This list is provided to you courtesy of the commissioner of
the 
Fantasy Sports Magazine is well aware of Brett
Favre's 112 TD passes over the last 3 seasons. He ranks at the
top of the list of fantasy quarterbacks for '98.Brett
Favre was approaching greatness before last year, but
he's far beyond that now. After winning a record third straight
MVP award albeit in a tie with Detroit's Barry
Sanders Favre has carved his place in history as one of
the game's all-time great QBs.
Despite losing Super Bowl XXXII to John Elway and the Denver Broncos, Favre had a remarkable 1997 season. He led the NFL in touchdowns for the third straight season with 35 and became the first QB in NFL history to have four straight seasons of 30 or more TD passes. He has now thrown 112 TD passes over the last three years, the second-best three-year total in NFL history. Only Dan Marino's incredible run of 122 TD passes from 1984-86 tops Favre's three-year total from 1995-97.
But even though Favre stands out as the top choice at this position and the top choice in all of fantasy football he's certainly not the only superstar here. The QB position is loaded with young stars and it was boosted by the addition of top draft picks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. Fantasy-leaguers who are looking for a franchise QB will have no trouble finding one in this year's draft.
Favre was the only QB to top the 30-TD plateau last year, but nine different QBs topped the 20-TD mark, up from seven the year before. Kordell Stewart threw for 21 TD passes and rushed for 11 more TDs, the second-highest rushing total for a QB in NFL history.
Stewart was the most pleasant surprise of '97 from this position, but he wasn't alone. Rookie QB Jake Plummer emerged as a star in Arizona, throwing 15 TD passes in 10 games. Bobby Hoying also emerged as a star in Philadelphia, while Danny Kanell led the New York Giants to the playoffs. Even Trent Dilfer surprised a few people by producing a Pro Bowl season. And don't forget that Elway won a Super Bowl title and veterans like Steve Young, Jeff George, Warren Moon and Drew Bledsoe had big seasons. With the addition of this year's rookie QBs, this position appears to be as strong as it's ever been.
We'll separate the superstars from the backups in this position review. Read the following rankings and ratings on every NFL quarterback and then make the right decision on Draft Day. With a little luck, a fantasy-league title could be there for you.
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1. Brett Favre, Packers: Let's just say it like it is: Favre is far and away the best player in football today and he deserves to be the unquestionable top pick on Draft Day. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
Favre was dominant in '97, completing 304 of 513 passes (59.3%) for 3,867 yards and 35 TDs. He also rushed for 187 yards and one TD, although his interception total increased by three from the year before to 16. Favre can still be wild at times remember last year's game at Detroit when he threw a game-turning interception from his knees that resulted in a TD? but he's not the gambling gunslinger he was back in '93 when he led the NFL in interceptions. Instead, he's a calculated gambler who will trash-talk and head-butt with the likes of Warren Sapp and still suit up for every game. The most remarkable thing about Favre is that he never misses a start, having played every game since he became a starter in '92.
Last year, Favre threw at least one TD pass in 15 of 16 games Philadelphia held the Packers out of the end zone and had three or more TD passes in six games. Favre had only two games in which he threw for 300 or more yards and probably won't have many more than that this year as the Packers emphasize a more balanced offensive game plan. But you certainly can't go wrong with Favre, so expect another season of 33-36 TD passes, 3,800 yards and a run at an unprecedented fourth MVP award.
2. Kordell Stewart, Steelers: Stewart broke into the NFL limelight last year in impressive fashion, scoring 32 touchdowns and leading Pittsburgh to the AFC title game. His combination of speed and a strong arm is unmatched as he killed opposing defenses last year with his legs and arm. Stewart completed 236 of 440 passes (53.6%) for 3,020 yards and 21 TDs, and also rushed 88 times for 476 yards and 11 TDs. Only Steve Grogan's rushing total of 12 TDs from 1976 is greater than Stewart's total from last season. He also produced several big plays, including a 69-yard TD pass and an unforgettable 74-yard TD run against Baltimore. He had two 300-yard passing games and had four completions that topped 50 yards. The only concern is his interception total, which increased to 17 last year. But Stewart just has too much potential to ignore early in the draft and the addition of rushing touchdowns makes him too valuable to pass on. Take Stewart early and expect even better results in '98.
