2020 NFL Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks
By A.J. Olona
Fall is right around the corner, and as we prepare for the first leaf to fall from the tree, I only have one question for you, are you ready for some football? With the first pick in the 2020 NFL Fantasy Football Draft...... You know what, before we reveal our top pick(s), allow us to help you out with our position rankings so we can help you win your fantasy football league this year.
Dwayne Haskins watches Alex Smith Return from injury (Joe Theismann - Radio.com)
32) Dwayne Haskins - Washington Football Team
Week 8 Bye Week
If I am a Washington fan (they still don't have a nickname yet), I am hoping Alex Smith is the starter this year. Haskins didn't have a great rookie year, and now the question of whether or not Haskins is the future has to be in the back of the minds of Washington fans and owners. Dwayne Haskins may have even less offensive talent around him in 2020 than he did in 2019.
Mitchell Trubiksy attempts to hold off Nick Foles (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
31) Mitchell Trubisky - Chicago Bears
Week 11 Bye Week
It could be an interesting battle in the "Windy City", because it seems likely that former Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles, could take over the reins of this offense, and Trubisky could see the bench or even a change of scenery. While Chicago brought in a slew of new tight ends to bolster this offense, we believe not enough was done to help either Trubisky or Foles to be relevant in fantasy platforms in 2020.
Tyrod Taylor duels rookie Justin Herbert to be QB1 (Los Angeles Times)
30) Tyrod Taylor - Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10 Bye Week
Taylor is just buying some time in this Los Angeles offense until Justin Herbert takes over, which could be as early as week 6. Tyrod will lean heavily on running back Austin Ekler in hopes that he can shine two years in a row in the passing game.
Gardner Minshew enters the season as the starter in year two (USA Today)
29) Gardner Minshew - Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 7 Bye Week
The Mania has finally died down and Minshew has come back to earth. While Jacksonville looks to take another step forward in his second year in this offense, we still do not trust him to be a consistent starter on our fantasy teams.
2nd year QB Drew Lock during Training Camp (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
28) Drew Lock - Denver Broncos
Week 8 Bye Week
He is still inexperienced, and we don't have enough stats to make a decision on him as a consistent contributor. However, with the addition of Melvin Gordon in the backfield, as well as rookies Jerry Juedy, KJ Hamler, and Albert Okwuegbunam, Lock might have enough around him to take that step forward.
Another year in the offense for Courtland Sutton, Philip Lindsay, and Noah Fant does not hurt either.
Daniel Jones taking snaps during Giants training camp (New York Post)
27) Daniel Jones - New York Giants
Week 11 Bye Week
There are some positive and negatives for the young quarterback out of the University of Duke as he enters year 2. He did throw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in his rookie year. He will benefit from improved line play and a healthy Saquon Barkley in year two.
Ryan Fitzpatrick takes snaps at practice as Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Rosen watch on (Charles Trainor Jr - AP)
26) Ryan Fitzpatrick - Miami Dolphins
Week 11 Bye Week
Tua will eventually be the future of the franchise, but for now they will ride the 37 year old quarterback, who has had some big moments in Miami. With the addition of Matt Breida and Jordan Howard in the backfield, along with the emergence of DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki, look for this Miami offense to be much improved in 2020.
Teddy Bridgewater throws with pressure in his face during training camp (Carolina Huddle)
25) Teddy Bridgewater - Carolina Panthers
Week 13 Bye Week
Bridgewater will have some big shoes to fill if he is expected to take over for Cam Newton (who has some big shoes of his own to fill). Bridgewater filled in nicely last year when Brees was sidelined with an injury. Any quarterback lucky enough to have Christian McCaffery alongside them in the backfield will be able to provide you with some decent spot starts throughout the year (see early 2019 Kyle Allen).
Sam Darnold attempts a throw during Jets training camp (Report Door)
24) Sam Darnold - New York Jets
Week 11 Bye Week
“Mr. Inconsistent!” Will this finally be the year that Sam Darnold realizes his potential? Darnold quietly put up decent numbers last year. However, losing Robby Anderson will be huge. Look for Darnold to rely heavily on Le’Veon Bell in the run game and try to establish a strong connection with rookie Denzel Mims early on
Former 1st overall pick Baker Mayfield (Heavy)
23) Baker Mayfield - Cleveland Browns
Week 9 Bye Week
Baker Mayfield had a solid rookie season, but crashed hard in year 2. He definitely has some growing up to do. There are too many options in that Cleveland offense for Baker not to succeed. He has the best one two punch at running back in Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb to go along with a great 1-2 punch in Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Cleveland brought in Austin Hooper to pair with David Njoku (for now) to push Baker Mayfield to reach his potential. Not to mention an improved line should help Baker regain his rookie form.
