👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Rankings Analysis - Quarterback

Hey Rotoballers! The start of the NFL season is right around the corner at this point. With several drafts likely scheduled for Labor Day weekend, or even next week leading up to next Thursday's New England Patriots-Kansas City Chiefs opener, the rankers here at Rotoballer have made some final tweaks to their rankings.

That said, it is time to take a closer look at the quarterback rankings to decide who is ranked properly, who is ranked too high, and who is ranked too low.

Check out all of RotoBaller's 2017 fantasy football rankings here. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Final Update: 2017 Quarterback Rankings

Tier One

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Not exactly a surprise here as Aaron Rodgers remains in a tier all by himself. The Green Bay signal caller is among the most consistent fantasy assets in the game and is a lock to throw for over 4,000 yards along with 30-40 touchdowns. The only question when it comes to Rodgers is whether you are willing to spend the draft capital it takes to get him on your roster.

 

Tier Two

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

It's fitting that Brady and Brees wind up in the same tier. Both are getting up there in years, but they also continue to prove that they are elite quarterbacks year in and year out. I agree with Brady being ranked over Brees here, mostly because Brees has been less consistent on the road over the past few seasons and there's a chance the Saints run a more balanced offense than they have in the past. Even without Julian Edelman, Brady could be primed for a career year in New England with new Patriot Brandin Cooks and a fully healthy Rob Gronkowski to target.

 

Tier Three

1. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Ryan is ranked a bit high for my tastes. He is coming off of a career year in which everything seemed to go right for the Falcons. That is everything up until the second half of the Super Bowl. Ryan threw for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions in a career year. He bounced back in a big way from a disappointing 2015 season which saw him pass for 4,591 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Personally, I don't think he's as bad as he was in 2015 but I also don't think he's as good as he was last year. Expect him to fall somewhere in the middle, which puts him below several other quarterbacks in my book.

 

Tier Four

1. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
2. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
3. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Look for Wilson to take a big step forward after a disappointing 2016 season. He played most of the year on an injured ankle, which compromised his signature running ability. That ate into his rushing production, which was the lowest he's posted since becoming Seattle's starting quarterback. Fully healthy and working with an underrated receiving corps, Wilson has the ability to be a top-three fantasy quarterback. Carr is steady and is ranked fairly considering who is behind him. Look for the Raiders offense to continue its ascent towards being one of the better offenses in the NFL. Cam Newton is the most boom-bust quarterback we have covered thus far. The man has two QB1 finishes on his resume but he also finished as the QB17 last year. As injuries continue to mount, I am beginning to have my concerns over just how much longer he can run the ball 90 or more times per season. The Panthers have the added weaponry to make Newton less of a focal point in the run game, which would put a large dent in his fantasy production.

 

Tier Five

1. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
2. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
5. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Cousins is a worthy target if you don't mind waiting until the middle rounds to pick up a quarterback. He threw for 4,917 yards last season but only managed 25 touchdowns. Look for him to experience some positive regression in that category, especially with Terrelle Pryor giving him a big target to throw to around the red zone. Winston has loads of weapons to attack opposing defenses with. The only concern is whether head coach Dirk Koetter chooses to skew run-heavy like he did in the second half of 2016. Roethlisberger will lead an explosive Steelers offense that will benefit from the addition of Martavis Bryant. Mariota serves as a solid dual-threat quarterback, although his ceiling could be somewhat capped by a Titans offense that prefers to run. Luck is a true wild card. No one knows when he will return to the field following offseason shoulder surgery. He could wind up being a steal or ruining your draft depending on the health of his shoulder. I'm avoiding him in redraft as I don't like drafting players who are already injured.

 

Tier Six 

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
2. Phillip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers

Prescott looks to improve upon an impressive rookie year. The signal caller may be forced to throw more often this season. The Cowboys appear to have a much more difficult schedule than they did in 2016, which will make it harder for them to salt away leads with their running backs in the second half of games. Rivers is getting up there in years but he surely has another 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown season in his arm. If he can cut down a bit on his 21 interceptions from 2016, he could move up a few spots in the fantasy quarterback pecking order.

