As someone that fancies what quarterbacks can provide in fantasy football I am not immune to understanding that there are some issues with a couple at this position that many consider "elite" options.
Let's take a look at three of them.
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
This is more about injury issues than anything else. It seems that every time Vick drop back to pass you have to hold your breath that he doesn’t get hurt. In reality, you simply cannot rely on someone that misses time on a consistent basis like Vick has in the past. While Vick has missed only seen games due to injury over the course of the last two seasons, he seems to be plagued with some sort of injury.
If you are going to select a quarterback to be your starter, the figurehead on your offense, you must make sure he can actually play all 16 games. At this point, I would have to come to the conclusion that you cannot rely on Vick for that.
Additionally, the Eagles’ starting quarterback struggled in fantasy category last season by throwing 14 interceptions compared to just 18 touchdowns. That isn’t going to help him win over confidence of fantasy owners.
Eli Manning, New York Giants
Manning might be an elite quarterback on the field, but this has failed to translate to fantasy football. Manning did put up nearly 5,000 passing yards, but his plus 13 touchdowns/interception ratio wasn’t representative of a solid QB1, especially if you are looking for elite numbers from that position.
It makes more sense to go with Jay Cutler or Joe Flacco later in the draft as questionable QB1 options and go heavy in terms of finding a backup quarterback and solid RB1.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
His age and injury history really should make you think about placing him as a QB1 fantasy option. Like I mentioned with Vick before, you really have to count on your starting quarterback to be available for all 16 games.
As it relates to Manning, he will either play the entire season or take a hit to the neck that will end his career. As morbid as this might sound, I am pretty sure you are thinking about thatprior to the draft.
If Manning is a gamble you are willing to take more power to you. The payoff would be absolutely huge. The risk is also huge if you are relying on Manning as a QB1