Early 2012 Fantasy Football Top Ten Rankings

Quarterback

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Without question the best quarterback on the fantasy football landscape. Easily worth a top five pick in leagues that award six points for passing touchdowns.

2. Cam Newton, Panthers

I'm totally sold on Cam. His rushing touchdowns will likely decrease in 2012 but look for his passing numbers to get even better with a year of experience.

3. Tom Brady, Patriots

Too much talent to slow down. The additions of Brandon Lloyd should only help things.

4. Michael Vick, Eagles

Got a feeling this entire team is going to have a BIG bounce back year.

5. Drew Brees, Saints

With bountygate and his contract dispute I'm hesitant but the talent is almost too hard to pass up.

6. Matthew Stafford, Lions

Finally healthy last year and showed how good he can be. Great option if you wait a couple rounds before drafting a signal caller.

7. Peyton Manning, Broncos

The neck injury will be a concern for the rest career but all signs point to him being close to 100% and the AFC West is a cupcake division.

8. Eli Manning, Giants

Always underrated (including my yours truly) but he is consistent and the duo of Cruz & Nicks are a QB's dream.

9. Tony Romo, Cowboys

Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten. He should put up better numbers than he does. Maybe 2012 is the year.

10. Matt Ryan, Falcons

Has the best WR duo in the league at his disposal and his numbers have improved every year he's been in the league.

Running Back

1. Arian Foster, Texans

The Texans have the best running scheme in the NFL and Foster benefits greatly. Plus he's caught 119 passes the past two seasons.

2. LeSean McCoy, Eagles

Shady had a huge 2011 with 20 total touchdowns and there's no reason to think he won't come close to replicating those numbers.

3. Ray Rice, Ravens

A pending contract dispute has me slightly worried about Rice but he's still worth the risk. The Ravens offense is built around him.

4. Darren McFadden, Raiders

If he could ever stay healthy he could be the best back in the world of fantasy football. No Michael Bush only helps his chances.

5. Ryan Matthews, Chargers

Had a nice year but hopefully his touchdown numbers increase with Mike Tolbert headed to Carolina.

6. Chris Johnson, Titans

Actually finished 2011 pretty strong but your average fantasy footballer will only remember his dismal beginning. Huge steal if you can get him toward the end of round one.

7. Trent Richardson, Browns

The rookie better be ready because the Browns are going to give him the ball early and often. If he didn't play in the AFC North I might rank him even higher.

8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

Lasy season's rushing champ is threatening to hold out for a new contract. He's bound to slow down soon given his size so I'm hesitant to draft him. Limited upside.

9. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks

Beast Mode was unstoppable in 2011 but will a big new contract impede his motivation?

10. Adrian Peterson, Vikings

There are rumors he's already running on the practice field but any ACL injury is serious, especially for a running back. Wouldn't be surprised if he was put on the PUP list and missed the first six games.

Wide Receiver

1. Calvin Johnson, Lions

No other receiver in the league has the size and skills of Megatron. Plus he's in an offense that plans on passing early and often.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

I can only imagine what Fitzy could do with a real quarterback throwing him the ball.

3. Greg Jennings, Packers

Aaron Rodgers has alot of mouths to feed in Green Bay but Jennings is still his primary target.

4. Roddy White, Falcons

Julio Jones is ready for a breakout season but there are plenty of balls to go around in Atlanta.

5. Brandon Marshall, Bears

Marshall had some of his best years with Cutler in Denver. This reunion makes fantasy owners on both sides very happy.

6. A.J. Green, Bengals

Caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards as a rookie and will only get better in his sophmore season.

7. Julio Jones, Falcons

Based on upside he may actually go before Roddy White in some drafts. That's a mistake this season but maybe not for long.

8. Andre Johnson, Texans

Injuries last season will have people forgetting about him but when healthy he's a unique talent.

9. Victor Cruz, Giants

The injury to Hakeem Nicks only means he will get more and more targets from Eli. The Giants do whatever they can to get him the ball.

10. Dez Bryant, Cowboys

Kind of a curveball here. While guys like Welker, Nicks, and Mike Wallace are more established I like Bryant's upside. He's a very good value in the mock drafts I've done.

Tight End

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Gronk. World. Order. He's got 27 touchdowns in 32 career games.

2. Jimmy Graham, Saints

Best receiver in one of the best passing games in the league. Be careful though you might have to overpay for his services.

3. Antonio Gates, Chargers

With V-Jax out of the picture Gates looks to benefit. Not what he once was but definitely still has some left in the tank.

4. Jason Witten, Cowboys

Romo loves getting the ball to "The Bull", who has had 90+ catches in three of the last five seasons.

5. Jermichael Finley, Packers

So incredibly talented but we haven't seen it yet. Risky pick but perfect situation and great value in the middle of your draft if he can stay healthy.

6. Fred Davis, Redskins

With the arrival of RGIII he should get the ball early and often. A unique talent that is ready to breakout.

7. Vernon Davis, 49ers

Only thing holding him back now is the talent at quarterback. Seems to have his head on straight finally.

8. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots

Still a starter in PPR league but look for Gronk to steal more touchdowns from the mouth's of Hernandez owners in 2012.

9. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions

This is where talent takes a drop off. Pettigrew gets catches but he isn't a vertical threat whatsoever so his value is limited. 

10. Jacob Tamme, Broncos

Worked well with Peyton Manning during their time together in Indy. If you're plan is to wait on tight end he's your man.