3. Drew Bledsoe, Patriots: Despite setting a career high in TD passes last year, Bledsoe received plenty of criticism for not leading New England back to the Super Bowl. He threw 12 TD passes as the Pats got off to a 4-0 start, but he was limited to 16 TD passes in the next 12 games as the Pats went 6-6 the rest of the way. Still, Bledsoe led New England to the divisional title as he completed 314 of 522 passes (60.2%) for 3,706 yards and 28 TDs. Bledsoe led the league in passing attempts the three previous seasons, but under head coach Pete Carroll he attempted 101 fewer passes than he did in '96. Now with Curtis Martin gone to New York, Bledsoe will be called upon to carry the offensive load. Look for another season of 28-30 TD passes and 3,700 yards from this 26-year-old star.
4. Jeff George, Raiders: The Raiders stumbled to a 4-12 record last year, but you can't fault the lost season on Jeff George. After being saved from Atlanta in an off-season trade, George proved once again that he's one of the top QBs in the league, leading the NFL in passing yards with 3,917 and setting a career-high with 29 TD passes. He completed 290 of 521 passes (55.7%) and threw only nine interceptions in 16 games. He also didn't miss a start, although he took a beating with a league-high 58 sacks for 430 yards. George seems to enjoy playing for the silver-and-black and will continue to excel in head coach Jon Gruden's new West Coast offense. Forget about George's troubles in Atlanta and make him the general of your team in '98.
5. Mark Brunell, Jaguars: A knee injury suffered in pre-season had the potential to be season-ending, but Brunell made a miraculous recovery and wound up missing only the first two games. He led the Jaguars to an 11-5 record by starting the last 14 games, but there was no doubt the knee injury affected his performance. He didn't scramble as much (48 rushes in '97 compared to 80 in '96) and his passing yardage dropped from a league-high 4,367 in '96 to 3,281 last year. The four-year veteran was still one of the most dangerous QBs in the league, however, as he completed 264 of 435 passes (60.7%) with 18 TDs, while limiting his interceptions to seven. Now that his knee is completely healed, Brunell should be ready for that breakout year one year later than we had previously predicted unfortunately. With good health, Brunell will come through with a season of 24-27 TD passes, 3,500-3,700 yards passing and 2-4 rushing TDs.
6. John Elway, Broncos: As far as Elway is concerned, the numbers from last year don't matter. The only thing that matters is the elusive Super Bowl ring that he finally captured. Elway capped his Hall of Fame career with an incredible playoff run that included wins at Kansas City and Pittsburgh and the Super Bowl upset win over Green Bay. But before that run, Elway led a few fantasy-league teams to titles by throwing 27 TD passes and rushing for one TD. Elway flourished in the West Coast offense, completing 280 of 502 passes (55.8%) for 3,635 yards and has now thrown 26-27 TD passes during each of the last three years. The 37-year-old was still undecided about his future as of presstime, but if he doesn't retire, then grab him with your top pick. We believe that he will be good for one final season of 26-28 TD passes, 3,600 yards and 1-2 gimpy-kneed rushing TDs.
7. Brad Johnson, Vikings: Through the first 12 games of last season, Johnson was one of the most productive QBs in the league. Then against Green Bay in a crucial game, Johnson had trouble even gripping the football. He was diagnosed with a torn muscle in his neck and had season-ending surgery. But during his first full season as a starter, Johnson was on pace to reach the Pro Bowl as he completed 275 of 452 passes (60.8%) for 3,036 yards and 20 touchdowns. The 6'5², 223-pounder is now fully recovered and should post even better numbers in '98 with the addition of rookie WR Randy Moss. You won't be disappointed if you decide to build your fantasy-league team around this four-year veteran.
