Quarterbacks

Indianapolis Colts
Comment: The undisputed king of quarterbacks, Manning passed for 4,397 yards and 31 TDs to just 9 interceptions last season. Look for him to post similar numbers in 2007: Manning has eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark seven out of his last eight seasons and averaged over 30 TDs during that span. Over the course of his 10-year career Manning has yet to miss a game due to injury. Manning is a special quarterback that deserves consideration as the first possible pick in all fantasy drafts, but especially in leagues where TD passes count as six points.

New England Patriots
Comment: Although his numbers were down last year, the Patriots have added a host of experienced new recievers for Brady. And he’ll use them all. Randy Moss, Donte’ Stallworth and Wes Welker join an already solid cast. With a deep threat such as Moss on the field, expect Brady to put up numbers closer to 2005 when he threw for 4,110 yards and 26 TDs. Just as in real life, Brady can be a championship-calibre quarterback for any fantasy team.

Cincinatti Bengals
Comment: After undergoing major surgery on his left knee, Palmer defied expectations last season by playing in all 16 games for the Bengals. He was second only to Manning with 28 TDs while he threw for over 4,000 yards. With increased confidence in his knee and a strong pocket presence, he is poised to challenge Manning for the title of best QB in the league this season. Palmer leads an underrated offense that boasts both Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and at the age of 27 he is just entering his prime. Palmer will be one of the first QBs off the board in almost all fantasy leagues.

New Orleans Saints
Comment: Brees has thrived in New Orleans. Last year, he led the league in passing with 4,418 yards as he carried his team to a 10-6 record. Coming off a dislocated elbow suffered during last year’s Pro Bowl, Brees will be hard-pressed to exceed last season’s numbers; fantasy owners should expect a slight dip in his overall yards. But the 26 TDs he threw last year shouldn’t be hard to match. One of the Top 3 fantasy QBs last season, Brees will make an early exit off most draft boards.

Philadelphia Eagles
Comment: Before McNabb went down with a knee injury last season, he was playing the best football of his career. Routinely throwing for over 250 yards a game and posting multiple touchdowns in nine of his first 11 contests, McNabb was on pace to reach 4,500 yards and 37 TDs. If he can remain healthy throughout the season, he will be a consistent threat and a strong consideration of a high pick. Reports from training camp have him healthy and ready to go for this season — just make sure to pick up a suitable backup in case of injury.

St. Louis Rams
Comment: Under the direction of new coach Scott Linehan, Bulger had a breakout season and posted career highs across the board. With new additions Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael joining an already potent Rams offense, there is no reason to expect Bulger can’t repeat last year’s successes. St. Louis went 8-8 last year, but are poised to make a push for a playoff run. If this is the case, fantasy owners can expect Bulger to thrive as he carries his team towards a playoff berth with another 4,000-yard season.

Seattle Seahawks
Comment: Hasselbeck had a disappointing 2006 campaign. A weak offensive line, coupled with injuries, helped to limit Hasselbeck to under 2,500 passing yards for the first time since 2001. But with Shaun Alexander returning to the lineup and a set of talented wideouts for Hasselbeck to choose from, expect him to put up over 3,000 yards and 23 TDs. If Alexander can return to his pre-injury form, then the Seahawks mightbe more conservative with their passing game. Consider that before drafting Hasselbeck.

San Diego Chargers
Comment: In his first full year as a starter, Rivers posted some pretty impressive stats as he led his team to an NFL-best 14-2 record. Expect Rivers to put up even bigger numbers than last year (3,388 yards and 22 TDs) under new coach Norv Turner. The Chargers are loaded with talent from top to bottom, and playing alongside LaDainian Tomlinson, will only open up more opportunities for the this young signal caller. Rivers’ best years are still to come.

Dallas Cowboys
Comment: Romo earned a starting position last year after Bledsoe failed to live up to Bill Parcells’ high expectations. And Romo ignited a stagant Cowboys team and led them to the playoffs. With several weapons on offense that include Terrell Owens and a loaded backfield, Romo has plenty to work with. Fantasy owners should expect somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,500 yards and 20 TDs from Romo. The only blemish on Romo’s otherwise solid campaign — the Cowboys closed out the season 1-3. Still, fantasy owners should consider Romo a legitimate top-flight quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals
Comment: After a successful rookie season, Leinart should continue to impress and improve. With Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald on the field, Leinart will have as talented a set of receivers as any team in football. And with an offense-oriented new coach in Ken Wisenhunt, Leinart can only improve in his first full season as a starter. Shades of Dan Marino anyone?

New York Giants
Comment: This year will be a defining one for the younger Manning. New York collapsed down the stretch last year, leading critics to label Manning as a second-tier QB. Like his older brother, Eli has the potential to be one of the game’s top passers. Tiki Barber’s departure won’t help him any. And he still throws too many picks. But Manning possesses all the tools of a star. He did throw for over 3,000 yards and 24 TDs last season. Expect him to post similar numbers and to cut down on the turnovers, making him a good fantasy choice for the middle rounds.

