healthy. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal and some game breakers at the receiver position.
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit – He’ll play a full season in 2011 and the Steelers have patched up some of their offensive line woes. Expect Ben to be up to his old tricks and another quality fantasy season to be the final result.
10. Matt Ryan, Atl – The Falcons were aggressive in the NFL Draft and moved up to land WR Julio Jones to go with WR Roddy White. Look Ryan’s numbers to be even more impressive in 2011.
11. Eli Manning, NYG – Manning’s young receivers are some of the best in the league and Kevin Gilbride loves to pass. Look for another 4,000 yard season with 25+ TDs.
12. Joe Flacco, Bal – OC Cam Cameron leans on the pass to fuel his offense and Flacco executes it well. He’ll be firing once again.
13. Josh Freeman, TB – The 3rd year signal caller made huge strides in 2010. Most of that success came from facing a last place schedule and we feel things won’t be so smooth this year. He’s still a solid No. 2 and with further progression could be an every week starter.
14. Jay Cutler, Chi – His second year in Mike Martz offense will yield results in fantasy football. Martz loves to pass and Cutler can wing it.
15. Sam Bradford, Stl – His rookie year was nothing short of sensational and a step forward in year two should be expected.
16. Matt Stafford, Det – It’s pick your poison here. If healthy, he has the supporting cast to light up the fantasy tote board. It’s the staying healthy part that’s been tricky…
17. Kevin Kolb, Arz – Nearly any QB can succeed with Larry Fitzgerald on the outside. We expect Kolb to thrive in the Cardinals system in 2011.
18. Mark Sanchez, NYJ – The 3rd year is usually when QB’s take a huge step forward. The Jets have placed more than enough talent for Sanchez to succeed.
19. Matt Cassel, KC – 2010 was a solid season for Cassel. He’ll be a viable No. 2 option once again.
20. Donovan McNabb, Min – The loss of Sidney Rice hurts the Vikings passing game but McNabb still has options. He’s no more than a No. 2 at this point in his career but is a viable fill in when your every game starter has a bye.
