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Last time, I discussed some of the running backs who have favorable 2013 schedules heading into the 2013 campaign. Serious (and slightly possessed) fantasy owners are always planning ahead and this year is no different. Now, I’ll provide fantasy enthusiasts with some quarterbacks that are high on my fantasy radar for this upcoming campaign. They’re certainly good signal callers, but it also doesn’t hurt that their schedules are mighty enticing.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys:
Home: NYG, PHI, WSH, GB, MIN, DEN, OAK, STL
Away: NYG, PHI, WSH, CHI, DET, KC, SD, NO
Despite being regarded as an average quarterback for not being clutch, I believe Romo is an awesome fantasy option at the position. He finished 2012 as a top 10 overall fantasy option based on points and arguably holds the most favorable fantasy schedule for this season. Romo gets to face the Redskins and Giants twice each year, both of which ranked in the bottom five in pass defense a season ago. He also gets the Saints, a historically atrocious defense from last year. With Dez Bryant emerging as a superstar wide receiver, and an array of weapons at his disposal, Romo could jump towards the elite fantasy quarterback status.
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs:
Home: DEN, OAK, SD, HOU, IND, DAL, NYG, CLE
Away: DEN, OAK, SD, JAC, TEN, PHI, WSH, BUF
Don’t get me wrong, Smith isn’t by any means a very viable fantasy option, but he will pose as a very good bye week fill-in or quarterback number two. He will be the starting quarterback for the Chiefs with solid weapons around him in Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Smith will face the entire NFC East, a rather weak division at defending the pass, as well as the Browns and Titans, two teams that surrendered 31 and 27 passing scores respectively. Don’t forget, his new head coach is none other than Andy Reid, a guy who loves to put the ball in the air. Smith may be a sleeper for 2013.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos:
Home: KC, OAK, SD, JAC, TEN, PHI, WSH, BAL
Away: KC, OAK, SD, HOU, IND, DAL, NYG, NE
Coming off of an injured neck, Manning reminded everyone to not count out a guy with his pedigree. Manning threw for over 4,500 yards, 37 scores and only 11 interceptions, his fewest since 2006. The combination off bringing in Wes Welker to an already dominate passing attack and a promising 2013 slate of opponents will allow Manning to stay atop of the fantasy quarterback rankings. Are you noticing a theme here? Yes, facing the NFC East is very good.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers:
Home: ATL, NO, TB, STL, SEA, NE, NYJ, NYG
Away: ATL, NO, TB, ARZ, SF, BUF, MIA, MIN
After a slow start to the 2013 campaign, many felt that Newton was on his way towards a sophomore slump. A few months later, he silenced the doubters, finishing as the number four overall quarterback, throwing for 3,869 yards and 19 scores, while also posting 741 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Playing against both the Saints and Buccaneers twice a season, Newton has four solid matchups right now. Both of those defensive units ranked last and second to last in passing defense last year, surrendering a combined 61 touchdowns. He also gets to face the Patriots and Dolphins in the upcoming season, both of which ranked in the bottom seven in 2012. Of course, you can’t forget about his added fantasy value when he runs with the football, and playing against teams like the Bills and Jets will certainly help in that regard. If you don’t land one of the elite options in your draft, Cam may be your next best bet.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
