Quarterbacks are the highest scorers in fantasy football, so often owners like to wait in drafts to pick up their passer since even the middle tier at the position puts up big numbers. However, a bust at quarterback usually means a busted fantasy team. Here are three quarterbacks at risk for underperforming their ADP.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (ADP: 41)
Brees has long been a fantasy elite, but this year looks different in New Orleans. The running game was much stronger in 2014 with Mark Ingram carrying the load, and the team added C.J. Spiller as their major offseason acquisition.
They also beefed up the offensive line by adding Seahawks center Max Unger, and sacrificed Brees’ top receiving option, tight end Jimmy Graham, in the process. They also jettisoned Kenny Stills, and are going to ride with the aging Marques Colston, and undersized Brandin Cooks as the primary threats in the passing game.
Brees is also 36 years old this season, and his production tailed off ever so slightly last year. He should still be productive, but No. 41 overall probably won’t be worth it.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 63)
Newton is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in NFL history, but he just doesn’t have a whole lot of help. Kelvin Benjamin is a strong target, and Greg Olsen is one of the higher-end tight ends in the passing game, but neither is looking Hall of Fame bound. His running game will be predicated on Jonathan Stewart staying healthy, and last season the Panthers’ offensive line was porous.
Newton’s running less and less each season, and his passing numbers aren’t growing enough to offset that. Last season Newton threw for just over 3,100 yards and tossed 18 touchdowns. He scored five touchdowns on the ground, which is good, but not making up the difference through the air.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: 65)
Romo’s numbers were fine last season, but he put them up with the league’s top running game leading the way, and with 100 fewer pass attempts than he put up the year before. Romo is turning 35, and it’s safe to assume Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden will not put up the equivalent to what DeMarco Murray did last year.
Romo’s receiving options haven’t improved either. If Dallas has to become a pass-first offense again, Dez Bryant is the only player that scares defenses. Jason Witten is aging, Terrance Williams regressed, and Cole Beasley isn’t making anyone quiver.
Finally, Dallas’ vaunted O-line was obviously impressive in 2014. The thing is they were dominant in the run game. Their pass blocking was ranked 16th in the NFL, and if Romo is throwing significantly more he will be sacked more often, and throw more picks.
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