QB Previews - AFC SOUTH and AFC WEST

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (Matt Schaub) - Matt Schaub will be entering his 3rd year as starting QB for the Houston Texans and if last year was any indication of this year, we have an elite fantasy star in the making. Schaub more than impressed last season (4770 yards/29TDs), finishing 3rd overall among fantasy QBs. The trouble with Schaub will be staying healthy as he only played 11 games the previous two seasons before last. However, we see what type of numbers that he can put up when he plays a full 16 games. Expect similar or even better numbers from Schaub this year. Schaub is a top 10 QB that you should be happy with for the whole season.

Indianapolis Colts (Peyton Manning) - The model of consistency, for the past four years he has averaged over 4000 yards passing and 30 touchdowns. He may getting older, but there are no signs of Manning slowing down given the success he had last year (4500 yards/33TDs). The pieces are in place for the Colts to make another run at the Super Bowl and the only way they do that is with Manning slinging the ball from the pocket. Expect similar stats from Manning this year.

Jacksonville Jaguars (David Garrard) - You know what you get when you draft Garrard on your fantasy team. He isnt going to marvel you with superstar numbers (his career high in touchdowns thrown is 18). The Jaguars rely too heavily on the ground game and Maurice Jones-Drew in the redzone for Garrard to score too many TDs. There is a bit of optimism if WR Mike Sims-Walker continues to emerge as a go to receiver (869yards/7TDs) heading into his 3rd year. In the end, Garrard shouldnt be anything more than a backup QB.

Tennessee Titans (Vince Young) - Vince Young returned to the starting QB position in week 8 and helped lead the Titans to 8-2 in their final 10 games of the season, firmly entrenching his spot as the starting QB for the team. Now last season, Young scored 12 TDs (10 through the air, 2 on the ground) while only giving up 7 interceptions. The Titans will rely heavily on their stud RB Chris Johnson, but Young will be needed to make plays through the air and with his feet to keep defenses honest. This year, expect a continuation of last season from Young as a fantasy player - efficient like David Garrard in his keeping care of the football, yet able to score because he is such a dynamic athlete on a dynamic offense.

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers (Philip Rivers)- First things first, Philip Rivers is a fantasy stud. Last season, he only reaffirmed the idea that the Chargers are his team now by throwing over 4200 yards and 28TDs. Under normal circumstances, Rivers is a top 5 QB in the league. However entering this season, there are 2 big red flags that surround the Chargers that can significantly cut into Rivers' fantasy production. First, there is the holdout of LT Marcus McNeill, who looks to sign a long-term contract before the possible 2011 lockout. Secondly, go to receiver Vincent Jackson, will miss the first 3 games of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy with a DUI charge last year. With that said, Rivers should still be a very good QB this year, but I would expect him to end up with lower fantasy stats this year than what he put up last season.

Denver Broncos (Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow) - In Denver, there are 2 very intriguing stories developing at QB. First: Who is the opening day starter? Kyle Orton statistically did well as the starting QB for the Broncos in 2009 (3802 yards/21 TDs/12 INTs). However, after starting the season at 6-0, the Broncos dropped 8 of their last 10 games to end it. Although it would seem that Orton will get the starting job once again in 2010, one has to figure he may be on a short leash because of his win-loss record last season and because they have a promising QB backing him up in Brady Quinn. For my money, Im pretty confident that Orton keeps the job for the year at least and posts similar numbers that he did last season. The fall from grace that the Broncos experienced last year wasnt so much a result of Orton's play but rather the play from his teammates. He had hiccups, but not enough to warrant thinking he isnt deserving of the starting job this year.

The 2nd question coming into 2010 for the Broncos at QB is, "How does Tim Tebow fit into the storyline this year?". Head Coach Josh McDaniels prides himself in being able to develop QBs (see Matt Cassell 2008) and in Tim Tebow he saw the ultimate project. As a result, he spent a first-round draft pick to get the two-time Heisman Trophy winner from Florida. Tebow is an outstanding athlete for the QB position and has a history of winning. The question is how he will be able to adapt to being an NFL QB and whether or not he can make the necessary throws from the pocket to be a winner in the NFL. Expect Tebow to be primarily a student in his first year in the league with the occasional snap from the Wildcat formation, utilizing his legs and playmaking ability.

Oakland Raiders (Jason Campbell)- Believe it or not, Jason Campbell is one of the guys that I have pegged as a sleeper this season. Yes, an Oakland Raider may have a significant fantasy year this season, no joke. The Raiders team have a lot of weapons at wide receiver who will actually have a QB who can throw them the ball. Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Louis Murphy all have great speed to really stretch out the field which fits in with Campbell's downfield arm.

The question is going to be if that offensive line can hold up and prevent sacks (they gave up 49 sacks, 3rd worse in the NFL). If they can hold up, the Raiders will surprise a lot of people. And considering that Campbell will probably go as a late round draft pick, I think he`s a nice buy-low candidate who can put up numbers that will be better than a bye-week fill-in player.

KC Chiefs (Matt Cassel)- Not much upside with Cassel this year. The Chiefs have a nice duo in the backfield, led by 2009 breakout star Jamaal Charles, and veteran workhorse Thomas Jones. It looks like the Chiefs will work the run game early and often, then setup playaction pass with Cassel to their wideouts, Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers. Both wideouts have good talent and Cassel may be a pleasant fantasy QB surprise, but I wouldnt put too much investment in grabbing Cassel. Hes a bye-week fill-in, nothing more.

- Tomorrow, NFC NORTH and NFC EAST QB Previews. Until then!