Top 10 fantasy football quarterbacks for 2016

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the ball against the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the upcoming Fantasy Football season, these top 10 quarterbacks will be keeping owners everywhere happy all year long.

As fantasy football approaches faster than a New York minute, it’s easy to see who will be the best of the best when it comes to the most important position of the team at quarterback.

Thanks to continuing their dominance from last season, these quarterbacks all have what it takes to keep the momentum going. Some are even poised for breakout seasons thanks to better offensive talent around them acquired this offseason.

These top players should be QB1 options in fantasy leagues everywhere, if your league follows a two-quarterback format, do your best to draft one of these and keep an eye out on others if they happen to fall in later rounds.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the upcoming fantasy football season.

Next: 10. Keep an eye on this new Texan

Jun 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws a short pass down the field in offensive drills during Houston Texans minicamp at Methodist Training Center in Houston, TX. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

10. Quarterback Brock Osweiler

The Houston Texans surprised many last season as they won the AFC South and ended the year at 9-7. They got completely embarrassed in the NFL Playoffs but the one problem they’ve had inconsistency for years now is at quarterback.

Well, not anymore. This offseason, the Texans made some huge moves to bolster their offense, all led by the acquisition of free agent quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Don’t let his small sample size with the Denver Broncos fool you, Osweiler is undoubtedly an up-and-coming star and will completely thrive with the fast-paced Texans’ offense.

With his accuracy and high football IQ plus not to mention studying under future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, Osweiler has the skill-set to impress many in 2016. His fantasy football stock is on the rise.

Next: 9. The Saint that continues to impress

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws against the Detroit Lions during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

9. Quarterback Drew Brees

Age is nothing but a number as some fantasy football owners might be weary of making quarterback Drew Brees their go-to quarterback in their lineups. At the age of 37-years-old, Brees will continue his dominating ways.

Make no mistake about it, with drafting wide receiver Michael Thomas in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he will be a new favorite option entering his 16th season in the NFL.

Last season with the New Orleans Saints, Brees totaled 4,870 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and had an overall quarterback rating of 75.47.

Brees is a touchdown machine and will certainly add a plethora of fantasy points to teams everywhere this upcoming season.

Next: 8. Beware this Giant

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

8. Quarterback Eli Manning

When you have wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in your lineup, he can make any quarterback shine. When you have an elite quarterback like Eli Manning under center, they simply create greatness.

With former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo now the new head coach of the New York Giants, expect to see the continued change of philosophy. The Giants will launch a potent aerial attack this upcoming season and put Manning in a position to keep those chains moving.

Fantasy owners should enjoy knowing that Manning has been revitalized ever since McAdoo was brought into the organization. Not only has he thrived under the new offensive system but this could be the year he pushes the envelope.

Manning will continue lighting up the stats sheet so owners should feel confident in starting him the majority of the time this upcoming season.

Next: 7. A Steeler that continues the aggression

7. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

Even though last season quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked like he had an off year, he was dealing with many injuries that hindered his play. Last year, he totaled 3,938 passing yards, 319 completions, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Considering he missed a handful of games due to injury, his numbers aren’t that bad at all. Now fully healthy and ready to pick up exactly where he left off from last season, Roethlisberger is ready to make some serious noise in 2016.

Fantasy owners will thrive thanks to his ability to keep those chains moving through the air. He won’t be mobile like he was in the past so he’ll do most of his damage with his arm.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown is coming off another huge year and will undoubtedly do some serious damage with Big Ben under center.

Next: 6. Beware the Red Rifle

Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass to wide receiver A.J. Green (not pictured) for a touchdown in the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

6. Quarterback Andy Dalton

One can only imagine what could have been with the Cincinnati Bengals if quarterback Andy Dalton never got hurt last season during the final stretch of the year. Dalton continues to be an excellent option at quarterback for owners everywhere.

Last season, Dalton enjoyed his best year yet but as mentioned, injuries derailed what could have been a magical 2015. Dalton totaled 3,250 passing yards, 255 completions, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

As Dalton posted the highest completion percentage of his career at 66.1%, he’s recovered nicely and will be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder in 2016.

Dalton will be a huge pickup in fantasy football lineups as he’ll continue his quest to finally win a playoff game. Expect a huge season as he’ll be playing some of his best football to date.

Next: 5. A Jaguar ready to pounce

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Quarterback Blake Bortles

Make no mistake about it, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be one of the teams to keep an eye on this upcoming season. They had a marvelous offseason and are looking to make a run in the AFC South.

Of course to be a top team requires a premier franchise quarterback, which the Jaguars absolutely have in Blake Bortles. Last season, Bortles put everything together and totaled a big year when it came to his progression and stats.

In 2015, Bortles totaled 4,428 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and looked incredibly sharp in the huddle. He was in control and looked confident on the gridiron.

Fantasy owners should consider making Bortles their QB1 since this could be the breakout season that’s on his horizon. Entering his third year in the league, Bortles will impress many in 2016.

Next: 4. A Raider on the rise

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to throw a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Quarterback Derek Carr

Something special is brewing in Oakland with the Raiders. They’ve quietly build up a roster that’s worthy of being a contender in the AFC West, led by a young gunslinger in Derek Carr.

Carr is in a very similar situation like Bortles is in that he’s a star in the making entering what could be his breakout season. As Carr also enters his third year in the league, he has the experience, weapons and skill-set to deliver some huge results.

Last year, Carr totaled 3,987 passing yards, 350 completions, 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His relationship with wide receiver Amari Cooper will make them the next big dueo of the league thanks to the damage they will cause against opposing defenses.

Carr and the Raiders are on the rise as they will be a surprise team that wins plenty of football games this upcoming season.

Next: 3. A dual-threat Panther

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Quarterback Cam Newton

Don’t let his antics after Super Bowl 50 fool you, quarterback Cam Newton will continue being an elite option in fantasy football. His stock is at an all-time high as he will bring a ton of fantasy points to owners everywhere thanks to his dual-threat skill-set.

Last season, Newton put up an incredible year to the tune of 3,837 passing yards, 296 completions, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the ground, Newton totaled 636 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

Newton will continue being a touchdown machine through the air and ground so fantasy owners should consider making him their QB1 option if he’s available when drafting.

Even though Newton might have disappointed fans with how he acted after his Carolina Panthers lost in the big game, he’s still young and developing what it takes to be a champion. Make no mistake about it, the Panthers will continue being a contender to once again make a Super Bowl appearance this upcoming season.

Next: 2. A Packer continuing his legacy

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Despite not having wide receiver Jordy Nelson last season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers still put up some incredible fantasy numbers. In 2015, Rodgers totaled 3,821 passing yards, 347 completions, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

One can only imagine the damage Rodgers will cause now that Nelson is indeed back, healthy and ready to be one of the premier options at wide receiver for the Packers.

Some fantasy owners might not consider taking Rodgers so high due to starting out slow last year but make no mistake about, with Nelson back, a cohesive offensive line and the fact that Rodgers continues to air it out all screams success.

Rodgers won’t disappoint as he’ll continue to post another consecutive season of 30+ touchdowns, much to the joy of fantasy owners everywhere.

Next: 1. Fantasy owners all need a little Luck

Nov 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Quarterback Andrew Luck

2015 is a year that quarterback Andrew Luck would like to forget. With some major acquisitions to the offensive line of the Indianapolis Colts, Luck should once again go back to his winning ways.

One area that Luck has been working on this offseason is his ability to avoid taking unnecessary hits. Once Luck sticks to his pocket and strategically dissects defenses like he use to in the past, he’ll go right back to being a touchdown machine.

Luck will enjoy a rebounding season with the Colts and reestablish himself again as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.

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Overall, Luck is hands down the best option at quarterback heading into the fantasy football season. Remember before last season in 2014, Luck totaled 40 touchdowns and 4,761 passing yards. Expect to see him return to glory this upcoming season as well as be one of the hottest options at quarterback in fantasy.