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The quarterback position saw plenty of volatility in 2017, as 58 different quarterbacks started at least one game. And that's just for the Cleveland Browns...
We saw a rookie sensation, some second-year ascents, and the possible beginning of the end for some established veterans. Then there was Old Faithful Tom Brady defying the odds yet again.
As we gear up for the final game of the 2017 NFL season, Super Bowl LII, let's look at some of the biggest risers and fallers at the quarterback position in 2017 according to ADP.
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Biggest Risers of 2017 - Quarterbacks
DeShaun Watson (QB, HOU) ADP: QB23
Watson generated plenty of pre-season buzz when the Texans selected him with the 12th pick in the first round of the draft. There were rumors that he would start from day one, but alas as the season approached Tom Savage was announced the Week 1 starter. After just a half of football, however, the Texans had seen enough from Savage and turned the reigns over to Watson, and boy did he show he was ready. In his six starts he scored 17.7, 20.1, 33.7, 35.5, 23.3 and 32.8 points. His weekly finishes over that stretch were QB7, QB12, QB1, QB1, QB2, and QB2. Despite having a bye, he was the overall QB1 over that period and averaged a whopping 27.2 fantasy points, 5.5 more than second place Tom Brady. There is little doubt Watson will be a top 10 drafted quarterback in 2018 drafts and will likely push into the top five.
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI) ADP: QB18
Before tearing his ACL in Week 14, Wentz was the overall QB2 and was averaging 21.8 fantasy points per game. He was also leading one of the best teams in the NFL and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. With weapons like Zach Ertz, Alshon Jeffrey and Nelson Agholor, and a stable of solid running backs, there is no reason to think Wentz can't repeat his remarkable 2017 season and he will certainly be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in fantasy drafts.
Alex Smith (QB, KC) ADP: QB22
Prior to the 2017 season, Smith was one of those quarterbacks who were usable in the right streaming matchups, but generally not someone you wanted to count on week after week. That changed in a big way as Smith set career highs in yards (4,202), touchdowns (26), yards per attempt (8.0) and rating (104.7). Smith finished the year as QB4 and with weapons like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt, likely won't make it out of the top 12 in 2018 drafts.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF) ADP: NA
Garoppolo started the season as Tom Brady's backup, then was traded to the 49ers were he became C.J. Beathard's backup, then finished the season as one of the games top quarterbacks. In his five starts with the 49ers he only threw for less than 250 yards once, threw for over 300 yards twice and had 292 and 293 in the other two. He also added seven touchdowns with a wide receiver core of Marquise Goodwin, Aldrick Robinson and Trent Taylor. Having an entire off-season to learn Kyle Shanahan's playbook, and with the likely return of Pierre Garcon, Garoppolo should be just as good or better in 2018.
Other Risers: Case Keenum (QB, MIN) ADP: NA, Jared Goff (QB, LAR) ADP: NA, Josh McCown (QB, NYJ) ADP: NA, Matthew Stafford (QB, DET) ADP: QB15, Philip Rivers (QB, LAC) ADP: QB13
Biggest Fallers of 2017 - Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL) ADP: QB4
Ryan had a dream season in 2016 as he led the Falcons to the Super Bowl and won the MVP award. Unfortunately he couldn't come close to backing it up in 2017, as he only finished inside the top 10 quarterbacks once all season and finished the year as QB15. Ryan threw for his fewest yards since 2010 and his fewest touchdowns since his rookie year. The Falcons offense still has plenty of weapons, and Ryan should rebound in 2018, but it's unlikely he'll be drafted in single quarterback leagues.
Derek Carr (QB, OAK) ADP: QB6
After two straight seasons with at least 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns, Carr struggled throwing for just 3,496 yards and 21 touchdowns. He finished as QB19 and was unplayable down the stretch as the Raiders offense was abysmal, even in good matchups. Carr did battle injuries all year and could get a boost with the hiring of Jon Gruden, but it's unlikey we'll see him drafted in the top 10 again in 2018.
Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN) ADP: QB8
In 2016, in just his second year as a pro, Mariota threw for 3,426 yards, 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, while adding 349 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. And while his rushing numbers were good in 2017 (312 yards and five touchdowns) he regressed big time as a passer throwing for just 3,232 yards, 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He finished the season as QB19. While Mariota and the Titans offense should be better under whatever head coach they hire, it's doubtful will see him drafted in one quarterback formats.
Other Fallers: Drew Brees (QB, NO) ADP: QB3, Jameis Winston (QB, TAM) ADP: QB7, Dak Prescott (QB, DAL) ADP: QB14, Eli Manning (QB, NYG) ADP: QB17, Jay Cutler (QB, MIA) ADP: QB21