2020 1st overall pick Joe Burrow (USA TODAY Sports)
22) Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals
Week 9 Bye Week
Burrow is the locked in week 1 starter in Cincy, with Andy Dalton now the back up in Dallas. We think Burrow could be very good in this league for a long time, so let's cut him a break in his first year with a team that is looking to start fresh. A healthy AJ green and John Ross III will go a long way in Burrows development. Look for Burrow to hand it off often to Joe Mixon and to try to establish a relationship early on with fellow rookie Tee Higgins.
Philip Rivers prepares for season opener for the Colts (Michael Hickey - Getty Images)
21) Philip Rivers - Indianapolis Colts
Week 7 Bye Week
It is really weird to see Rivers wearing a new uniform after so many years with the Chargers, but here we are. He is definitely in his twilight years, but he could still have a solid year in 2020 with a talented group of pass catchers around him. However, with the best line in the league, and with Indy taking Jonathan Taylor early in the 2020 draft, look for the Colts to rely heavily on the run game.
Josh Allen enters 3rd training camp for the Bills (James McCoy - Democrat and Chronicle)
20) Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills
Week 11 Bye Week
With Tom Brady out of New England, I think there is a new sheriff in town in the AFC East, but that is only until New England finds a way to land Trevor Lawrence next year. I think Allen takes a big step forward this year with the addition of Stefon Diggs in the passing game to go along with John Brown and Cole Beasley. We could easily see a huge step forward from second year tight end Dawson Knox and second year running back Devin Singletary.
Derek Carr warms up before the start of training camp in Las Vegas (AP Photo/John Locher, Pool)
19) Derek Carr - Las Vegas Raiders
Week 6 Bye Week
It will take some getting used to now that they have found a new home in Las Vegas. Derek Carr might have the best receiving group around him (other than the few months that Antonio Brown was on the team). We could easily see Carr consistently putting up solid numbers. We think he'll be the second best quarterback in the AFC West this season.
Jared Goff and the Rams scrimmage in SoFi stadium for the first time (Brian van der Brug - Los Angeles Times)
18) Jared Goff - Los Angeles Rams
Week 9 Bye Week
Last year was definitely a down year for Goff, but he has the ability to bounce back with the talent that surrounds him, but I don't see him putting up top 10 numbers this year. Losing both Todd Gurley II and Brandin Cooks in the same offseason is a huge hit for this Rams offseason. Lucky for Goff, he still has a talented group of pass catchers around him, spearheaded by Cooper Kupp.
(Jeff Howe - The Athletic)
17) Cam Newton - New England Patriots
Week 6 Bye Week
Yes, we know that Newton is a former MVP and has played in a Super bowl, and now he is in a "dream" offense in New England with Belichick running the show, but the main issue with Newton is whether or not he can stay healthy. If he can stay healthy, he could put up some solid numbers, but it is his job to lose. He will have less to work with than he did in his Carolina days but Belichick always seems to find a way to have a top offense in the NFL. The drop off from 2019 Brady to Newton this season should not be huge, fantasy wise.
Kyler Murray throws at camp accompanied by Larry Fitzgerald (11) DeAndre Hopkins (10) and Christian Kirk (13).(MSN Sports)
16) Kyler Murray - Arizona Cardinals
Week 8 Bye Week
Murray is very exciting to watch and could put up solid numbers in both the air and on the ground, especially in Kingsbury's high powered offense. Oh! It also helps just a little bit that the Cardinals acquired DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason for practically nothing. We see a big year for Murray and this Cardinals offense.
Ben Roethlisberger attempts to return after an injury riddled 2019 (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)
15) Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 8 Bye Week
Health is the main question here! A healthy Roethlisberger has always led to a top offense in the AFC. Look for a big bounce back year for both JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, only if Big Ben is healthy.
Jimmy Garappolo at 49ers Training Camp ( Picture Curtesy of 49ers)
14) Jimmy Garappolo - San Francisco 49ers
Week 11 Bye Week
Can he lead the 49ers to the promise land and the Lombardi trophy? He was awfully close last season. With an improved receiving group and the reassurance that George Kittle is going to be around for a long, long time in San Fran, look for Garappolo to perform somewhat similar to the way that he did last season.
Vikings QB leads the first team offense at practice (USA TODAY Sports)
13) Kirk Cousins - Minnesota Vikings
Week 7 Bye Week
Cousins does have the talent around him to put up solid numbers. The loss of Stefon Diggs stings a little, but the addition of Justin Jefferson could help fill that void. If the Vikings find a way to lock down Dalvin Cook sometime soon, this Vikings offense could put up huge numbers.
Dak Prescott taking a break during Cowboys practice (LM Otero/AP)
12) Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Week 10 Bye Week
Dak is a good, solid quarterback with the weapons around him he needs to succeed, but will he have a future in Dallas? That remains to be seen. I think 2020 is a make or break year for Prescott. With the addition of CeeDee Lamb and Mike McCarthy, do not be surprised if Dak pushes 5,000 yards for the second year in a row.
Matt Ryan drops back at Falcons practice (Photo Curtsey of Falcons)
11) Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
Week 10 Bye Week
Ryan is one of the most consistent quarterbacks to play the game, and there is no argument that he has one of the top receiving duos in the league, with Jones and Ridley. He might be able to put up top 10 fantasy numbers this year if Todd Gurley II can come even somewhat close to his 2018 numbers in Los Angeles.
Ryan Tannehill opens Titans camp as QB1 (USA TODAY Sports)
10) Ryan Tannehill - Tennessee Titans
Week 7 Bye Week
Tannehill has taken his time with Tennessee and become "Mr. Efficient". And with Derrick Henry in the backfield, that could open up a lot of opportunities for Tannehill this year. If AJ Brown is able to build on top of his connection with Tannehill and a standout rookie season, Tannehill could prove 2019 was not a fluke.
Tom Brady opens camp for his new team, the Buccaneers (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
9) Tom Brady - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 13 Bye Week
Okay, this is going to take some getting used to. This reminds me of when Brett Favre left Green Bay for the Minnesota Vikings. Brady is the one of the greatest of all time, and has every right to carry that label, but at 43 does he have anything left in the tank? With the talent that surrounds him from Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to an amazing trio of tight end options, including a returning Gronk, we are going to say, yes!
Matthew Stafford returns to run practice for the Lions offense (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
8) Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
Week 5 Bye Week
Injuries really hurt Stafford last year, but how can you go against a guy that could possibly throw for close to 5,000 yards every year in a pass first offense. Before Stafford went down, he was putting together a string of amazing fantasy performances. With plenty of time to heal, look for Stafford to consistenly put up great numbers.
Deshaun Watson working with new receivers at training camp (USA TODAY Sports)
7) Deshaun Watson - Houston Texans
Week 8 Bye Week
Watson will need to be a little lower on the list, because we are still not sure why the organization traded away one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. While the Texans were able to bring in both Brandin Cooks and David Johnson, it’s hard to see the loss of Deandre Hopkins and see how it wont negatively impact Watson in a year where he is looking for a new contract.
Aaron Rodgers shows Jordan Love the ropes (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
6) Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
Week 5 Bye Week
Rodgers is going to Canton, OH some day, but this could be his last year or two in a Packers uniform, because the Packers drafted his potential replacement, Jordan Love in the first round in last year's draft. While the Packers could’ve invested heavily in a deeper WR class this year to help Aaron Rodgers, they neglected the position and relied on free agent signing Devin Funchess. Unfortunately, Funchess will be sitting out this year and Rodgers will be left to do it all on his own once more. But as long as Rodgers is in control in Green Bay, we will not bet against him.
Head coach Doug Peterson talks with QB Carson Wentz (Heather Khalifa/Pool Photo via AP)
5) Carson Wentz - Philadelphia Eagles
Week 9 Bye Week
Wentz did more with less than any quarterback in 2019. He was throwing to 3rd and 4th string wide receivers and still beat the Dallas Cowboys last year to earn a playoff spot, all the while putting up strong numbers. The Eagles offense has been revamped, especially at the wide receiver position. If Wentz can stay on the field for all 16 games this season, he will be a strong fantasy option and could possibly be in the MVP discussion as well.
Drew Brees and receiver Michael Thomas get on the same page (David Grunfeld/The Advocate via AP, Pool)
4) Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
Week 6 Bye Week
There is not much to say about Brees, but the Saints could be scary good this year, and definitely be in the discussion for representing the NFC in the Super bowl. It does help that he has the best wide receiver in football, and a top 5 running back to spread the ball around to. I would draft Brees with confidence.
Russell Wilson attempting a pass at training camp (Ted S. Warren/AP)
3) Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks
Week 6 Bye Week
We are really shocked that Wilson does not have more Super bowl rings. He makes the Seahawks offense go. Wilson is still only 31 years old and has plenty of solid years in front of him. He will be in Canton one day. Draft with confidence!
Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson throws at Ravens camp (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
2) Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens
Week 8 Bye Week
Last year's MVP was amazing! It felt like we were watching an ever better version of Michael Vick on the field. His numbers were off the charts last season! He is heading into the new season with even more weapons around him. Draft with confidence!
Patrick Mahomes warms up his arm at Chiefs camp (Photo Curtest of ESPN)
1) Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs
Week 10 Bye Week
This is a no brainer! Mahomes won the Super bowl and will continue to get better. Plus the Chiefs could have the best overall offense in football in 2020. Losing Damien Williams to an opt out will be a huge blow for the Chiefs offense. However, they did draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire out of LSU in the first round of this years draft which will open up this offense even more so than 2019.
You can follow A.J. Olona on Twitter @age_lona.