 

Tier Seven

1. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
2. Eli Manning, New York Giants
3. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
4. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals
5. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
6. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Stafford has flourished in Jim Bob Cooter's offense and has a brand new contract extension in his back pocket. He definitely has top-10 quarterback upside, especially if Kenny Golladay shows he is the real deal and Eric Ebron breaks out like many pundits believe he will. Manning may be washed up and no one knows how serious Odell Beckham's ankle injury is. Pass. Dalton could thrive if (big if) A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert are able to stay healthy this season. He's a nice bounce-back candidate this season and is one of my favorite quarterbacks to target in the later rounds. Carson Palmer's arm may be held together by superglue at this point, but he has stud running back David Johnson to turn short passes into huge gains. Palmer has a nice early season schedule which makes him a quarterback worth targeting, but I would back him up with another later QB to protect myself. Tyrod Taylor is an easy avoid as he's playing for a Bills team that isn't even trying to hide the fact they are tanking the season. Wentz has a bonafide stud receiver to target in Alshon Jeffery, which may help him take a big leap forward in his second year.

 

Tier Eight

1. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings

Bortles may not be the starting quarterback all season, but he is for now. Despite the fact he's been a poor real life quarterback, he has several top-10 fantasy finishes on his resume. In this tier, I prefer Sam Bradford to Bortles thanks to more job security. Bradford opens the year with a tasty matchup against a New Orleans Saints defense that has struggled against the pass over the past few seasons. Look for the Vikings offense to play much better than they did in 2016, when they faced one of the tougher schedules in the NFL.

 

More Updated Rankings and Analysis


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Gradey Dick

Open to Trade Away From Toronto
Michael Porter Jr.

Wants to Stay in Brooklyn
NBA

Hornets Extend Charles Lee After 25-Win Improvement
Jarred Vanderbilt

Ruled Out for Game 2 Against Thunder
Luke Kennard

Cleared to Play Thursday
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Anthony Edwards

Remains Questionable on Injury Report Ahead of Game 3
Mitchell Robinson

Probable for Friday's Action
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out Thursday
Sam Merrill

Unavailable Thursday
OG Anunoby

Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Joel Embiid

Listed as Questionable for Game 3 Against Knicks
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Signs Franchise Tender on Thursday
Alexander Nikishin

Set to Return Thursday
Joe Burrow

Attending Voluntary Workouts, Ready for Monster Season?
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
T.J. Hockenson

Can T.J. Hockenson Bounce Back with Improved Quarterback Play in Minnesota?
Jordan Love

Is Jordan Love's Dynasty Upside Fading Entering 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Facing Increased Playing Time Competition in Houston Entering 2026
Kimani Vidal

Dynasty Value in Question Due to Uncertain Playing Time Outlook
Juwan Johnson

Facing Reduced Role in New Orleans Following NFL Draft?
Chuba Hubbard

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Moves
Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore Granted his Release by Colts
Minnesota Vikings

Chad Alexander a Candidate for Vikings GM Job
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Request to Interview RJ Gillen for GM Job
Drake Maye

Shoulder Doing "Great"
Gunnar Helm

a Clear Breakout Candidate Despite Crowded Offense?
Travis Hunter

Dynasty Managers Regret Drafting Travis Hunter?
Khalil Shakir

Offseason Addition a Threat to Khalil Shakir's Consistency?
Christian Watson

Can Christian Watson Overcome Injury History?
Pat Freiermuth

a Bounce-Back Candidate in New System
Tua Tagovailoa

Lacks Long-Term Appeal in Dynasty Leagues
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Jordan Mason

Still Holding Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Planning a Visit With Steelers
Dontayvion Wicks

What is Dontayvion Wicks' Dynasty Ceiling?
Paul George

Does a Little Bit of Everything in Game 2 Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Tallies Team-High 26 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks With 26 Points Wednesday
Victor Wembanyama

Notches Another Double-Double
Stephon Castle

Scores Game-High 21 Points in Blowout Win
Ayo Dosunmu

Exits Game 2 With Heel Issue
OG Anunoby

Suffers Apparent Leg Injury Wednesday
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Luke Kennard

Tagged as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Christian Dvorak

Likely to Play in Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Owen Tippett

a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Noah Cates

to Miss Rest of Round 2
Arber Xhekaj

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Wednesday
Brendan Gallagher

Scratched on Wednesday
Logan Stanley

Returns to Action Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Mats Zuccarello

Extends Point Streak to Five Games
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF