Who are your top 10 fantasy quarterbacks for next season? - @agrawalk1991 (via Twitter)
Michael Fabiano: The top three quarterbacks for 2013 are the same three I led with this season: 1. Aaron Rodgers, 2. Tom Brady, 3. Drew Brees. I have Cam Newton in at No. 4, as he's now finished among the top five players at his position in two straight seasons. The fifth quarterback is Robert Griffin III, who was this season's version of Newton and a serious steal in fantasy drafts. The remaining five signal-callers will include Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, Tony Romo, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson. Based on strength of schedule, Matthew Stafford and Colin Kaepernick could break into the top 10.
Based on this unorthodox season, who do you think will be the top fantasy football picks in 2013? - K. Reece (via Facebook)
M.F.: I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is no way I will ever draft a quarterback in the first round again. The running back position is on the rise, as Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Ray Rice, Doug Martin and Trent Richardson are just a few of the players at that position who will be worth a first-round pick in 2013. In fact, I can see the top five overall picks all being runners. You shouldn't be afraid to go into next season with a quarterback like Wilson or Kaepernick as your No. 1. These young signal-callers who can run with the football are the wave of the future in both the NFL and fantasy football. I can get either of them after the fifth round in 2013.
Which quarterback should I retain between Luck and Stafford? - S. Dickinson (via Google+)
M.F.: The answer here is Luck. Yes, Stafford is talented and has the best wide receiver in Calvin Johnson at his disposal, but Luck has a chance to be one of the five best quarterbacks of his generation. Look at what his presence has meant to the Indianapolis Colts. In one season, he turned this franchise from a bottom dweller without Manning and into a postseason contender. Also, look at the fantasy numbers he posted in his first 16 NFL contests - 4,183 yards and 26 total touchdowns. What do you think he'll be able to do as he continues to gain experience at the pro level? I wouldn't be at all shocked if he's considered the top quarterback in fantasy football at some point in what is a promising NFL career.
Would you start Michael Vick over Eli Manning in Week 17? - @ny2sd (via Twitter)
M.F.: Vick does have a great matchup on paper against Manning's Giants, but Eli is still the more attractive fantasy pick this weekend despite his recent struggles. The Eagles have allowed 28 touchdown passes and the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including a 309-yard, two-touchdown performance to Manning in Week 4.
Is it once again safe to start Larry Fitzgerald? - W. Branden (via Facebook)
M.F.: It would seem so on the surface, as the Niners were torched last week while Fitzgerald put up his best stat line in awhile from a fantasy perspective. However, I'd keep him on the sidelines. While San Francisco has been far less of a stout pass defense on the road, this unit has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wideouts on their home field. In what is an important contest for the 49ers, it's tough for me to recommend starting Fitzgerald in the final weekend.
Let's assume that Tim Tebow ends up as the No. 1 quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars next season. Where would you draft him in a seasonal fantasy league? - V. Pass (via Google+)
M.F.: The quarterback position is going to be deep again in 2013, so I don't see him as a top-12 fantasy option. Still, his skills as a runner (which he showcased in 2011) would make Tebow a pretty interesting No. 2 quarterback and matchup-based starter. I'd have him on my radar in the middle to late rounds if he does start for the Jags in 2013.
I'm in a keeper league and need to retain two running backs from Lynch, DeMarco Murray and Richardson. Help! - @DanOnofrio (via Twitter)
M.F.: Lynch, who has now posted two consecutive seasons of elite running back production, is a no-brainer. And as much as I like Murray, I think Richardson has far more statistical upside as the featured runner in Cleveland. He has had a nice rookie season, posting 51 receptions, over 1,400 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns. The talented 21-year old has the tools to emerge into a top-five fantasy running back sooner than later, and his keeper value will reflect that.
You were right about Wilson last week! I started him over Ben Roethlisberger and have now won a championship berth. So, should I start Wilson over Big Ben again in Week 17? - M. Nader (via Facebook)
M.F.: I like Roethlisberger's matchup against the Browns, who struggle against the pass on the road. However, Wilson has been far too good to bench at this point unless you have an elite option (Rodgers, Brees, Brady etc.) at the position. The Wisconsin product has been a strong statistical option overall in recent weeks, but he's been even better on his home field with the "12th man" behind him. Just ask the Niners. This week he faces the St. Louis Rams, who have an underrated defense but have still allowed close to 17 fantasy points per game to opposing signal-callers on the road.
Add Maurice Jones-Drew to list of bust running backs who hold out of training camp! What sort of value will he have in 2013? - F. Kingston (via Google+)
M.F.: Yes, Jones-Drew has joined the likes of Larry Johnson, Steven Jackson and Chris Johnson among runners who have held out of training camp and either been injured or suffered a statistical decline. I think he has plenty of good football left in him, though, and will be worth a second-round pick next year. After all, he did average a solid 4.8 yards per carry in six games this season. Jones-Drew was also on pace to rush for over 1,100 yards before being injured.
What are your thoughts on Terrell Pryor? I am guessing that Carson Palmer won't be back in Silver & Black. - @fontiboy (via Twitter)
M.F.: Pryor's skills as a runner makes him someone to keep an eye on this offseason. If Palmer has in fact seen his last snap as a member of the Oakland Raiders and the team allows Pryor a chance to start in 2013, the Ohio State product would have some deep sleeper value across the board.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
