1. Michael Vick – Philadelphia Eagles – Bye Week 7

2010 Points: 315

2011 Projection: 4000 yards, 25 TD’s, 14 INT’s, 850 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD’s, 5 FL

2011 Points: 369

Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: High

Analysis:

Update Aug. 30:

There has to be concerns about Vicks OL. He’s been getting beat up hard in pre-season and there’s no way Vick can survive this in the regular season. It’s becoming more and more apparent how big of a risk he is.

Michael Vick single handily took over fantasy match-ups last year with his play. His play wasn’t as great towards the end of the year though. Regardless, we should still expect great numbers from him. Over his last 7 games where it looked like defenses we’re really keying in on him he still put up great numbers. I averaged those numbers out to get a full season and then adjusted them a bit. As you can see, he’s still projected to put up great numbers. The only thing that will stop him is getting hurt, which is a bit of a concern.

2. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers – Bye Week 8

2010 Point: 315

2011 Projection: 4400 yards, 30 TD’s, 10 INT’s, 350 rushing yards, 4 rushing TD’s, 2 FL

2011 Points: 341

Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Very Low

Analysis:

Aaron Rodgers has been very consistent in his two years as a starter. His passing numbers would have been nearly identical the past 2 years had he not missed a game and a half this past year. I expect more of the same from Rodgers. I don’t think he has the potential to get 40+ passing TD’s unless the Packers add another huge weapon at receiver.

3. Tom Brady – New England Patriots – Bye Week 7

2010 Points: 303

2011 Projection: 4000 yards, 32 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 50 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2 FL

2011 Points: 286

Injury Risk: Very Low
Bust Potential: Very Low

Analysis:

Tom Brady had the least amount of passing attempts since 2004 last season. Are the Patriots moving towards a more balanced offense, or was it simply because Moss sucked and Welker was banged up? I’m on the low side with my projections but Brady should still be in for a good year.

4. Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints – Bye Week 11

2010 Points: 293

2011 Projection: 4400 yards, 33 TD’s, 16 INT’s, 3 FL

2011 Points: 286

Injury Risk: Very Low
Bust Potential: Low

Analysis:

Drew Brees is consistent so you know what you’re gonna get.  His interception numbers should be down from last year though. He’s known for throwing picks but 22 was uncharacteristically high. I think the Madden curse had something to do with that.

5. Peyton Manning – Indianapolis Colts – Bye Week 11

2010 Points: 303

2011 Projection: 4300 yards, 31 TD’s, 16 INT’s, 1 FL

2011 Points: 278

Injury Risk: Very Low
Bust Potential: Low

Analysis:

Update Aug. 30:

He might not even be ready for the season opener which would be shocking. I can’t even imagine the Colts without Peyton Manning. I’d be very cautious about drafting him as well as he might not be 100% even if he does play all 16 games.

Is Peyton Manning starting to regress? His interception numbers have climbed, although he did throw nearly 700 times this past season. I expect those numbers to fall a bit. Donald Brown and Delone Carter should be a bigger part of the offense and bring back some of the balance they had when Addai was leading the way. Read more