Fantasy football season is upon us. When you consider who your quarterback is a lot depends on your draft strategy and how many teams are in your league. There are some solid options to consider for your No. 1 quarterback at the back end of your draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman looks to have a big season. He has the offensive tools to be a sleeper. Last year Freeman threw for 4,065 yards, 27 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. His completion rate was only 54 percent. His receivers have been good. Doug Martin is an excellent receiver and runner. The return to health of guards Davin Joseph and Carl Nicks should improve his pass protection.
Chicago Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler looks to make an upgrade in his performance. Last year he passed for 3,033 yards, 19 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 58.8 completion percentage. The addition of tight end Martellus Bennett combined with expected improvement from second-year wide receiver Alshon Jeffery should give Cutler more receiving options outside of Brandon Marshall. Matt Forte is an excellent running and pass-receiving threat. Rookie guard Kyle Long and free-agent left tackle Jermon Bushrod should invigorate the Bears' offensive line production. New Bears' coach Mark Trestman is an offensive-minded coach who will get the most out of Cutler.
New Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Alex Smith is expected to lead them back to respectability. Smith is going from one quarterback guru in San Francisco to another in Kansas City. Before getting injured and losing his job, Smith was having an excellent year. He had 13 touchdowns with 5 interceptions with a 70 percent completion rate in 10 games. In Kansas City he will not have anybody looking over his shoulder trying to take his job. Smith has good receivers and an excellent running game. Dwayne Bowe is looking for a big year. Jamaal Charles staying healthy he should produce big numbers. If first-ound pick Eric Fisher helps improve Chief offensive line production, Smith can be a fantasy football sleeper.
St. Louis Rams' quarterback Sam Bradford has made steady improvement. This is his second season under Jeff Fisher. For the first time Bradford threw for over 20 (21 to be exact) touchdowns. Combine this with 13 interceptions and a 59.5 completion percentage. If free agent left tackle Jake Long can stay healthy it will have a huge impact on upgrading Rams' pass protection. Bradford’s receiving corps should get better with additions and experience. Rookie wide receiver Tavon Austin and free agent tight end Jared Cook are excellent additions. Improving Chris Givens and Lance Kendrick also should make an impact. The one weakness in the Ram’s offense may be their lack of a proven running back.
The four quarterbacks listed are not that obvious to most fantasy football fans. Each could be considered surprises and should be ready for big seasons. If they don’t produce big time in 2013, in 2014 they could be out of jobs.