NFL: Top 5 fantasy quarterbacks for 2001

I know it’s only the beginning of May, but it’s never too early to look ahead towards the upcoming football season. This week, we will look at the five best fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL today.

Kurt Warner- Last season, Warner had an OK year. I know it was nothing spectacular, but some of his prime players were hurt, including himself, for a few games. Also, the Rams utilized Marshall Faulk a lot in their offense. With the likes of Faulk, Bruce and Holt, Warner should be one of the best, if not the best fantasy football quarterback next season. Look for Warner to eclipse the 35 TD mark and have close to 4,000 yards passing.

Peyton Manning- Another quarterback that will have another outstanding season this year will be Peyton Manning. With the core of players that the Colts have, Manning should have plenty of great years ahead of him. Look for Manning to throw at least 30 Td’s this season and have close to 4,000 yards passing.

Daunte Culpepper- What can be said about Daunte Culpepper. This kid was simply amazing last year. However, this season, Culpepper will not have Robert Smith lined up behind him. Now, the Vikings will have to rely on rookie RB Michael Bennett in the backfield. This will also be Cris Carter’s final season in the NFL. After this season, Culpepper will have to rely on Randy Moss a lot after Carter retires. For this upcoming season though, look for Culpepper to crack the 30 TD range and have close to 4,000 yards passing. One great thing about having Culpepper on your fantasy team is that you can bank on another 5-8 rushing touchdowns from him.

Brian Griese- Before Greise was injured last season, he was pretty much unstoppable. He had the best touchdown to interception ratio in the NFL. In Mike Shanahan’s offense, Griese will be a prime time fantasy quarterback in the very near future. My prediction, it will be this upcoming year. Over the past three season’s, Griese has really matured to be one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL. Griese is also a warrior, as everyone had seen last season when he played in excruciating pain against the Oakland Raiders. Look for Griese to be a top five fantasy quarterback next season, as he will throw close to 30 Td’s and have close to 3,800 yards passing.

Jeff Garcia- Rounding out my top five is Jeff Garcia. This was a tough decision, as there are a bunch of quarterbacks that are very deserving of this spot. Garcia had an awesome season last year throwing for 4,200 yards and 31 scores. Look for pretty much the same this year from Garcia. With the departure of Jerry Rice, it’s up to both Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes. These two wide receivers are pretty much capable of keeping Garcia near the top.

Best of the Rest:

Donovan McNabb- There is still not enough talent at the wide receiver position. And what is the status of Duce Staley? That could really hurt his stats.

Brett Favre- I think Favre is still a big time quarterback, however, I don’t think he is a top-five quarterback in the NFL anymore.

Brad Johnson- With the move to Tampa; this could be Johnson’s breakout season. Only time will tell.

Trent Green- Green will do very well in Dick Vermeil’s offense. Tony Gonzalez is going to have a monster season this year.