Fantasy QBs: A pack for Rodgers to lead

We'll save the suspense -- it's Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers signal-caller meets every criteria of an elite fantasy quarterback.

Quick checklist rundown . . .

Prolific numbers since becoming a starter in 2008, averaging 4,131 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Plays in a pass-heavy offense with a cadre of talented receivers and an inconsistent running game.

His mobility and willingness to scramble allow him to contribute his share of yards and touchdowns on the ground.

For the most part, he's been durable and reliable since replacing Brett Favre. However, he did suffer two concussions and missed a game last season.

For what it's worth, he's "a winner." Rodgers had a 109.8 QB rating in the postseason and hung three touchdowns each on the Eagles, Falcons and Steelers en route to claiming the NFL title and Super Bowl MVP last season.

Green Bay's schedule also helps his case. Nine of the Packers' opponents were or are projected to be in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. Rodgers last year threw for 3,922 yards with 28 touchdowns and ran for 356 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. He certainly could better those numbers.

Donald Driver, at 36, has declined, but Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jordy Nelson are all in or entering their primes. A healthy Jermichael Finley adds an athletic tight end to that dynamic. And Rodgers, only 27, theoretically, still has upside.

That's no slight on Tom Brady, the 2010 league MVP. The Patriots quarterback threw for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns (with only four interceptions) and, sans that lost 2008 season, he's been extremely durable.

The Patriots offense could be even more dangerous this season. Wes Welker is now a year and a half removed from knee surgery, the young tight ends (Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski) have some seasoning, and Brady will have a full year of Deion Branch and Danny Woodhead. Chad Ocho- cinco is still a threat in the 15- to 20-yard range and should, at the very least, draw coverage.

But a few factors lower Brady's stock somewhat. It's unlikely he'll throw a mere four interceptions -- as he did in 2010. More importantly in the fantasy realm, the Patriots deviated a bit from their spread offense last year and utilized lots of twin tight end formations. Defenses should be better prepared for that. Also, the expected improvement of New England's young defense should mean fewer high-scoring shootouts, which would mean less passing in earnest.

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2. Tom Brady, Patriots

OUTLOOK: May not be called upon to pass as much as last season, but his offense has even more talent and should have better chemistry than last year. He’s helped by the fact that the Pats have an improving running game.

3. Peyton Manning, Colts

OUTLOOK: Health and vulnerability have butt into the conversation the last couple years. Still, there's little doubt Manning will start Week 1 and we'll expect the usual 4,300 yards and 30-plus TDs.

4. Phillip Rivers, Chargers

OUTLOOK: Has averaged 4,234 yards and 31 TDs the last three years and hasn't missed a game since 2006. This year: healthy receivers and no Vincent Jackson drama.

5. Michael Vick, Eagles

OUTLOOK: The ultimate dual-threat QB coming off a career year; has a talented, young supporting cast. Vick drops a bit because durability is always an issue. Jeremy Maclin is expected back but he has missed training camp.

6. Drew Brees, Saints

OUTLOOK: Averaging 4,583 yards and 31 TDs since joining the Saints. Reggie Bush is gone, but Darren Sproles fills many of the same roles.

7. Tony Romo, Cowboys

OUTLOOK: Returns to what might be the most talented Cowboys offense in his tenure.

8. Matt Schaub, Texans

OUTLOOK: Touchdown total dipped with the emergence of Arian Foster, but he should continue to post big numbers.

9. Matt Ryan, Falcons

OUTLOOK: Broke out with 3,705 yards and 28 TDs in his third season. With the addition of first-rounder Julio Jones, Ryan could get better.

10. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

OUTLOOK: No four-game suspension and the Steelers have a deep receiving corps with sure-handed veterans and speedy youngsters.

11. Eli Manning, Giants

OUTLOOK: Averaged 4,011 yards and 29 TDs the last two seasons. Loss of Steve Smith is offset by burgeoning receivers and Domenik Hixon's return.

12. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

OUTLOOK: Unlikely he'll throw just six INTs again, but Freeman, 23, could match last year's 25 TDs and exceed 3,451 yards.

13. Sam Bradford, Rams

OUTLOOK: Solid rookie season (3,512 yards, 18 TDs) and should better those numbers with experience and better cast. Beware the sophomore slump, though.

14. Joe Flacco, Ravens

OUTLOOK: Coming off career year. Lost trusted targets, but chemistry with Anquan Boldin should improve and Lee Evans stretches the field.

15. Matt Cassel, Chiefs

OUTLOOK: Had career year (27 TDs, 7 INTs), but can he do it again? Stats might suffer with Jamaal Charles' increased workload.

16. Matthew Stafford, Lions

OUTLOOK: Strong arm, solid supporting cast and did well in three games… before suffering another injury. Can he stay healthy?

17. Jay Cutler, Bears

OUTLOOK: Patchwork offensive line and no Greg Olsen, but Cutler could improve on last year's 3,274 yards and 23 TDs.

18. Kevin Kolb, Cardinals

OUTLOOK: Only seven career starts, but should benefit from Ken Whisenhunt's QB-friendly system and Larry Fitzgerald.

19. Mark Sanchez, Jets

OUTLOOK: More responsibility and the addition of Plaxico Burreess (and Tom Moore as offensive consultant) should improve red zone efficiency.

20. Kyle Orton, Broncos

OUTLOOK: Two good seasons in Denver and would be ranked higher, but threat of Tim Tebow starting at some point continues to hover.

21. David Garrard, Jaguars

OUTLOOK: Solid season with 28 total TDs, but Jags' slim playoff chances and Blaine Gabbert's presence have him on the hot seat.

22. Donovan McNabb, Vikings

OUTLOOK: Fresh start and an offense with some talented pieces. But Vikings' deteriorated o-line could limit their effectiveness.

23. Matt Hasselbeck, Titans

OUTLOOK: Could have a statistical revival throwing downfield passes to Kenny Britt and check-downs to Chris Johnson.

24. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills

OUTLOOK: Unlikely he'll match the 23 TDs, but does have Steve Johnson and can sneak fantasy points off rushing yards.

25. Rex Grossman, Redskins

OUTLOOK: Experience, relationship with coaches (and deep knowledge of two-minute offense) should give him the edge in QB battle.