It seems that everything is right in the world once again. Political parties are fighting over billions, the Earth is still spinning on its axis, it's sunny in California and "Modern Family" is the best show on television. Jeez, I was getting worried there for a second. On that note, the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady are among the top six fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL. This wasn't the case just a couple short weeks ago.
Still, there have been a tremendous amount of surprises at this position. Matt Ryan, who was considered a marginal QB1 option at the start of the season, is now one of the few elite performers at that position. Meanwhile, two rookies continue to dispell the notion that young quarterbacks cannot succeed in the NFL or put up consistent fantasy numbers.
Today's article is going to focus on the five most surprising fantasy football quarterbacks through the first six weeks of the season. I will also give you somewhat of a projection of where each stands moving forward.
1. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Coming into the season Ryan was projected to be one of the final QB1 options in fantasy football despite the fact that he was coming off a stellar 2011 regular season performance.
ESPN had Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, Michael Vick and Matthew Stafford ranked ahead of Atlanta’s quarterback at the start of the season. He now sits at No. 3 behind only Robert Griffin III and Drew Brees.
Ryan, who put up a whopping 32 fantasy points against the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener, has seen his numbers level off somewhat over the course of the last five games, his worst performance coming last week against the Oakland Raiders, less than 10 points.
Still, the talented quarterback is on pace to amass over 4,600 yards and 37 touchdowns. Those are definitely elite QB1 numbers right there.
2. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
No one really expected RGIII to repeat what Cam Newton did last season, and he hasn’t. Instead, the reigning Heisman Trophy Award Winner has surpassed what we saw from Newton last year.
RGIII is on pace to accumulate 4,700 total yards, including over 1,000 on the ground alone. Equally as important for both Washington and fantasy owners, he has turned the ball over only two times via the interception.
This is a long haul from his No. 15 positional ranking heading into the season, projections that expected RGIII to be a viable QB2 option, nothing more.
Through the first six weeks of the 2012 season, he ranks first overall in fantasy points. Heck, RGIII is No. 15 overall in rushing yards. Enough said.
3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Despite a poor performance against the New York Giants on Sunday, Smith still has to be considered a mild surprise around the fantasy circles. Smith still possesses a 2:1 TD/INT ratio and has the seventh highest quarterback rating in the NFL.
More importantly, the 49ers’ starting quarterback is on pace for 3,400 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Those obviously aren’t QB1 numbers, but as we continue to approach weeks where byes are commonplace, Smith represents a really solid QB2 option.
4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Yet another rookie quarterback that makes this list as a starting option. Despite a bad performance against the New York Jets on Sunday (5.1 fantasy points), Luck still ranks 17th in overall fantasy points among quarterbacks. While those numbers do not reflect QB1 numbers, we have to look further into the details. Three of the Colts first five games have come against pretty solid pass defenses. This will not be the case moving forward.
The Colts next eight games are against some really bad pass defenses. This list includes the Cleveland Browns (30th), Tennessee Titans (29th), Miami Dolphins (27th), Jacksonville Jaguars (23rd), New England Patriots (28th), Buffalo Bills (20th) and Detroit Lions (16th).
Expect QB1 numbers from Luck moving forward as his opponents will dictate that type of production. There is no doubt in my mind in regards to that.
5. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Ponder became the last regular starting quarterback to throw an interception when he was picked off twice against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. The young quarterback has now thrown four interceptions in his last two starts. Definitely not a good sign.
That being said, it seems that the Vikings are opening up the offense for him, which indicates better fantasy numbers moving forward.