Fantasy Football 2014: Top 10 Quarterbacks

Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan

For Matt Ryan the 2013 season looked bright at first, however after the season-ending injury of Julio Jones, things looked bleak indeed. Despite poor circumstances though, Ryan was able to throw for 4,515 yards, ranking seventh in the league in 2013. With Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas, the Falcons have one of the league’s best receiving corps. Last year Douglas caught for 1,067 yards and two touchdowns on 85 receptions as White caught 711 yards and three touchdowns on 63 receptions. After just four games Julio Jones had astronomically good numbers, catching 41 passes for 580 yards (average of 116 yards per game). Unfortunately though, he got injured just as his 2013 season was just starting to soar. One knock I would have on this passing offense would have to be that TE Tony Gonzalez (caught for 89 receptions for 853 yards and eight touchdowns in 2013) won’t be returning next season. This leaves a huge 119 target void that somebody will have to fill. Whether it be Jones, White or Douglas only time will tell. As well OT Jake Mathews will prove to be invaluable for the Falcons in 2014. With his great pass blocking abilities and size, Matthews has been known for his ability to protect the Quarterback. Under Johnny Manziel and Ryan Tannehill, Matthews played extremely well. Out of Texas A&M, Mathews has played superlative football protecting Johnny Manziel for both his freshman and sophomore seasons. At 6’5″, 305, Mathews is a big and punishing lineman, many times able to plow through opposing defensive lines with his long arms alone. As a Senior he has protected the best QBs in Dolphin’s QB Ryan Tannehill and Johnny Manziel. With pass blocking and healthy receivers, the ball is now in Matt Ryan’s hands.

Now reason why I have Ryan up so high is because of his team’s health. Ryan has the ability to be a top-10 QB. His big three WRs in Harry Douglas, Roddy White and Julio Jones can do some serious damage in the NFL this season. Ryan is going to improve. Last season Ryan didn’t have a healthy running game. This year he does and rookie Devonta Freeman has been showing how talented he truly is, especially out of the backfield catching passes. Last seasons multi-interception season is a thing of the past. 2014: moving on.