After the first ten QBs fly off the board, it’s time to start looking for some mid-range value that can be efficient backups or week-to-week spot starters. Here are QBs 11-15.
Ryan has the tools around him to take the next step in 2012.
#11 Matt Ryan
Age: 27
Height: 6-5
Weight: 218
Bye Week:7
Keeper Status: Good
2011 Stats:
Passing Yards: 4,177 Rushing Yards: 84
Passing TDs: 29 INTs : 12 Rushing TDs: 2
2012 Projected Stats:
Passing Yards: 4,225 Rushing Yards: 53
Passing TDs: 31 INTs : 15 Rushing TDs: 1
Positive: “Matty Ice” is poised to have the best statistical season of his career along with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones. Ryan is approaching that age where QBs enter their prime and it looks like Atlanta is leaning away from the running game to lean on Ryan’s arm.
Negative: Despite all of Ryan’s upside, it’s not completely out of the question that he might have another unexciting season. Ryan has never been now to bomb the ball down field and despite being efficient; he doesn’t rack up a lot of yards. Also, if the Falcons are going rely more on the passing game in 2012, you can expect an increse in INTs.
There's reason to believe that Cutler will have his best season yet.
#13 Jay Cutler
Age: 29
Height: 6-3
Weight: 225
Bye Week: 6
Keeper Status: Good
2011 Stats:
Passing Yards: 2,319 Rushing Yards: 55
Passing TDs: 13 INTs : 7 Rushing TDs: 1
2012 Projected Stats:
Passing Yards: 4104 Rushing Yards: 101
Passing TDs: 29 INTs : 16 Rushing TDs: 1
Positive: Recovered from a thumb injury, Cutler is poised to have the best season of his career. Reuniting with fellow former Bronco Brandon Marshall will be huge for both parties and rookie Alshon Jeffrey looks like his fitting in well with the Bears system. Plus, no more Mike Martz means no more 12-step drops behind a leaky O-line.
Negative: With Mike Tice taking over the offense, there could be a lot more running with Matt Forte and Michael Bush and even with quicker passing plays, Cutler could still be running for his life at times.
There are no more excuses in 2012, which could be a "do or die" season for Freeman.
#12 Josh Freeman
Age: 24
Height: 6-6
Weight: 248
Bye Week: 5
Keeper Status: OK
2011 Stats:
Passing Yards: 3,592 Rushing Yards: 238
Passing TDs: 16 INTs : 22 Rushing TDs: 4
2012 Projected Stats:
Passing Yards: 3,745 Rushing Yards: 205
Passing TDs: 26 INTs : 19 Rushing TDs: 3
Positive: Bringing in Vincent Jackson will certainly give Freeman the big target he has been waiting for and if he plays up to his potential, he could be a fantasy sleeper yet again.
Negative: Freeman had a stinker of a season last year and if Jackson and fellow reveiver Mike Williams get lethargic (which they can be at times), Freeman could have another frustrating campaign.
Schaub is too "high risk, high reward" for some.
#14 Matt Schaub
Age: 31
Height: 6-5
Weight: 237
Bye Week: 8
Keeper Status: Poor
2011 Stats:
Passing Yards: 2,479 Rushing Yards: 9
Passing TDs: 15 INTs : 6 Rushing TDs: 2
2012 Projected Stats:
Passing Yards: 3,898 Rushing Yards: 24
Passing TDs: 25 INTs : 11 Rushing TDs: 0
Positive: Schaub efficiency is one of his best attribute; having a career completion percentage of nearly 65 percent. If he is healthy, Schaub can be a very productive fantasy QB with Andre Johnson at his disposal.
Negative: There are a lot of red flags surrounding Schaub. If it’s not the injury bug that deters you, it could be that the Texans are the best running team in the league.
At only 24, Dalton could already be at the crossroads of his fantasy football career.
#15 Andy Dalton
Age: 24
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Bye Week: 8
Keeper Status: Good
2011 Stats:
Passing Yards: 3,398 Rushing Yards: 152
Passing TDs: 20 INTs : 13 Rushing TDs: 1
2012 Projected Stats:
Passing Yards: 3,789 Rushing Yards: 201
Passing TDs: 26 INTs : 15 Rushing TDs: 2
Positive: Dalton could take a large step forward this year with his biggest weapon AJ Green. The second-year QB had an impressive rookie campaign and adding rookie receiver Mohamed Sanu and running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis should only help Dalton continue to grow.
Negative: While a sophomore slump isn’t likely, Dalton gives hints that he could be “Joe Flacco-ish” at times. While he is talented and could lead the Bengals to victory, he might bury your fantasy team from time to time.
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Written by John Buffone
John was born in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. He attended Clarion University and received a degree in Mass Media Arts and Journalism. He currently hosts "The Sports Zone with John Buffone" on AM 1380 WTYM in Kittanning, PA. John is also a sports columnist for the Kittanning Paper and a contributor to Examiner.com, and CatholicSportsJournal.com.