Tennesee Titans
Comment: Last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Young has all the skills neccessary to become a fantasy titan. Whether he can harness them in 2007 is another story. Last season, Young rushed for over 500 yards to go along with 2,100 passing yards, helping him to resemble the explosive Michael Vick. He rushed and threw his way to 19 TDs last year and is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. Will this translate into fantasy success? While he still has a lot of room for growth, Young’s inherent athleticism should make him a solid fantasy option.

Detroit Lions
Comment: In his first season with the Lions, the 34-year-old Kitna showed he still had a lot of gas in the tank, throwing for 4,200 yards and 23 TDs. While Kitna will be hard-pressed to repeat his career performance from last year, 3,000 yards and 20-plus TDs is not out of reach. Top pick Calvin Johnson can only help. If anything, fantasy owners should be more concerned with the 22 interceptions and 9 fumbles Kitna committed last season. If he focuses on cutting down turnovers, Kitna could be a good option.

Denver Broncos
Comment: The Broncos hope the future is now with their franchise quarterback. In five starts last year, Cutler threw multiple TDs four times and passed for 1,000 yards. Cutler is bound to make his share of mistakes as the season progresses, but his upside is limitless. Fantasy owners can pencil in 3,000 plus yards and 20 TDs without worry — this guy will deliver.

Green Bay Packers
Comment: Returning for his 17th NFL season, this sure-fire Hall of Famer no longer a fantasy elite player. But Favre should still be considered a solid No. 2 quarterback in any league. His 3,885 yards last season shows his durability. Yet the 1:1 touchdown to turnover ratio causes some concern. Favre will throw for similar yardage this year, but can he keep his turnovers down? Draft accordingly.

Buffolo Bills
Comment: Losman finished the season on a tear: 623 yards and 6 TDs in the last three weeks of the regular season. Expect this type of torrent play to carry over into next season and consider picking up Losman as a guy who can not only be a backup, but occassionally start. Losman is still young and will continue to improve. Consistancy will be the only question mark.

San Francisco 49ers
Comment: The 49ers have to be excited about this young star, who in his second season has already shown marked improvement. With a strong arm and good instincts, Smith has the chance to explode for a San Francisco team that added back Frank Gore to the mix. Expect Smith to post career highs across the board and finish with 3,000 yards and 20 TDs.

Washington Redskins
Comment: Campbell took over as starter over the last seven games, performing admirably despite only winning twice. Now locked into the starting role, this second-year QB will be given the time and space to improve for a rebuilding Redskins team. Campbell is worth a flyer in the later rounds. With his potential for a breakout season, if he’s available late in the draft, this is a guy you want to grab.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Comment: After playing for four teams in as many seasons, Garcia may have found a home with team No. 5. This veteran QB could very well re-ignite his career in Tampa and should be considered late round sleeper. After taking the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs in Donavan McNabb’s absence last year, Garcia has to be excited about the opportunity to start. If so, this 37-year-old might start playing like he’s 27 again.

Kansas City Chiefs
Comment: When Trent Green went down with an injury last season, Huard shined in his place. In 10 games as starter, Huard threw for almost 1,900 yards. With Green out the mix, Huard has the chance to star. Take Huard in the later rounds and hope he can produce with an average receiving corps. At least he has Tony Gonzalez.

Carolina Panthers
Comment: Delhomme had a dissapointing 2006 season despite throwing for 2,800 yards and 17 TDs. At 32, Delhomme produced career lows for the Panthers — partially due to an injured thumb. The absence of Steve Smith for several weeks didn’t help. Carolina signed David Carr as an insurance policy and drafted a big target in USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett. He’ll have a short hook if he doesn’t connect early.

Miami Dolphins
Comment: After getting dealt by the Kansas City Chiefs to Miami and displacing Daunte Culpepper, Green looks to return to football in better shape than last season. An opening day concussion left Green in a haze for the rest of the season. Although Culpepper is gone, Miami drafted John Beck in the second round and new coach Cam Cameron has a rebuilding job on his hands. Green could thrive or he could give way to Beck at some point. The situation is murky at this point.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Comment: Leftwich’s stock has slowly fallen in Jacksonville. Over the past four seasons, he has played progressively less due to injuries and other factors. Expect this season to be no different: Jacksonville is reportedly interested in acquiring a rehabbed Daunte Culpepper. Leftwich came into the league an amazing talent and showed some early signs of greatness, however it remains to be seen if he can put it all together and give the Jaguars a full season of consistant football.

Cleveland Browns
Comment: Although he seemingly possesses all the tools for success, Frye has only shown occasional flashes of brilliance. With Brady Quinn pushing to play, the pressure is on Frye to perform. Last season, he had 24 turnovers compared with only 10 TDs. And while he should improve, don’t expect any great leaps from Frye.

Chicago Bears
Comment: When Grossman opened last season with 10 TDs in five starts, it appeared as though he had finally developed into the quarterback the Bears thought he could be. Then Rex regressed, throwing more interceptions (17) than TDs (13) over the remainder of the season. Grossman, only 27, took his team to the Super Bowl. Perhaps he can finally turn that corner and be the kind of fantasy player that owners drool over. But right now, he’s a risky pick.