Making a List: Quarterback Values

Ryan McDowell Posted On May 17, 2012

As you know, I’m a list guy. I make “to do” lists, follow “honey do” lists, and will take time to read a top five or top ten list of almost anything. This series of articles will bring you a top five ranking about a myriad of topics in the world of dynasty fantasy football.

The dynasty value of a player is very dynamic and can be effected by anything from a surprise injury to an offensive lineman to a covered up assault at a night club. With the access to information available to the average fan specifically via Twitter, fantasy owners must be aware of the current value of their players and of the players they hope to acquire. Often, how an owner values a player can be different than how he would rank that player. For example, many owners and experts would rank Tom Brady, Michael Vick or even Peyton Manning in the top five, but during a startup draft or a trade discussions, the true value of players is discovered.

Here are the top 5 most valued quarterbacks in PPR dynasty leagues with 4 points per passing touchdown, according to the most up-to-date information and data. The ages listed are as of September 2012.

1. ) Aaron Rodgers, QB GB (28.7 years old)

Based on the data I have seen, the Super Bowl MVP is in a tier of his own in dynasty leagues. Rodgers had a slow start to his career sitting behind Brett Favre, but he is more than making up for that now. His combination of talent, age and supporting cast (including Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley) put Rodgers at the top of the quarterback heap. With the record breaking passing numbers put up by many of the top quarterbacks in recent years, the position has seen a large increase in value, in relation to other positions. There was a time you could draft three or four running backs and wide receivers before grabbing that top stud passer in the fourth or fifth round. That time has ended. Top quarterbacks like the ones listed here are being consistently selected as early as the first round of dynasty drafts.

Current Startup ADP (average draft position): 4

Recent Trades:

Team A gave Aaron Rodgers
Team B gave Rookie pick 1.04, Rookie pick 1.07

Team A gave Aaron Rodgers
Team B gave Rookie pick 1.01, Matt Schaub

2. ) Cam Newton, QB CAR (23.3 years old)

The rookie season enjoyed by Cam Newton came as a shock to almost everyone. Being an SEC fan and follower, I had high hopes for Newton’s professional career at this time one year ago. I distinctly remember watching Newton’s performance (or lack thereof) as a part of Jon Gruden’s Quarterback Camp series on ESPN. Newton had trouble identifying the plays that Auburn ran just weeks before. That was a red flag to me and many others. Fortunately for Cam and Carolina, talent prevailed and Newton thrust himself into the end zone and the first round of dynasty drafts.

Many expect Newton’s fantasy scoring to decrease as he is unlikely to consistently score as many rushing touchdowns as he did in his initial campaign. While this is likely true, it is also a fair assumption that his passing accuracy will only improve with time, resulting in a greater number of passing yards and scores.

Current Startup ADP: 9

Recent Trades:

Team A gave Cam Newton
Team B gave Tony Romo, Hakeem Nicks

3. ) Matthew Stafford, QB DET (24.5 years old)

Stafford finally rewarded dynasty owners who had stashed him on their bench during his first two injury riddled seasons, throwing for 41 touchdowns and finishing as the QB5. Like Newton’s rushing ability, Stafford has that something special that sets him apart from all other quarterbacks in the league – wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Stafford’s huge arm and Johnson’s ability to go get nearly any ball result in a dynamic duo that any dynasty (or NFL) owner would love to have.

The injury questions still remain though, and likely will for Stafford’s entire career. Stafford is a borderline first rounder in startup drafts, and has recently been the third quarterback off the board behind Rodgers and Newton. His age is what gives him the nod over the following passers in this list and the majority of dynasty leagues.

Current Startup ADP: 12.5

Recent Trades:

Team A gave Matthew Stafford
Team B gave Rookie pick 1.03, Joe Flacco

Team A gave Matthew Stafford, Rookie pick 3.05
Team B gave Sam Bradford, Rookie pick 1.08, Rookie pick 1.09

4. ) Drew Brees, QB NO (33.6 years old)

With the Saints organization going through tough times, Brees remains the constant. For eight consecutive seasons, he has finished as a top ten quarterback – four of those seasons as either the QB1 or QB2.

Fantasy players can expect Brees to continue that same excellent play, despite the distractions in New Orleans, but we cannot ignore the fact the Brees will be over 33 by the beginning of the 2013 season and lost his biggest touchdown threat of the past three years in Robert Meachem. I would not be comfortable building my team around Brees with these factors considered.

Current Startup ADP: 13

Recent Trades:

Team A gave Drew Brees
Team B gave Matt Ryan, Rookie pick 1.10, 2013 2nd round rookie pick

Team A gave Drew Brees
Team B gave Sam Bradford, Rookie pick 2.01

5. ) Tom Brady, QB NE (34.9 years old)

The Patriots leader is also a model of consistency for his fantasy owners. Other than the 2008 season which ended with a week one knee injury, Brady has finished in the top 11 every year since 2002. That includes four seasons as the QB1, QB2 or QB3.

Brady now utilizes his playmaking tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, along with wide receiver Wes Welker. Much like Brees, the Brady show can’t go on forever. If your team is built to win now, Brady is a great player for your team, otherwise, he is not the best option.

Current Startup ADP: 25.7

Recent Trades:

Team A gave Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett, Danny Ware
Team B gave Jay Cutler, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Rookie picks 2.03, 2.04, 2.09, 2.10, 2013 1st round rookie pick

Just missed: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III,

In next week’s Making a List, I’ll focus on the current value of tight ends.

Follow Ryan McDowell on Twitter @RyanMc23

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.