8. Steve Young, 49ers: There is plenty to be worried about when thinking about selecting Young on Draft Day. First of all, Young has suffered so many concussions that his career is in jeopardy. One more big hit at any time this season could force this future Hall of Famer into retirement. And secondly, the Niners have balanced their offensive attack so much that it's unlikely that Young will ever challenge for the league lead in TD passes again. But he's still one of the best QBs in the game today and last year, despite suffering a concussion in the opener, he still started 15 games and led the league in quarterback rating for the sixth time. He completed 241 of 356 passes (a league-best 67.7%) for 3,029 yards and 19 TDs, with only six interceptions. However, he was shut out in five games, including four of the last eight. Yes, Young is a solid choice for '98, but it's still a gamble to have him leading your team. Roll the dice only if you feel he can stay healthy one more time.
9. Steve McNair, Oilers: This three-year veteran had on-the-job training last year that resulted in 14 TD passes and an 8-8 record. The Oilers were terribly inconsistent in their new home of Memphis and McNair was a large part of that trouble. The former Alcorn State star showed flashes of brilliance as he completed 216 of 415 passes (52.0%) for 2,665 yards, but he also fumbled a league-high 16 times and threw 13 interceptions. Still, he showed great poise at times and wound up throwing 14 TD passes and rushing for 674 yards and eight more TDs. His combination of speed and a strong arm makes him especially desirable in fantasy football. McNair will struggle again at times this year, but in the end you can expect a season of 16-19 TD passes and 5-8 rushing TDs, making him a front-line starter for fantasy-leaguers.
10. Warren Moon, Seahawks: This 14-year NFL veteran was signed last year as a backup for John Friesz and was expected to spend his final season on the sidelines charting plays. But when Friesz was injured in the season opener, Moon stepped into the starting lineup and never relinquished the job. He was brilliant most of the year, completing 313 of 528 passes (59.3%) for 3,678 yards and 25 TDs. His touchdown total was the third-highest for his career and he even rushed for a touchdown for the first time since 1993. The 41-year-old also had a string of 10 straight games when he threw for 250 or more yards, although he topped the 300-yard mark only once. Moon is slated to be the starter again this year and should hold off ³Father Time² for one more season. You'll get a lot of ribbing for taking the ³old man² on Draft Day, but in the end he will outperform many of the younger stars in the league. Expect 20-22 TD passes in '98 from Moon.
11. Scott Mitchell, Lions: After throwing 32 TD passes in 1995, Mitchell has been a bit disappointing the last two years. He was held to 17 TD passes in '96 and 19 last year despite starting all 16 games. But when you have Barry Sanders in the backfield, it's tough to pad your own offensive stats. Still, Mitchell was productive enough to be ranked in this year's top level of QBs as he completed 293 of 509 passes (57.6%) for 3,484 yards. He also rushed for one TD and now has nine rushing TDs over the last three years. But he continues to be inconsistent at times, resulting in five games last year in which he failed to score. Mitchell will be good for another season of 18-22 TD passes and 3,500 yards when he's not handing the ball to Barry, that is.
12. Jake Plummer, Cardinals: The former Arizona State star had a remarkable rookie campaign, starting the last nine games of the season and leading the Cardinals to three of their four wins. Plummer looks like a schoolboy in the pocket at only 6'2² and 195 pounds, but he has the savvy of Joe Montana. Plummer has brought new life to this moribund franchise and is the unquestioned leader of this team. In 10 games last year, Plummer completed 157 of 296 passes for 2,203 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also rushing for 216 yards and two TDs. He still showed signs of being a rookie QB last year as he was intercepted 15 times and sacked 52 times for a loss of 291 yards. But if the Cardinals can improve their rushing game just enough to take some pressure off Plummer, this kid will turn this franchise around. He's a solid choice as your franchise QB, so expect a season of 20-22 TDs and 2,800 yards passing.
13. Dan Marino, Dolphins: With the worst rushing attack in the NFL, the Dolphins were forced to pass often last year. As a result, Marino wound up leading the NFL in passing attempts (548) and completions (319), while throwing for 3,780 yards. But even though he had his best statistical season since 1994, Marino was limited to only 16 TD passes, his lowest total over a full season in his career. He didn't throw his first TD pass of the year until the final quarter of the third game and was actually shut out in six games last year. That hardly sounds like the Hall of Famer who dominated the fantasy football scene back in the mid-1980s. Now head coach Jimmy Johnson is adamant about establishing the rushing game this year, which could lead to even lower numbers for Marino. He's still a good choice as your starting QB in '98, but his days of dominance are long gone. Expect a season of only 15-18 TD passes in '98.
14. Jeff Blake, Bengals: The Bengals had every intention of re-signing Boomer Esiason and starting the '98 season with him at the helm, but the veteran quarterback signed a deal with ABC to appear on Monday Night Football. Now they're stuck with Plan B, which is Blake back as the starting QB. The five-year veteran was downright awful last year and he was unquestionably one of the biggest fantasy-league disappointments of '97. In his 11 starts, the Bengals were 3-8 as Blake completed 184 of 317 passes (58.0%) for 2,125 yards and only eight touchdowns. He did rush for 234 yards and three TDs, but the offense never got in synche with Blake at the helm. Still, Blake was talented enough to throw 28 TD passes in '95 and 24 in '96, so it's tough to give up on him altogether. Instead, grab him as your backup QB and hope he turns things around in '98.
15. Tony Banks, Rams: The Rams like the potential of this two-year veteran, but they can't afford to put up with his rookie mistakes much longer or they'll be facing another 5-11 season. The former Michigan State star threw 15 TD passes and 15 interceptions as a rookie in '96 and followed that with 14 TD passes and 13 interceptions last year. He also took a beating in the pocket, getting sacked 43 times for 317 yards, resulting in 15 fumbles. But he did throw for 3,254 yards, completing 252 of 487 passes (51.7%), and rushing for 186 yards and one TD. I wouldn't make him the starting QB on my fantasy-league team, but he's a great prospect as a backup who could emerge into a marginal star some day soon.
16. Elvis Grbac, Chiefs: Grbac will be remembered for his failure to lead the Chiefs to a winning drive against Denver in last year's playoffs, but he wasn't the only one to blame in that game. Grbac had missed six games at the end of the season with a separated shoulder and didn't look sharp in that game. But forget about that playoff loss because Grbac proved that he can lead this offense to the top. The four-year veteran signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Chiefs before last season and completed 174 of 299 passes (58.2%) for 1,892 yards and 11 TDs before suffering the injury in Week 9. He also showed good speed out of the pocket as he rushed for 168 yards and one TD. If he can stay healthy this year, Grbac should be good for a season of 18-22 TD passes, 2-3 rushing TDs and 3,000 yards.
17. Rob Johnson, Bills: Johnson filled in for the injured Mark Brunell during Week 1 against Baltimore and impressed everyone when he completed 20 of 24 passes for 294 yards and two TDs, while rushing for another 34 yards and one TD. He was so impressive that the Bills gave up a number one draft pick the ninth pick in this year's draft for Johnson this off-season and have now tabbed this three-year veteran as their new starting QB. The former USC star has good size (6'3², 215) and a strong arm, which should allow him to flourish in the Bills' revamped offense. He also likes to run when there's pressure, so don't be surprised if he rushes for 2-4 TDs as well. The ankle injury which sidelined him after his opening start is completely healed now and he will be a great sleeper pick. Grab him as your backup QB and watch Johnson post 18-22 TD passes.
18. Troy Aikman, Cowboys: Although the Cowboys suffered through a humiliating season last year, their Hall of Fame quarterback did his best to keep the ship afloat. The nine-year veteran threw a career-high 518 passes last year and completed 292 (56.4%) for 3,283 yards. His 19 TD passes were the second-highest of his career, but he threw 12 interceptions and lost six fumbles on 33 sacks. Things can't get any worse this year, however, as Barry Switzer has been replaced as head coach by Chan Gailey. Gailey is an innovative offensive coordinator who will call his own plays and he's already said that he will use Aikman in the shotgun at times. Although Aikman has never been a recommended pick in fantasy football he's averaged only 14.3 TD passes per year over his illustrious career his stock should rise this year with the coaching change. Grab him as your backup QB and be ready for a season of 18-20 TD passes and 3,300 yards passing.
19. Chris Chandler, Falcons: Despite suffering a pair of concussions last year that knocked him out of two games and kept him from starting two other games, Chandler set a career-high with 20 TD passes. The 10-year veteran completed 202 of 342 passes (59.1%) for 2,692 yards and threw only seven interceptions for a career-high QB rating of 95.1. But he took a beating in the pocket as he was sacked 39 times for a loss of 261 yards. Still, he hung in there and led the Falcons to wins in six of their last eight games. With that momentum, Chandler should be primed for another season of 20-22 TD passes and 2,700 yards.
20. Gus Frerotte, Redskins: Now here's a guy that every fantasy-leaguer has to love, even though he will never approach the numbers posted by guys like Favre, Stewart and Bledsoe. Frerotte is so intense that last year he injured his neck when he headbutted the stadium padding after scoring an important touchdown against the Giants. How can you not love a guy like that? But then the next week against St. Louis, he suffered a fractured right hip and missed the last three weeks of the season. In the end, he finished with a career-high 17 TD passes and two rushing TDs in only 13 games, while completing 204 of 402 passes (50.7%) for 2,682 yards. The four-year veteran heard the boo-birds last year as he was shakier than the year before, but a healthy Terry Allen should take some pressure off him this year. If he can keep his head-butting to a minimum, he should respond with a career-year of 18-20 TDs and 3,000 yards.
21. Trent Dilfer, Bucs: Can this guy be seriously considered as a starting QB in fantasy football? Yes, he made the All-Pro team last year and his 21 TD passes ranked sixth in the league. But it's hard to forget his numbers from 1995 (4 TDs, 18 INTs) and 1996 (12 TDs, 19 INTs). Still, he turned things around last year, completing 217 of 386 passes (56.2%) for 2,555 yards with only 11 interceptions. We know that the Bucs are going to be much improved this year, but we can't guarantee another All-Pro season from this former Fresno State star. Take our advice and save the headaches by making him a backup not a starter on your fantasy-league team in '98.
22. Erik Kramer, Bears: Although Kramer was by far the best QB in Chicago, he would have remained on the bench if Rick Mirer hadn't failed miserably. Mirer was so bad that Chicago had to turn to this eight-year veteran and he responded by throwing 14 TD passes and rushing for two TDs in 15 games. Kramer, who signed a three-year contract with Chicago during the off-season, completed 275 of 477 passes (57.7%) last year for 3,011 yards. His 14 interceptions are a concern, but a full year of WR Curtis Conway in the lineup should help immensely. Now that the ³Mirer Experiment² is over with, expect Kramer to throw 18-22 TD passes for over 3,300 yards.
23. Vinny Testaverde, Ravens: Testaverde is the most interesting player at the QB position right now. After leading the AFC with 33 TD passes in 1996, he battled through a tough season, throwing 18 TD passes in 13 starts with 15 interceptions. Eric Zeier started the last three games and threw seven TD passes, prompting a quarterback controversy in Baltimore. As if that wasn't enough, head coach Ted Marchibroda tried to bring Jim Kelly out of retirement and then traded for Jim Harbaugh. The fact that he approached Kelly and then acquired Harbaugh should tell you how he feels about Testaverde. This 11-year veteran will have trouble duplicating his numbers from '96 and could be traded before the start of training camp. If he wins the starting job in Baltimore or becomes the starter elsewhere, he could top last year's totals (271 of 470 for 2,971 yards and 18 TDs), but it's unlikely. We're so convinced that he won't start in Baltimore that we've ranked him 23rd, but he's too good not to start somewhere else in the NFL.
