Pick the final Quarterback (QB) Spotlights (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

This year we're going to try something a little different with the last round of Spotlights. Normally we map out the entire offseason schedule and post them over a nine or ten week period, covering the projected starters at each position. As most of you know, on occasion there are situations that are uncertain (e.g., a QB battle or a battle for WR2/WR3) and then we combine several players into a discussion. You'll notice that so far this year, we've stuck to individual player spotlights. We've also noticed through our website analytics that the popularity of Spotlight articles is quite good overall, but there are always some that get very little traffic. Usually those are guys that are clear cut studs with no controversy (e.g., Peyton Manning) or guys that most fantasy players don't perceive as having much fantasy value (e.g., Alex Smith for example).

So this year, I thought it would be fun to have you guys vote on the last few spotlights. The voting period will be short. 48 hours and then I'm going to post them into the last weekly Spotlight thread.

We'll be voting by position, one thread for each of the four main offensive positions. You'll also have the choice to vote for "none of the above" meaning that you don't think there's anyone else worth devoting a whole thread/article to.

 

[Jason Wood]

Fairly close race so far, with the Browns situation holding a modest lead. I can understand the Bucs situation getting little interest because of the complexity, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a Bucs QB [when we finally figure out who that will be] outperforming the 49ers and Browns starter for much of the season.

 

[nittanylion]

Jason, maybe you should edit the Raiders QB Situation to: JaMarcus Russell/Jeff Garcia...

...that might turn out to be an interesting situation, when we consider that they have a stout D, Zach Miller, and what might be a reasonably effective ground attack with the highly under-rated Michael Bush, the versatile Darren McFadden and whatever Fargas brings to the table. Heyward-Bey aside, since right now he's looking like somewhat of a project, they have a scrappy corps of overachieving WR's (kind of reminds me of the Dolphins) with Schilenz, Higgins et al., and if the running Game can keep D's honest and the D keep them in Games, Garcia (not so much Russell, IMO) might generate enough excitement to be Fantasy Backup material with some (but probably not much) upside...

That being said, I voted for the Jets Tandem, Jason Campbell and Kerry Collins.

Jets Tandem: Whoever wins that job could have some value. Same formula as the Raiders - stout D (likely stouter than the Raiders), 3 headed RB Corps that's better than the Raiders, Solid TE in Keller, who may even be split out wide. A legit WR in Cotchery with a scrappy crew playing opposite. While the Raiders COULD generate opps for Garcia (or maybe Russell) I think it's a safe bet to say that the Jets WILL put their QB in a position to make plays, behind a decent O-Line. Again, Fantasy Backup, with some potential upside.

Jason Campbell: I'm a big Redskins pessimist, but I've got to admit I'm optimistic about what their O-Line may be capable of doing this Year. They are going to be able to spring Portis, I have no doubt. The D potential to improve dramatically, and Zorn/Campbell are in Year 2...they haven't really done anything to address WR2, although there are signs of growth. Cooley is a beast, and IF they can generate something to take coverages from focusing on SMoss and allow Randle-El to work from the slot, Campbell might be in the same boat - worthy of Fantasy Backup Status, with considerable upside potential. Of course, you probably have to have faith in Campbell, which I do, and accept that Colt Brennan is neither a long or short-term answer, as I do, as well.

Kerry Collins: Same set of circumstances. This is Kerry Collins' job, I have no doubt. Yes, the D lost a major piece in Haynesworth, but Fisher always finds a way to get the most out of that D. Electrifying Chris Johnson, and what appears to be a re-invigorated LenDale White manning a Power Rushing attack. Bo Scaife is more or less a journeyman, but he finds seams, and that Rookie TE Jared Cook is wowing. Justin Gage is a very under-rated possession guy, and for the 1st time in I don't know how long, the Titans have a legitimate deep threat in Nate Washington. Due to the loss of Haynesworth, they may HAVE to throw more this year, and they have some nice weapons, and together with the rushing threat, they may be able to keep the heat off Collins enough so that he can find targets...and then there's the McNair Factor - the Titans may use that as an intangible motivator to excel this Season, and we've all seen enough stranger things happen than to pass this off as mere superstition...again, like the Raiders, Jets and Redskins, these guys are attainable for a bargain (either a late round Draft Pick, or off the Waiver Wire), who might outperform their current projections.

I don't think the Browns or Bucs are going to generate enough Offense to be fantasy relevant, but that's more my opinion than anything else. With the upside these other situations could generate (the 3rd Piece of a Value Committee), I wouldn't mind seeing a Spotlight used on any of them, FWIW...

 

[Frisco]

JaMarcus is the only player I have more than a passing interest in. He started flashing some serious fantasy potential at the end of last year.