While many of us believed that both Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck would be viable fantasy options as rookies, there weren't many that thought they would both be viable QB1 options. Meanwhile, the likes of Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill have also impressed a great deal.
Today's article is going to focus on all five rookie starting quarterbacks and where they stand in terms of fantasy value after the initial seven weeks of the 2012 season.
Quarterbacks | Player | Team | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | TD | INT | Points |
| Robert Griffin III | Washington | 1,601 | 468 | 13 | 3 | 169.9 |
| Andrew Luck | Indianapolis | 1,674 | 115 | 10 | 7 | 102.5 |
| Ryan Tannehill | Miami | 1,454 | 25 | 5 | 6 | 71.0 |
| Brandon Weeden | Cleveland | 1,783 | 49 | 9 | 10 | 91.3 |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle | 1,230 | 119 | 8 | 7 | 75.1 |
RGIII is on pace for over 4,700 total yards and 30 touchdowns as rookie. More impressive, he has only thrown three interceptions in seven games, is completing 70 percent of his passes and is currently on pace for over 1,000 rushing yards. Obviously, it goes without saying that the reigning Heisman Trophy Award Winner is a premiere QB1 option at this point in his initial season.
Meanwhile, Luck is on pace to break the rookie record for passing yards, set by Cam Newton last season. He is averaging nearly 280 passing yards per game through the first six outings of the 2012 NFL season. Luck might not be a true QB1 option at this point. He has thrown seven touchdowns compared to seven interceptions and is completing less than 54 percent of his passes.
One of the biggest surprises as it relates to the 2012 rookie class is Brandon Weeden, who has been among the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL over the course of the last few weeks since starting out relatively slow. The Oklahoma State product is on pace for over 4,000 passing yards and has been mighty impressive six games. During that span, Weeden has thrown nine touchdowns compared to six interceptions while averaging nearly 280 yards per outing.
Both Ryan Tannehill and Russell Wilson have had their flashes, but are not reliable fantasy quarterbacks at this early point in their careers. Tannehill struggles in terms of throwing touchdowns as he is currently on pace for just 11 scores. Meanwhile, Wilson just hasn't been consistent enough to be counted on.
Moving Forward
RGIII goes up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles during a four-game stretch starting next week. Needless to say, it is nearly impossible to believe that he will continue to put up these types of numbers against those stellar pass defenses.
Meanwhile, Luck is going up against some atrocious pass defenses moving forward. He will be facing off against the likes of the Tennessee Titans (twice), Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions during a seven game stretch. Definitely expect him to put up QB1 numbers during that span.
At this point it is safe to say that RGIII and Luck are the only two viable QB1 options out of this group. That doesn't mean that Weeden, Tannehill and Wilson cannot be stopgap starters if your current top option has a bye or is facing a less than stellar matchup.