Wait, did you think the quarterback debate between Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning was over after just one year?
Well, think again. The battle will rage as furiously as ever in 2013 fantasy football.
Last season, Luck filled the impossible shoes once worn by Manning for 14 tremendous years in Indianapolis. He filled up the stat sheet and was the unquestioned leader of the Colts—in just his rookie campaign, no less.
Manning overcame a similarly monumental task by posting near career-bests in multiple categories following several near career-ending neck surgeries the previous year. He maintained his undaunted superstar status in his first year sporting a Denver Broncos uniform.
And both produced highly respectable, if not league-leading fantasy campaigns as well.
So, will such fantastic success translate in the fantasy realm in 2013?
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck was often left by the wayside in the discussion of rookie quarterbacks last year. We’re just not sure why.
The Colts man under center threw for well over 1,000 more yards than Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson. He piled up a gasp-worthy 4,374 passing yards (No. 7 overall) and 28 total touchdowns (five rushing), the latter of which was only one below Wilson’s total. He also led the entire league with an astonishing seven game-winning drives.
Remember, Luck was the fourth-highest sacked and more hit quarterback in the NFL. He endured an awful beating, and still produced.
In terms of fantasy numbers, Luck was the 10th overall QB, one spot ahead of Wilson. His 276.46 points certainly earned him QB1 fantasy status.
Expect Luck to rack up better aggregate statistics in 2013. The Colts improved mightily at right tackle with top-10 worthy Gosder Cherilus. Fellow bookend Anthony Costanzo should also continue his rise up the rankings in his third NFL campaign. A similar positive development will occur with wideout T.Y. Hilton and running back Vick Ballard in their sophomore campaigns. Free agent additions of RB Ahmad Bradshaw and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey will also provide more offensive weaponry.
Watch for Luck to accumulate a comparable yardage total but also more TDs and fewer interceptions. He’ll simply be a more productive fantasy QB and more efficient overall NFL field general.
But will he supplant Manning from his lofty perch?
Projected Statistics: 4,200 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 200 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Said perch was a lofty one indeed.
Manning led the NFL with a 68.6 completion percentage and 84.1 QBR in 2012. For his career, he threw for the second-most passing yards (4,659), touchdowns (37) and passer rating (105.8) and totaled the third-fewest interceptions (11).
It truly was an incredible overall performance from the 36-year-old.
Furthermore, Manning occupied the No. 6 ranking among fantasy QBs. He amassed 310.96 points, also good for the sixth-most among all players.
Heading into 2013, Denver’s offensive line took a major hit when J.D. Walton recently broke his ankle and will likely miss the entire season. Thankfully, formidable starters Ryan Clady (LT), Zane Beadles (LG) and Orlando Franklin (RT) all return, not to mention prime free-agent addition Luis Vazquez at RG.
What will really boost Manning’s production this season is the free agent signing of perennial 100-catch slot wideout Wes Welker. The same goes for second-round draft pick Montee Ball and the second-year development of wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in Manning’s system. Welker is the perfect complement to the incumbent outside receivers, while Ball will provide balance with a consistent rushing attack.
It’s difficult projecting better combined stats for Manning considering how prolific he was last year. In any case, his numbers will still materialize in fine form, and might even resemble those attained during a certain 2004 campaign.
Projected Statistics: 4,550 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions
The Verdict
Draft Luck for a very good 2013 fantasy season. Draft Manning and, well, be prepared for an extremely great fantasy season.
Andrew Luck: 290 fantasy points
Peyton Manning: 320 fantasy points
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