Fantasy or otherwise, the battle between Sam Bradford and Kevin Kolb is a tale of two quarterbacks that just haven’t put it all together in their short NFL careers.
Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, piled up gaudy statistics during his two starting seasons at Oklahoma. The deadly accuracy and touchdown prowess he displayed in college has not yet come to pass at the pro level. He won the NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010 and was solid last year, but the numbers just aren’t commensurate with his talent.
Kolb is another prolific college passer that owns a losing record in the NFL. The man who led the Conference USA in passing yards, completion percentage and touchdowns in 2006 has not started nor thrown double-digit TD passes in any pro season. He has been plagued by injuries, interceptions and general ineffectiveness.
But the past is the past, and both gunslingers will receive new opportunities in 2013.
Bradford has the luxury of a rejuvenated Rams offense, while Kolb starts anew with the Bills after six seasons in Philadelphia and Arizona.
Now, will that translate in the world of fantasy football?
Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
The Rams’ three-year starter was the 16th rated fantasy quarterback in 2012. He passed for 3,702 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, totaling 230.78 fantasy points. Only Dolphins rookie Ryan Tannehill produced fewer total scores than Bradford’s 22 among QBs who started all 16 games.
Fortunately, Bradford now has a bevy of offensive weapons at his disposal. St. Louis management drafted the premier NCAA talent in West Virginia’s Tavon Austin. It also selected Austin’s receiver teammate Stedman Bailey and bruising running back Zac Stacey. Free agency brought formidable left tackle Jake Long and dynamic tight end Jared Cook.
Add these guys to holdovers Chris Givens, Lance Kendricks, Daryl Richardson and a quality enough offensive line and Bradford doesn’t have any more excuses. His supporting cast is there—simply put.
With a stout defense keeping opposing offenses off the field, Bradford will indeed notch his best season to date. He’ll finally earn QB1 fantasy status, albeit one taken in the later rounds.
Projected Statistics: 4,030 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Kevin Kolb, Buffalo Bills
Kolb started just five games last season, but also posted some of his better overall numbers. The first-year Buffalo Bill completed 60 percent of his passes, tossed eight TDs next to just three picks and produced the first winning record of his career while with the Cardinals in 2012. Project that over a 16-game schedule and Kolb would have totaled over 3,500 yards, 24 TDs and under double-digit interceptions.
That said, Kolb has never completed a full season due to an array of injuries suffered on the gridiron. Those aforementioned stats amounted to an untenable No. 34 overall ranking among fantasy QBs (84.76 points). He’s also not lock for the starting gig this season, as Buffalo selected E.J. Manuel with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 draft.
If he does actually win the No. 1 job, he’ll have some great offensive talent around him in RB C.J. Spiller, WR Steve Johnson and TE Scott Chandler. Regrettably, Kolb will only start between six and eight games at best. Fans will be clamoring for Manuel by mid-season, as Kolb’s skittish nature under pressure will have him stumbling sooner rather than later.
Kolb is not—and we mean not— a fantasy option in 2012. Please consult a local psychiatrist if you find him on your fantasy squad.
Projected Statistics: 1,700 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, six interceptions
In Conclusion
It’s pretty simple here folks—draft Bradford and leave Kolb on the scrap heap.
Sam Bradford: 250 fantasy points
Kevin Kolb: 95 fantasy points
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