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Waiting on QB is nothing new, and for good reason. After Brady and Rodgers (I won’t argue against Brees), there are plenty of solid quarterbacks hanging around at the end of drafts. Instead of taking a shot on young guy with upside, consider these old vets.
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Carson Palmer – QB 20, ADP 143
Bruce Arians and the Cardinals want to throw it deep and Palmer has a great deep ball. With the return of John Brown, Larry Fitzgerald handing in thousand-yard seasons well into his fifties, and maybe the best running back in football, there should be no shortage of fantasy points down in Arizona.
It’s hard to believe too much from offseason media, but if we can believe the stories about Palmer figuring out throwing less is the trick to longevity, Palmer could in for a bounce-back 2017 campaign. Barely being drafted inside the top 24 at QB, you could do a lot worse streaming Palmer and another solid starter.
Eli Manning – QB 18, ADP 128
The Giants receiving corps is an embarrassment of riches. With Odell Beckham Jr. leading the way, the old salt Brandon Marshall coming to town, and 2nd year man Sterling Shepard looking to improve on an impressive rookie season, there is excitement surrounding the Giants offense for good reason.
The worry with Eli is the lack of moves the Giants made to address a leaky offensive line, and Eli’s propensity to throw the ball to the opponent 20 times a year. We didn’t see huge numbers from Manning in 2015, but he didn’t look like his arm was shot. With another year in the Ben McAdoo system—plus added firepower in the form of Marshall and rookie tight end Evan Engram—Eli is certainly worthy of a backup QB spot on your roster this year.
Philip Rivers – QB 15, ADP 118
After losing Keenan Allen in the first game of 2016, Rivers took advantage of the young talent the Bolts had waiting in the wings. After catching just 2 passes as a rookie, Tyrell Williams pulled in 69 catches for just over 1,000 yards in his sophomore season. With the Chargers already worried about this year’s first round pick Mike Williams’ injury, Tyrell is poised to take another big jump in year 3.
Dontrelle Inman continued improve in his 3rd year, accounting for just over 800 yards (up from 486 in his second year). Add in the next big thing at tight end in 2nd year man Hunter Henry, and Rivers will have no shortage of weapons to go along with a strong running game lead by don’t-call-me-a-bust-yet Melvin Gordon.
It’s a tough break for Rivers and the Chargers to have to play the vaunted Broncos and Chiefs defenses twice a year, but there are plenty of juicy matchups where we’ll be fine rolling out ole bolo-tie.