Tom Brady Heads Up Fantasy Football QB Rankings for Week One

FanHouse positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

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The main thing to remember in week one is that it is, in fact, week one. We're heading into an uncharted and quite unpredictable season. Play your studs. Sure, there are variables like Kurt Warner facing a defense he will torch or Carson Palmer's situation being a really poor one.

On the other hand, Tom Brady was the consensus number one QB in fantasy in the preseason. His team is playing the Chiefs at home. As long as he's gonna play -- and it looks like he will -- why wouldn't he be the top dog?

Who to Play in Week 1

No. 1 - Tom Brady, Patriots
Health was the only question mark holding down Brady's Week 1 value. He appears ready to go, though, and that means huge numbers at home against a terrible Kansas City defense.

Donald Miralle, Getty Images

No. 2 - Tony Romo, Cowboys
The good news? Romo and the 'Boys open in Cleveland, where the Browns sport one of the NFL's worst defenses. The better news? Jessica Simpson won't be making the trip.

Denis Poroy, AP

No. 3 - Peyton Manning, Colts
Another star QB that fantasy players might shy away from in Week 1 due to healthy concerns. Don't. Manning will start versus Chicago, and that means he has to be in your lineup.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

No. 4 - Drew Brees, Saints
Until the Saints know how much they can trust the knees of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, they'll rely on Brees to win games. And that means stout passing numbers, even with Tampa Bay in town.

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

No. 5 - Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
There may be plenty of weeks where Pittsburgh's offense has to grind it out. This is not one of them. Houston continues to improve, but Big Ben will still find plenty of passing room.

Rick Stewart, Getty Images

Best value: Warner, though Jon Kitna playing against an absolutely abysmal Falcons' defense is right there as well.
Worst value: Palmer

The Rankings
1. Tom Brady, Pats, vs. KC
2. Tony Romo, Cowboys, @ CLE
3. Peyton Manning, Colts, vs. CHI
4. Drew Brees, Saints, vs. TB
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, vs. HOU
6. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, vs. STL
7. Derek Anderson, Browns, vs. DAL
8. Kurt Warner, Cards, at SF
9. Philip Rivers, Chargers, vs. CAR
10. Jon Kitna, Lions, at ATL
11. Brett Favre, Jets, at MIA
12. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks, at BUF
13. Eli Manning, Giants, at WAS
14. Carson Palmer, Bengals, at BAL
15. Matt Schaub, Texans, at PIT
16. Jay Cutler, Broncos, at OAK
17. Jake Delhomme, Panthers, at SD
18. David Garrard, Jags, at TEN
19. Marc Bulger, Rams, at PHI
20. Jason Campbell, Redskins, at NYG
21. Trent Edwards, Bills, vs. SEA
22. Aaron Rodgers, Packers, vs. MIN
23. J.T. O'Sullivan, Niners, vs. ARI
24. Jeff Garcia, Bucs, at NO
25. Chad Pennington, Dolphins, vs. NYJ
26. Matt Ryan, Falcons, vs. DET
27. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders, vs. DEN
28. Vince Young, Titans, vs. JAX
29. Kyle Orton, Bears, at IND
30. Joe Flacco, Ravens, vs. CIN
31. Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings, at GB
32. Brodie Croyle, Chiefs, at NE

Latest NFL Photos

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees stretches as the team practiced in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Saints are practicing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Colts' new stadium, after fleeing from hurricane Gustav, and will return to New Orleans on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo smiles as he walks off the field after the Cowboys won 16-10 over the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL pre-season football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown is shown during practice Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 in Philadelphia. Brown is upset that his name is being used in a video that is on the internet, made by agent Drew Rosenhaus who represents Lito Sheppard. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard during practice Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008 in Philadelphia. Teammate Sheldon Brown is upset with his name is being used in a video on the internet, made by agent Drew Rosenhaus who represents Sheppard. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy jogs before the team's football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Colts face the Chicago Bears in their season opening game on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, left, talks with associate head coach Jim Caldwell before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Coach Tony Dungy said that Manning would probably start Sunday night's season-opener against Chicago, perfect timing for a starting offense that failed to score a single touchdown in five preseason games. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts linebackers Gary Brackett, left, and Freddie Keiaho joke around as they stretched before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. The Colts face the Chicago Bears in their season opening game on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning warms up before football practice in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Coach Tony Dungy said that Manning would probably start Sunday night's season-opener against Chicago, perfect timing for a starting offense that failed to score a single touchdown in five preseason games. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Keith Urban, left, Natasha Bedingfield and Usher pose for photos at a New York news conference, Wednesday Sept. 3. 2008. The three singers are scheduled to perform during a free concert in New York's Columbus Circle Thursday in conjunction with the Nationall Football League season opener. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

9-04-2008 @ 2:11PM

redbankrob said...

