Fantasy Football 2014: 5 Quarterbacks to Avoid At All Costs

For any owner who wants to rely on Brian Hoyer's solid three-game performance last year, don't expect the same this year. Not only is Hoyer trying to come back from a torn ACL, but he will also have to win the job away from heralded rookie first-round pick Johnny Manziel. Even if he does win the job, Hoyer won't have the luxury of throwing to one of the best receivers in the NFL in Josh Gordon. Hoyer shouldn't even be drafted this season.

For anyone who likes to stock up on running backs and wide receivers and wait to draft a young quarterback, the answer is not Blake Bortles. The Jaguars have already stated that Bortles will not play this season unless under extreme circumstances like injuries. Even if Bortles sees some action, the Jaguars don't have many game-breaking weapons on the outside that Bortles could rely on. Bortles should not even be on your radar this season.

Some owners will think that EJ Manuel has the potential to be a breakout fantasy player in 2014, but I don't buy it. When Manuel was healthy, he wasn't a major contributor as a fantasy quarterback. In 10 games, Manuel threw for over 200 yards just four times and threw for two touchdowns just three times. Despite upgrades at receiver with Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams, don't expect Manuel to be a fantasy star in 2014.

Fantasy owners may be tempted to take Jake Locker this year after seeing what new head coach Ken Whisenhunt did with Philip Rivers last year, but Locker is no Rivers. Locker has never started more than 12 games in any of his first three seasons and has never thrown for more than 10 touchdowns in any of those seasons. Finally, in only three of his 23 career games has Locker thrown for more than 300 yards. Locker should be avoided at all costs.

As bad as Geno Smith was at times last season, he had an okay rookie season. Smith had multiple 300-yard passing games last year, but don't expect the same this year. Despite improved weapons around him in Chris Johnson and Eric Decker, Smith will continue his erratic play from last year. Now that Michael Vick, who worked with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in Philadelphia, is with the Jets, Smith won't be a surefire starter in 2014.