👉 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


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.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Tetairoa McMillan

Dealing With Foot Injury During OTAs
Aaron Donald

Considering Coming Out of Retirement?
PGA

Russell Hensley Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Drake London

Falcons Agree on Four-Year Extension
Michael Wilson

Will be "Closer to the Core" in Z Receiver Role
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Will Play the X Role for Cardinals
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Adam Randall

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success in Baltimore?
Nicholas Singleton

Could Be the Running Back of the Future in Tennessee
Bryce Lance

Is Bryce Lance Currently Undervalued by Dynasty Managers?
Mike Washington Jr.

Carries Dynasty Sleeper Appeal Entering 2026
Adonai Mitchell

Is Adonai Mitchell Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Tony Pollard

Dynasty Stock Rising in Improving Tennessee Offense?
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
Chris Brazzell II

a Year 1 Breakout Candidate in Carolina?
Ja'Kobi Lane

a Great Fit for Ravens, Potential Steal in Rookie Drafts
Josh Jacobs

Back at Practice on Tuesday
Max Klare

Crowded Tight End Room Impacting Max Klare's Dynasty Stock?
Romeo Doubs

Still a Solid Dynasty Option in New England?
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
Makai Lemon

Set for Major Role in Debut Season?
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Drake Maye

Does Latest Addition Put Drake Maye Among the Upper Echelon of Fantasy Elite?
Jalen Hurts

Could Face Regression After Loss of Top Pass Catcher
DeVonta Smith

Poised for WR1 Role in the Aftermath of Trade?
Daniel Jones

Participating in 7-on-7s
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Hideki Matsuyama

Putter Could be Vital at the Memorial
Nicolai Hojgaard

Rust Concerns at Muirfield Village
Ryan Gerard

Surfaces After Long Cold Stretch with Top 10 Result
Wyndham Clark

May Struggle at the Memorial Tournament
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
De'Aaron Fox

Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
Victor Wembanyama

Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
NBA

Warriors Prioritize Depth Around Returning Steve Kerr
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Adou Thiero

Remains a Lakers Development Project
NBA

76ers Hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations
NBA

Chicago Bulls Explore Kevin Young as Coaching Candidate
Kyrie Irving

Reports He's Nearing Full Strength in ACL Recovery
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Logan Stankoven

Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Taylor Hall

Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Frederik Andersen

Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Jacob Gonzalez

is Heading to the Big Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Mitchell Robinson

Plans to Play in Game 1 After Finger Surgery
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 7
Jalen Williams

Unavailable in Decisive Game 7
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Deiveson Figueiredo

Set For UFC Macau Main Event
MMA

Yadong Song Returns At UFC Macau
Alonzo Menifield

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Macau Co-Main Event
Tallison Teixeira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Cameron Smotherman

Looks To Bounce Back
Kai Asakura

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Faizon Brandon In Position to Start Week 1
CFB

Dane Weber Commits to Cal
CFB

Joey McGuire Attempts to Add Texas to Schedule
CFB

Mike Leach on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
CFB

Maryland, Baylor Schedule Home-and-Home
CFB

Taron Dickens Decommits From North Carolina
MLB

MLB Proposes Hard Salary Cap as Part of Next CBA
Kenley Jansen

Tigers Place Kenley Jansen on Injured List With Pelvic Inflammation
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
MON

Lane Hutson Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CAR

Logan Stankoven Nets Eighth Postseason Goal
CAR

Sebastian Aho Pots Game-Winner on Power Play
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Tallies Two Helpers in Impressive Road Win
CAR

Shayne Gostisbehere Records Two Assists in Game 4 Win
CAR

Frederik Andersen Establishes Hurricanes New Postseason Shutout Record
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF