This is not, by any means, an official rankings release. Official rankings will be released in article format on the site after the new design is implemented.

I know there are plenty sites out there that bust out with rankings early, for me the air is still too cloudy and I like to wait until June before considering where these guys rank against each other.

That said, here is the beginning of my quarterback rankings, taking you through the top 12. Keep in mind, this isn't draft order, these are rankings. There is a big difference.

1. Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts
   Probably not the guy on the top of most people's lists right now, but with Marvin Harrison not on the field, this guy still put up outstanding numbers. Given the potential arsenal Manning will have this year, particularly with known value of Anthony Gonzalez, Peyton Manning has to be at the top of my list..... Right now anyway.
2. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
   I give you the current 1B to Peyton Manning. A focus away from golf brings more attention to football. The question mark here is Terry Glenn, and his role in the 2008 offense. A clearer picture of what to expect there could either move Romo to #1, or drop him to #3 or #4.
3. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
   I know this guy dominated quarterbacks in terms of fantasy football last year, but I don't see it happening this year. Still #3 is pretty good. Too many teams left with a bad taste in there mouth after last year.
4. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
   The increased focus on the passing game last year proved to be good to Big Ben. A 2nd year in the system can only be better. Roethlisberger was approached with much down going into last season, but should be approached with much enthusiasm going into 2008.
5. Carson Palmer - Cincinnati Bengals
   It wasn't pretty for Palmer last season, particularly during the month of December. The defense isn't much better, but it is a little better, which should take some pressure off of the offense. In addition, weapons have been added to the already potent duo of Houshmandzadeh and Johnson.
6. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
   After a dismal start to the 2007 season, the offense came back to life in New Orleans, with Brees leading the way. Not much to add to this other than to expect more of the same from Brees in 2008, only with a little more consistency.
7. Jay Cutler - Denver Broncos
   Much has already been said about Cutler and his diabetes diagnosis. The fact that he has it under control should raise this guys value going into the 2008 season. A 20 TD/14 INT guy last year, better concentration, better stamina, and better overall strength throughout the game should bring back the Cutler many were envisioning when he came into the league.
8. Matt Hasselbeck - Seattle Seahawks
   Assuming another healthy season, no reason to not expect 3500-4000 yards, and 25-30 TD passes.
9. Donovan McNabb - Philadelphia Eagles
   Health is the biggest concern when it comes to McNabb, so if you take the risk of having him as your starter, you will get very good production, just remember you will have to get your #2 QB fairly early in the draft "just in case"
10. Eli Manning - New York Giants
    I am going to cautiously anticipate a little improvement from Eli Manning this year. The confidence that comes with having a Super Bowl ring should help, but that could quickly go away with a bad start. Again, cautious optimism because the guy still threw almost as many interceptions as touchdowns last year, and fumbles increased from 9 in 2005, and 9 in 2006, to 13 in 2007 with 7 of them resulting in turnovers.
11. Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
    The early season team struggles last season shows bad on Rivers overall stats. Assuming the Chargers as a team will play more consistently over the course of the entire season, Rivers can be a decent fantasy starter on teams who put less emphasis on quarterback stats.
12. Vince Young - Tennessee Titans
    2008 should be a much improved season for the the Titans quarterback. While no major receivers were brought in via the draft or free agency, the overall passing game will be improved, and there will be improved opportunities at the goalline. Players such as Alge Crumpler and Chris Johnson will give Young the safety blanket he needs when nothing else is available, and eliminate the need to make costly mistakes (interceptions).

------------------------------------

Players under consideration

• David Garrard - Currently on the bubble. It was between him and Young for the 12 spot in the current rankings.
• Derek Anderson - I realize the TD's from last year, but the future is still on the roster behind him. For all intents and purposes, last year was Anderson first actualy "year" on the field, and year two will prove to be a much tougher task. Ultimately, I feel Anderson will lose his starting role at some point during this season, which is why I am avoiding him in the top 12 at this poin. Top 12 means starter in your fantasy league, I wouldn't want to draft a quarterback I felt wasn't going to be starting the entire season.
• Marc Bulger - Injuries completely scare me away from this guy. And even given a full 16 game season, his best effort was 24 touchdowns. I can't buy into this guy as a top 12 QB this year. Not unless I see some things that do a great job of convincing me.

Would love to see your thoughts, and also see your own rankings. Thoughts from the forum go a long way toward helping me my own rankings, as I know we have a well informed group of people here.

I will add comment to your picks and comments to mine later.

1a. Brady - He comes back to the pack but still edges out Manning. His first round price rules me out of the running for his services, unless I am picking at 11 or 12. Even then I might not be able to do it.
1b. Manning - He will fall short but be in the top tier with Brady. Unlike Brady, Mannings numbers improve this year, and he will target Addai more. His early-mid second round cost will rule him out for me.
3a. Brees - I have he and Romo in the 2nd tier and close. Romo just isn't able to close the yardage gap with enough Td's to cover. Last year's loss of Deuce early, threw this team in a tail spin. They came out of it, but it was costly for Brees fantasy wise. They will hit their stride offensively, early this year, and Colston will equal TO. If I can get him in the 4th I will bite!
3b. Romo - I do not see incremental improvement in his stats this year,but I see no sign what so ever of a let down either. This will be an offensive juggernaut. Crayton is still not a healthy Glenn, and Witten will be leaned on heavily when TO snoozes. I don't know if getting paid was the best thing for TO. He has to make it into the 4th for me to bite, though I did see a nice blueprint for taking him in the 3rd, in the Jet Doc mock.
5a. Big Ben - This ain't your old Steeler's and Big Ben is the reason. He is now the "Guy" and he get's what he wants. He wants to open it up more, and he wanted a big body at wide receiver. They got him Sweed, and this team won't routinely run on first down. I like what happened between he and Miller last year, and that will only increase this season. I would gladly take Ben in round 5 or 6.
5b. Palmer - He still has his weapons, as the Bengals didn't blink. The loss of Henry only stands to aid this team, as that was addition by subtraction. Utecht should bring something this team hasn't had in years....a TE! What they need to find is the ability to set up the pass with the run. Palmer can out perform this ranking easily, but that will take a 10-6 record, meaning an improved defense. I would bite in rounds 5 or 6.
7. Hasselbeck - I have trouble with Hass here, but give him the benefit of the doubt. I feel he is capable of creating targets, and he will need to create a new #1 Wr. He did well without Branch and Hackett for most of last season, will make do with Burleson and Engram this year, until Branch shows up to help. I won't be a buyer of Hass as a #1 qb, unless he falls into 7, and that won't happen.
8. Anderson - I don't understand those who doubt Anderson this year. The team is moving up. He has 2 dominant young weapons in Edwards and Winslow. He doesn't have to look over his shoulder unless he absolutely train wrecks, and Jamal has another 300+ carry year in him, at 4.0 yards a carry. I wish he would be avaiable as a #2 in round 8 or 9 but that isn't going to happen. Believe! He is a top 10 QB!
9. Cutler
10. Garrard
11. McNabb
12. Eli Manning

almost: Rivers, Rodgers, Campbell, and Young

I really like your rankings. Very solid top to bottom. I like where you have Cutler. I see the same value there.
Here's how I break it down.
Here's the QB situation as I see it.
1. Peyton. Yeah I know, everyone has Brady as #1 because he had a monster year. It rarely duplicates year to year under Billichik.
2. Brady. It doesnt change the fact that he's still Tom freaking Brady.
3. Romo. No hesitation.
4. Brees. Yeah thats right. Brees above Palmer. Too much grumbling in Cincy. Ill take my boy Drew at #4.
5. Palmer. Carson doesn't fall too far yet because Housh is da bomb!!
6. Hasselbeck. This is my guy to watch if you want a late QB. Seattle threw all over the place last year. Matt's numbers were actually pretty close to Peyton's. This is my target QB.
7. McNabb. I think McNabb will rebound nicely this year. He was coming off injury last year and getting his groove back. DeSean Jackson is a nice speedy addition too.
8. Cutler. Another one of my late targets. Id be more than happy having the blood sugar boy QBing my team. Lots of nice passing options.
9. Delhomme. Yeah thats right. Jake Delhomme is a top 10 QB this year. He's back. He's healthy. He's got DJ Hackett. Oh and whose that other guy catching the ball??
10. Im really on the fence at this point. I feel that Manning and Rivers are equals as far as skill and available weapons. I wanted to give the edge to Eli because of the SuperBowl win, but Rivers has too much fire in him.

My bubble boys are much like the ones listed above. I won't pick Derek Anderson. No way no how. Im going to be laughing at the clowns who take him with their 4th pick. I also have no interest in Vince, Gerrard, and Bulger, all for obvious reasons. If you end up with any of these guys QBing your team, be better have gotten tremendous value in those early rounds.

You mean you want an off the cuff, un-researched, early gut Miller take on the QB's? Hell, that's my specialty!!

1. Tom Brady - Try to go against the grain all you want, this guy is #1.
2. Peyton Manning - As consistent as they come! Year in and year out Manning is there at the top, this year will be no different.
3. Carson Palmer - Homer alert!! In all seriousness, the running game becomes more consistent again and the additions of Utech in the middle of the field and a healthy Perry out of the backfield and Palmer returns to his 05 form, maybe better!!
4. Tony Romo - TO has been paid, but the questions that surround the #2 WR are enough to keep him at 4 on my list.
5. Ben Roethlisburger - I have some big questions about their OLine and their ability to keep Ben upright, however, I have no questions about his ability to air it out. The Steelers seem to want to pass more which should mean great fantasy numbers for Ben.
6. Drew Brees - What the hell happened during the first part of last season? Whatever it was, I think they figured out a way around it. Brees rounds out the elite QB's.
7. David Garrard - A little high? Maybe, but man was this kid consistent last year. i love the way he plays! In the games he finished last season, he never turned in a single digit effort!
8. Derek Anderson - No one believed last year, no one is believing this year.....well with some reservation, I will believe. If nothing else, I love his surrounding cast and feel with the time he will have and the weapons he has to throw to he'll put up another top 10 season.
9. Matt Hasselbeck - Another guy who thrives off of consistency. You know what your getting with Matt!
10. Donovan McNabb - Never been a McNuggett fan, but when he's healthy he puts up numbers.
11. Jake Delhomme - I think the Delhomme to Smith combo bounces back this season. Delhomme's shoulder will be fine and he will post starters numbers this season.
12. Eli Manning - Started to figure it out last season in the playoffs, but still not a fantasy juggernaut. He will be a boarder-line starter though, and I think he cuts down on the mistakes this season.

__________________

Banner by Mark Clapper

After ranking him, I kept going back and thinking about removing him. I have listened to all the off-season talk about him maturing as a quarterback at the end of the season, but I keep going back to the thought that is was more of a case of the rest of the team figuring it out and rallying together.

for Eli, outside of the final regular season shootout, it was a typical average of more interceptions than touchdowns, and fumbling in all but one game, 5 times in one of those games.

After all this thinking, I keep coming back to one play in the Super Bowl. Had that desperation pass by Eli ended up bouncing off of Tyree's helmet and landing in a Patriots arms, resulting in an interception that ultimately ends the game and secures a loss rather than a win, what would we be saying about Eli Manning today? Would he be the guy that was figuring things out, or would he be the guy who continues to make too many mistakes?

Just food for thought.

I feel the seasons of trouble, the season of trouble last year, the run at the end of the year, the run thru the playoffs, and the game, have changed this man. He has the respect of his Coach, his team, and his peers. (fuck Shockey) He has arrived and is a solid 16 week fantasy start. He deserves to be mentioned!

Okay, just a quick ranking. I may come back with more info later.
1) Manning - sorry, but Wayne, Harrison, Clark, Addai mean way too much.
2) Brady - Moss and......uh....well.......yeah
3) Romo - If they get anything from the other wr spot or from Glenn, I would bump him up. But just TO and Witton and fill ins gets him #3.
4) Palmer - No hold out. So you have Chad, TJ, Utecht and most importantly Perry and or Dorsey.
5) Brees - Had they gotten a real TE, or another decent wr...I would put him at #3. With just Colston and fill in squad, he stays at 5.
6) Roethisberger - Ward and co. make a great wr core. They will pass more..but he needs to drop his INTs.
7) Hasselback - Wr core is hurting...but running game may be better...so it will help.
8) McNabb - if he is fully healthy, and wrs pan out...he will be big again. I just fear the injury bug too much to move him up more.
9) Delhomme - He has Mushy, Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett and solid rbs to support him. They have also reworked the O-line. Don't forget this guy.
10) Cutler - Not sure on this guy. He has some tools, but he seems to always tease. Maybe the diabetes was part of it. Only time will tell. Still, with no real wrs to trust...I will leave him here.
11) Anderson - Edwards and Soldja make a great receiving core. However, I am not a stallworth believer, so I don't see any improvement.
12) Eli Manning - he makes as many great plays as mistakes. But you can't forget the talent around him.

