Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The quarterback position has the least separation in production compared to any other position in fantasy football. Only two QBs scored more than 300 fantasy points. Only 103 points separated the No. 3 and No. 20 quarterbacks.
Heading into the 2014 season, it’s clear who the top three quarterbacks are — Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers (even with the recent injury). The biggest question is who comes in at No. 4. Is it Cam Newton or Tom Brady?
After this season, the clear answer would be Newton. He finished 10 spots ahead of Brady in fantasy points, 282 to 241. However, with all of the question marks for the New England Patriots, the debate is closer than you think.
Newton finished the season with a career-high 24 passing touchdowns, which is hard to do with aging receivers like Steve Smith and Ted Ginn. Though, having Greg Olsen does help. The Carolina Panthers offense was more balanced, allowing Newton to become a more efficient passer. Although his rushing yards and touchdowns decreased this season, Newton still led all quarterbacks in both categories. He also held onto the ball better, fumbling only twice.
However, Newton will not get you the passing yards like other starting quarterbacks. He had only one 300-yard passing game, finishing with 3,379 passing yards, 15th in the league. The dual-threat of Newton with his arm and legs makes him difficult to pass up in drafts. He could fall to the fourth round, which would be a good spot to draft a QB after you have your running back and wide receivers.
Brady continues to make plays with limited weapons. He lost his No. 1 receiver in Wes Welker and was missed Rob Gronkowski for nine games. In their places, Danny Amendola (when healthy) and Julian Edelman stepped up huge. He was able to finish to seasons strong, throwing 12 touchdowns and scoring 116 points in the final seven games.
Compared to Newton, Brady is the far better passer. He has six 300-yard games, including four in his last six games. On the other hand, he did have four games with less than 10 fantasy points. It showed that Brady is a lesser player without Gronk on the field. The emergence of Shane Vereen helped Brady reach sixth in passing yards.
Newton can create plays with his legs, while still having the ability to throw it deep downfield. Brady has the weapons around him to create something out of nothing. Both quarterbacks are great options to have on your fantasy team. When it comes down to it, Newton will be the higher-scoring quarterback with or without Gronk at Brady’s disposal.
If you can hold out for one more round after Manning, Brees and Rodgers are drafted, Newton will fall right into your lap and so will a fantasy championship.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
