Top 5 fantasy football quarterbacks to draft heading into 2016

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) does the dab dance after the Panthers score a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to Fantasy Football this upcoming season, if you want major success from the quarterback position, these are the top five to consider drafting.

Are you ready for some football? Training camp is in full swing and preseason games have begun. What’s next? Fantasy football draft time!

Whether you’re new to fantasy football or you are like me and can’t get enough of it, the draft can make or break your entire season. Don’t go into the draft blindsided.

I have seen football connoisseurs ruin their entire fantasy season just because they aren’t ready for the draft. Not only do you need to know who you’re going to draft for each position but you need a few quality backups as well.

That’s where I come in. Based off last season’s fantasy performance, I have identified the top fantasy quarterback draftees of 2016. Get them while they’re hot or else someone else will!

Next: 5. This bird is flying high

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. Quarterback Carson Palmer

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to Carson Palmer. He consistently performed all season having had only one week scoring less than 20 points.

Week 1 seemed to be Palmer’s most productive week earning 50 fantasy points against the New Orleans Saints. Until, he met the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 and posted about 52.

Palmer averaged 19 points per game and totaled 309 for the season. This playoff quarterback was the way to go in 2015.

Palmer doesn’t seem to be slowing down, which could only mean one thing for any fantasy league; guaranteed win! If you don’t draft him, you can only be mad at yourself.

Next: 4. This cat ranked better than playoff quarterbacks

4. Quarterback Blake Bortles

If the Jacksonville Jaguars could just tweak a few things, they have potential to be a very good team. Don’t believe me, you must not have owned Blake Bortles last season.

Bortles had 35 touchdowns trailing behind quarterback Tom Brady by only one. He also totaled over 4,000 yards for the year.

He averaged about 19 fantasy points per game for a total of 316. His best week was against the New Orleans Saints where he completed four touchdowns for 50 fantasy points.

Personally, I was shocked Bortles beat out other quarterbacks for the fourth spot on the list. However, stats do not lie! Bortles is definitely the way to go in 2016.

Next: 3. His fantasy game soared to the top

Aug 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Quarterback Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson not only led the Seattle Seahawks to the playoffs but, chances are if you owned him in a league he took you pretty far. He was owned in 99% of fantasy leagues.

Wilson totaled 3,827 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2015. He averaged about 21 points per game for a total of 336 points this season.

His best performance came in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers where he completed his season high of five touchdowns in one game. Wilson posted 50 points that week.

If you missed out on Wilson, you might want to consider him a fantasy target this time around. He is definite fantasy star.

Next: 2. Wait until he comes back from suspension

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Quarterback Tom Brady

No matter how much you think he’s a cheater, or just can’t stand him, you can’t say anything bad about Tom Brady. Especially if you owned him in your fantasy league last year. He may be suspended for the first four games but he will still be a huge factor.

Brady had 36 passing touchdowns for a total of 4,636 yards. He also had three rushing touchdowns earning owners 344 fantasy points this season.

Aside from him averaging 21.5 points per game, his best game was Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. Brady completed 356 passing yards and four touchdowns for 50 fantasy points.

Oddly enough, Brady was owned in 99% of leagues. That one percent didn’t mind losing out on a great quarterback; must have been a New York Jets fan.

Next: 1. To Superman or too not superman is the question

1. Quarterback Cam Newton

If you drafted any Carolina Panther to your team, then you had a good season last year. But, if you were able to snag Cam Newton, you were probably the most hated player in your league.

He earned passing points, running points, touchdown points; he was all over the place. Newton averaged a little over 24 fantasy points per game but there were some games he earned over 40.

In Week 3 and Week 13, Newton played the New Orleans Saints and had a combined total of over 100 fantasy points for those games. He also threw five touchdowns in Week 13.

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Need more? Newton destroyed the New York Giants in Week 15. He completed five passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown for over 65 fantasy points that game for a season total of 389 points.