__________________
Expert on nothing, opinionated on everything...

I think we all must be reminded that Delhomme and Mush connected for 1400 yards and 16 tds in 2004. I wonder if he shouldn't at least get drafted??

Would you still feel the same though if that pass that landed on Tyrees head been intercepted and the Giants had lost?

1. Peyton Manning- He may not have been the league's top passer last year, but he's been the best passer for the last several years. Manning doesn't play up and down from season to season and you know what you're getting.

2. Tom Brady- Easily the second best QB. I wouldn't look for a repeat in the TD's category as those numbers were the exception, not the rule.

3. Carson Palmer- Palmer gets the nod here over Romo because of his proven worth and that he plays in a passing oriented offense. He has a good receiving corps withou Chad, but with Chad, he has arguably the best WR combo in the NFL.

4. Tony Romo- While has TO and Jason Witten, and that's about it. The receiving corps beyond that is less then stellar and with Barber in the backfield, it will cost him some TD's. However, he is still the best option here because he is a playmaker and he does have TO and Witten.

5. Drew Brees- Brees goes here despite last season. He wasn't awful, but he wasn't great either. Brees is an up and down QB from year to year as he has displayed in SD and NO. He's due for an up year.

6. Ben Roethisberger- The move to focus more on the passing game helps Big Ben here. He has a great arm but lacked a big receiver. With Ward and Moss speeding for the big passes, the addition of Sweed gives him an intermediate big receiver with good hands. this will help him rack up more completions and yards which will lead to more TD's for Ward on the bombs.

7. David Garrard- He puts up good numbers every week, which is valuable to fantasy owners. He doesn't turn the ball over and he makes smart decisions. Having started 12 games last year will make him that much more efficient in the offense.

8. Derek Anderson- While a lot of people aren't sold on Anderson, 2 guys they are sold on are Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. How long do they keep Quinn on the bench? As long as Anderson is putting up numbers like last season, he's going to start and have gaudy numbers with his WR corps. INT's really hurt him, but with a full year under his belt, he'll only get smarter.

9. Jay Cutler- Cutler has been good, but not great. But this is year 3 for him and he's poised for a breakout season. He could be one of the biggest pickups for any fantasy owner because he is capable of catapulting himself to being in the top 5.

10. Eli Manning- I know a lot of people will disagree with this one, but Eli matured a lot last season and stands on the brink of greatness. He's got the ring, and now he's got the confidence, which is something he has sorely lacked thus far. We know he has the arm and I think his playoff performance will be the boost he needed to make him a top 10QB.

11. Matt Hasselbeck- He's nothing if not consistant. Will you get 40 td's? No. Will you get 4000 yards? No. But he may have the fewest question marks beside him outside of Manning and Brady. With Matt, you will consistant scoring and the occassional big game.

12. Vince Young- While I don't believe that Vince is in the top 12 of NFL QB's, speaking from a fantasy standpoint, there is no denying his fantasy value. He will throw more TD's then INT's and will only improve with the experience he's gained. He will put up good rushing numbers and some rushing TD's which raise his stock tremendously and makes him capable of putting up 20 to 25 TD with 5 or 6 coming on the ground. He's is streaky at times with his arm, but not his legs.

Other receiving consideration
Donovan Mcnabb-To many questions about his ability to stay healthy and an unproven receiving corps make for an unnecessary risk.

Jake Delhomme- Coming off an injury season makes me question pulling the trigger on him and wonder if he'll ever be the same.

Philip Rivers- Although he puts up good numbers, he's still second fiddle to LT. A lack of receivers outside Gates makes me think that a really bad year for him is imminent.

Matt Schaub- He's has a superstar receiver. He has a good young TE. He has 3 WR's who provide solid depth past Johnson. What he lacks is a full healthy season to prove he can be a top level QB.

Marc Bulger- He's put up gaudy numbers for years, but many believe those years are behind him. His inability to stay upright in the pocket and healthy because of it makes you shy away, but at the same time, his past makes him worth a potential pickup as a backup.