Let me get is right Eli wins the last Super Bowl and he's #13 , Brady Loses it and he's #1 - even money says the Pats lose their first game....

9-04-2008 @ 7:17PM

Brandon said...

Actually since Brady had one of the strongest arms and highest iq's, along with the best receiving core, is why he is rated number 1. Eli is a horrible QB, and anyone who knows anything about football would know that. They won the superbowl on the back of their defense. Eli does not even deserve to play in the NFL.

9-05-2008 @ 12:42PM

retroharvey65 said...

It was fluke and a technicality that they won, bud. Get with it!

9-04-2008 @ 3:08PM

Sithlord said...

"Let me get is right Eli wins the last Super Bowl and he's #13 , Brady Loses it and he's #1 - even money says the Pats lose their first game...." Brady is Owns She-Li,Get your facts straight R-tard!

9-04-2008 @ 3:12PM

BigDawg said...

I'll Take That Bet........

9-04-2008 @ 3:16PM

bilko said...

Where ru? I'll take as much even money as you can cover.

9-04-2008 @ 3:24PM

Sandy said...

Eli Manning won one Big Game and deserves to be at the bottom of this list. Brady won 18 in a row, broke passing record. He is #1, because he IS #1 in the NFL.

9-04-2008 @ 3:30PM

jrm said...

you are so right brady didnt do all that good all he did was cheat to get him to the spot that he was in last season and look at him now that is a bunch of bs peyton should be first and his brother second not tony the homo what has he done, thats right nothing everybody needs to check this out come on now where do you get your stats from

9-04-2008 @ 4:16PM

jedidiah1221 said...

I agree Brady is way over rated. Don't know if the chiefs will be able to be the patriots though... I would say the odds are more ten to one...

9-04-2008 @ 4:54PM

Dorian Gray said...

You do realize that just because Eli won the Super Bowl, doesn't mean he's a better QB overall than Tom Brady. Eli was just better on that night. Brady is probably the best QB overall and I hate the Patriots. I will agree that Eli should be higher than #13 or whatever his ranking is.

9-04-2008 @ 8:40PM

jay said...

WHILE ELI IS NO PEYTON, HE IS IMPROVING,TOM IS LIVING ON WELL DESERVED PAST GLORY AND IS SLIPPING
BUT THE PATS WILL WIN THEIR DIVISION UNLESS DA BILLS COME ALIVE ( don't laugh it could happen)

9-04-2008 @ 6:14PM

GiantsForLife said...

I hear ya. That's completely unfair.

9-04-2008 @ 6:12PM

tim said...

Dont know much about football do ya?

9-11-2008 @ 11:57AM

CHARLES said...

well, one first must know something about what they are talking about before they post comments, I say this because of a few good reasons. #1, it doesnt matter where you finish in the previous season, what is ultimately looked at and considered in rankings for a specific position is the players overall ability to perform within that position, just because eli manning was a part of the superbowl champion giants, does not mean he should be afforded the #1 QB ranking, eli is no tom brady ! at this point, within the QB position, his overall supporting cast that he has available is also considered. lets do some research before we just comment on the staffs position ranking system.

9-04-2008 @ 2:26PM

Willy C said...

Mcnabb has not one a dam thing in years and he rated 6th? Give me a break.

9-04-2008 @ 2:40PM

Coach Bill B said...

I don't think you "get is right" The Giants won the superbowl and the Patriots lost. Tom Brady is a far superior quarterback compared to Eli Manning. If you even attempt to dispute that it only shows that you don't know anything about the game and you should not speak of it again! Go watch Phelps rock the Butterfly!

9-04-2008 @ 6:18PM

you rock

9-04-2008 @ 3:03PM

John said...

Tom brady is a good Quarterback but #1???? Payton Manning is the best by far

9-04-2008 @ 3:36PM

thank you john you have the right idea, peyton is the best , always will be ,but when you have a gimme schedule of course you will look good i wish that the colts will have a easy schedule so that they will win all of there first games so that they will make it to the playoff with a good record.