2005 NFL.com Fantasy Draft Guide: Quarterbacks

(Note: NFL.com has published a special 16-page Fantasy Draft Guide. These position-by-position previews will give you an early start on your draft preparation.)

Peyton Manning not only broke the single-season record for TD passes last season; he also established himself as perhaps the only quarterback worth taking with the first overall pick in your fantasy draft. In the NFL.com experts' mock draft, Manning, Daunte Culpepper and Donovan McNabb were the only QBs taken in the first three rounds -- so there is plenty of value at the position later in the draft.

Top 10 for 2005

1. Peyton Manning, Colts: His fantasy stock can't get any higher.
2. Daunte Culpepper, Vikings: Good enough to overcome loss of Randy Moss.
3. Donovan McNabb, Eagles: Career highs for yards and TDs last season.
4. Trent Green, Chiefs: Has averaged 4,107 yards and 26 TDs over last three seasons.
5. Kerry Collins, Raiders: With Moss at his disposal, numbers should soar.
6. Michael Vick, Falcons: Still very inconsistent, but oh, so scary.
7. Marc Bulger, Rams: Relying on improved offensive line.
8. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks: Threw 10 TD passes over last four weeks of 2004.
9. Aaron Brooks, Saints: Averaging 3,643 yards and 24 TDs last three seasons.
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals: Former Heisman winner came on strong in second half of '04.

Undervalued/Sleeper Picks

• Tom Brady, Patriots: Still not getting credit for the numbers he puts up.
• Eli Manning, Giants: On paper, at least, he should have excellent weapons at his disposal.
• Steve McNair, Titans: Forgotten man in fantasy circles, could be a late-round steal.
• Chad Pennington, Jets: Could blossom under new offensive coordinator.
• Kurt Warner, Cardinals: Veteran QB with a good, young WR corps.

2004 Leaders: TD Passes

Peyton Manning, Ind.	49
Daunte Culpepper, Minn.	39
Donovan McNabb, Phil.	31
Brett Favre, G.B.	30
Jake Delhomme, Car.	29
Tom Brady, N.E.	28
Jake Plummer, Den.	27
Trent Green, K.C.	27
Drew Brees, S.D.	27
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.	26

2004 Leaders: Passing Yards

Daunte Culpepper, Minn.	4,717
Trent Green, K.C.	4,591
Peyton Manning, Ind.	4,557
Jake Plummer, Den.	4,089
Brett Favre, G.B.	4,088
Marc Bulger, St. L.	3,964
Jake Delhomme, Car.	3,886
Donovan McNabb, Phil.	3,875
Aaron Brooks, N.O.	3,810
Tom Brady, N.E.	3,692