These 2012 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2012 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2012 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - Quarterbacks (Sept. 2):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-35
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Robert Griffin, QB, Redskins. Bye: 10.
AUG. 11 UPDATE: Robert Griffin went 4-of-6 for 70 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener, but every single pass he attempted should have been completed (two drops). Griffin showed great poise in the pocket. He went through all of his progressions and even forced the Bills offside on one occasion. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was watching a 5-year veteran.
It’s very close for me, but I’d rather have Robert Griffin over Andrew Luck because of his potential to accumulate rushing numbers. Think of Young Griff as more upside, but Luck as being safer. Both, however, should be low-end QB1s at the very worst despite the fact that they are rookies.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,600 passing yards. 20 passing TDs. 16 INTs. 480 rushing yards. 5 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 270.
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Jay Cutler, QB, Bears. Bye: 6.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: Jay Cutler struggled versus the Giants. The horrid pass protection affected him, but he missed open receivers all evening. There was one sequence where he underthrew Matt Forte and then threw behind his starting running back. Cutler went just 7-of-17 for 72 yards in the first half against the New York starters.
Jay Cutler must be a happy man right now. Not only is Mike Martz gone, but the front office went out and secured a No. 1 receiver for him.
Cutler and Brandon Marshall posted monstrous numbers together in Denver prior to the hiring of Josh McDaniels. The last time Cutler played with Marshall, he threw for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2008. He’s a QB1 again, but don’t expect anything too crazy. Remember that he won’t have to throw as much as he did with the Broncos because he has a much better defense.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 4,100 passing yards. 27 passing TDs. 16 INTs. 150 rushing yards. 1 rushing TD.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 261.
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Andrew Luck, QB, Colts. Bye: 4.
AUG. 13 UPDATE: Andrew Luck went 10-of-16 for 188 yards and two touchdowns (along with a 9-yard scramble) in his debut. He was amazing. He showed great poise in the pocket, played mind games with the Rams’ safeties and converted plenty of third downs, leading the Colts to three trips into the end zone in four possessions. Luck is a stud and is fully capable of posting low-end QB1 numbers as a rookie. Feel free to draft him as a high-upside backup.
You can’t go wrong with either of the top two rookie quarterbacks this year. Andrew Luck will pick up rushing yardage, as he has very underrated athleticism. He’s more Aaron Rodgers than Peyton Manning. It’s risky to draft him as a starter, but he’s a high-end QB2 with major QB1 potential. He’ll be asked to throw a lot because his defense is terrible.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,900 passing yards. 23 passing TDs. 17 INTs. 280 rushing yards. 3 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 260.
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Matt Schaub, QB, Texans. Bye: 8.
Matt Schaub missed six games, but he was only on pace to throw for 3,970 yards – a number that would have been a career low for him in a 16-game slate. The reason is the defense. In the past, Schaub had to throw a lot because he was always trailing. Wade Phillips’ presence changed that. Schaub is no longer a fantasy stud, but he’s still a borderline QB1.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 4,050 passing yards. 28 passing TDs. 10 INTs. 20 rushing yards. 0 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 256.
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QB Eagles No. 7, QB, Eagles. Bye: 7. 
AUG. 21 UPDATE: Eagles QB No. 7 suffered a rib injury on the second drive. He was slow to get up after a hard hit from Jermaine Cunningham. He then walked gingerly to the locker room to get X-rays. The X-rays were negative, but he’s just going to suffer another injury once he plays again. The Eagles’ quarterback is made out of glass; forum member Daniel Brown said it best: “Vick being hurt is like watching the sun rise. It’s a routine.” There no reason you should spent a pick in the first seven rounds on Eagles QB No. 7. He’s a lock to miss at least four games.
Philadelphia’s quarterback is always very overrated. The Monday night game against the Redskins in 2010 caused everyone to overreact to what they witnessed on national TV. He predictably struggled in 2011, throwing nearly as many interceptions (14) as touchdowns (18).
I would not want this guy on my fantasy team – and not because I don’t want to root for him. He’s a lock to miss 3-4 games per year and be iffy for 3-4 other contests. Also, he’ll be 32 in June, which would explain why he failed to carry the ball 100-plus times in a season in which he played in 12-plus games for the first time ever. His rushing numbers will continue to drop as his running ability erodes. Stay away.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,100 passing yards. 20 passing TDs. 14 INTs. 550 rushing yards. 4 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 255.
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Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. Bye: 11.
Russell Wilson finished 13-of-19 for 185 yards and two scores in his first-ever professional start. He also rushed for 58 yards on two scrambles. At this point, I’d be shocked if he’s not named the starter over the mediocre Matt Flynn. Wilson will be worth drafting as a QB2 because of his rushing potential.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,200 passing yards. 19 passing TDs. 15 INTs. 500 rushing yards. 5 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 254.
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Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers. Bye: 5.
AUG. 11 UPDATE: Josh Freeman played just one drive in the preseason opener, but that’s all he needed because he was able to lead his team down the field and into the end zone. Freeman went 4-of-5 for 41 yards. He was really sharp. It’s still early, but it appears as though the undisclosed personal issues that plagued Freeman last year are history.
Josh Freeman is another buy-low quarterback candidate. He really struggled in 2011 for a multitude of reasons. Some, I know, but can’t exactly get into. Some, we already have when we reported that Mike Williams gave zero effort when it came to working out and staying in shape last season.
Freeman has hopefully gotten over his personal issues. I’m not sure Williams will be in shape, but that won’t matter too much because Vincent Jackson is the new No. 1 receiver.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,750 passing yards. 24 passing TDs. 14 INTs. 210 rushing yards. 2 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 251.
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Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Bye: 4.
JULY 29 UPDATE: Ben Roethlisberger is probably going to lose one of his starting receivers. Mike Wallace will either hold out or move to another team via a trade.
Ben Roethlisberger threw for the second-most yardage in his career last season (4,077), but I don’t know if he’ll be able to match or exceed that figure despite having two stud receivers at his disposal. He should have better protection from his offensive line, but the front office brought in Todd Haley and canned Bruce Arians because they want to run the ball more.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,900 passing yards. 25 passing TDs. 11 INTs. 70 rushing yards. 1 rushing TD.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 247.
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Tim Tebow, QB, Jets. Bye: 9.
JUNE 19 UPDATE: Mark Sanchez has really struggled at OTAs. According to ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, Sanchez went 11-of-29 with three “near” picks and what would have been four sacks in a real game. Sanchez has regressed over the years and it appears as though his confidence has completely vanished. It’s only a matter of time before Tim Tebow is named the starter.
There’s a good chance Tim Tebow will be the Jets’ starting quarterback by the middle of the season. Even in the unlikely event that he doesn’t take over for the regressing Mark Sanchez, he’ll still pick up yardage and touchdowns as a Wildcat quarterback and goal-line fullback. He is definitely worth drafting in the middle rounds.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 1,500 passing yards. 10 passing TDs. 5 INTs. 650 rushing yards. 7 rushing TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 197 (247).
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Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens. Bye: 8.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Joe Flacco was terrific against the Jaguars, going 27-of-36 for 266 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that was the result of an attempted Hail Mary at the end of the first half. With Torrey Smith emerging as a stud receiver, Flacco’s fantasy potential has never been higher. He’s become an intriguing QB2 option.
Joe Flacco says he’s the best quarterback in the NFL, but the numbers say he’s probably the most consistent in terms of being above average. Flacco has thrown between 3,610 and 3,622 yards in each of the past three seasons. He’s been guilty of exactly 12 picks in three of his four NFL campaigns. The yardage total may get a boost if Torrey Smith takes a big step forward, but I wouldn’t want Flacco as my starting quarterback in any fantasy league.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 3,910 passing yards. 25 passing TDs. 12 INTs. 80 rushing yards. 1 rushing TD.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 246.
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - Quarterbacks (Sept. 2):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-35
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More 2012 Fantasy Football Articles:
2012 Fantasy Football: Home
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Downloadable Spreadsheets - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Auction Values - 7/28 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Re-Draft) - 5/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Dynasty) - 5/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings - 1/2 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Injury Reports - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 16 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/20 (Walt)
WalterFootball.com $1,000 Contest on FanDuel.com - 11/4
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Traditional Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: PPR Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Touchdown Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: 2-QB Format - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Traditional Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: PPR Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Touchdown Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: 2-QB Format PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2012 Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/23 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/16 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum 2-QB PPR Mock Draft - 8/9 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Auction Mock Draft - 8/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 7/27 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum 2-QB Mock Draft - 7/17 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Standard 14-Team Mock Draft - 7/12 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 7/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Touchdown-Format Mock Draft - 7/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Standard Mock Draft - 7/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 6/22 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Mock Draft - 6/14 (Walt)
The Four-Man PPR Fantasy Mock Draft - 5/18 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Articles:
2012 Fantasy Football Stock: Training Camp, OTAs - 9/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Targets - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: 20 Sleepers - 8/28 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: Round-by-Round Strategy - 8/21 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Busts - 6/5 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Sleepers (Early-Middle Rounds) - 6/5 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football All-Value Team - 5/26 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Quarterbacks - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Wide Receivers - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Quarterbacks, Tight Ends - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Wide Receivers - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/17 (Walt)
Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/17 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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