24. Bobby Hoying, Eagles: This two-year veteran out of Ohio State started the last six games of '97 and ignited the Eagles' offense. The 6'3², 221-pounder completed 128 of 225 passes (56.9%) for 1,573 yards and 11 TDs with six interceptions. He appears to have good poise in the pocket and rarely makes rookie mistakes. Hoying has star potential in this offense and could throw 18-22 TD passes in '98. Grab him as your backup QB and hope for continued improvement.
25. Kerry Collins, Panthers: The one player who wants to forget about last year more than any other is this three-year pro from Penn State. His season consisted of a broken jaw, a dispute with teammates after admittedly using a racial slur, a demotion to backup quarterback and a league-high 21 interceptions. Collins led the Panthers to the NFC title game in 1996, but last year he was inconsistent as Carolina stumbled to a 7-9 record. Collins deserved the blame as he threw 21 INTs and only 11 TD passes, while completing 200 of 381 passes (52.5%) for 2,124 yards. There's no doubt that his confidence was shaken last year and the Panthers have considered trading their one-time franchise QB. It's hard to recommend a quarterback who is standing on shaky ground, so make Collins your backup QB in '98.
26. Danny Kanell, Giants: The Giants have already made the commitment to this two-year veteran out of Florida State, cutting Dave Brown during the off-season. Kanell stepped into the starting lineup last year when Brown was injured and never gave up the job, starting the last 10 games and leading New York to the divisional title. He showed good poise by completing 156 of 294 passes (53.1%) for 1,740 yards and 11 touchdowns. At 6'3², 222 pounds, he has good size and a strong arm, but he rarely scrambles from the pocket and likely won't run for many TDs. Kanell won't be asked to carry this team, so expect modest offensive stats in the range of 16-18 TD passes and 2,400 yards passing. He will be an adequate choice as your main backup QB.
27. Glenn Foley, Jets: Head coach Bill Parcells never looks back after making a tough decision and he won't second-guess himself about picking Foley over Neil O'Donnell as the Jets' starting QB this year. The four-year veteran out of Boston College did just enough last year (56 of 97 for 705 yards and three TDs) to earn the starting job. Don't expect big offensive numbers, however, as Parcells is set to build this offense around RB Curtis Martin. But Foley will do just enough 15-17 TD passes and 2,400 yards passing to earn a backup job in your league.
28. Jim Harbaugh, Ravens: After four interesting seasons with the Colts, during which Harbaugh led the team to the brink of the '96 Super Bowl, he was traded to Baltimore for a pair of draft picks. The Colts are going in a new direction with rookie QB Peyton Manning and Baltimore could be starting anew as well. If Testaverde is traded, Harbaugh will be competing with Eric Zeier for the starting job. Although he's probably the best candidate for the job, he's never been a great choice in fantasy football. Remember, he's never topped the 17-TD mark in a single season and has averaged only 10 TD passes per year over his nine-year career. Make him the backup on your team even if he is the starter in Baltimore.
29. Billy Joe Hobert, Saints: After being cut from Buffalo when he wasn't prepared to play against New England, it looked like Hobert's season was finished. But the lowly Saints came calling and desperately needed a starting quarterback. So this third-year pro from the University of Washington got a second chance and he made the most of it, completing 61 of 131 passes (49.6%) in five games for 891 yards and six touchdowns. Hobert was the best QB in New Orleans last year, but that's not saying much when the others were Heath Shuler, Danny Wuerffel and Doug Nussmeier. Hobert will likely beat out Wuerffel and Shuler for the starting job this year, but he won't produce enough to even be considered as a backup fantasy-league QB. Let Mike Ditka suffer with this inconsistent QB as his starter and make him your #3 QB at best.
30. Neil O'Donnell, Jets: This seven-year veteran started 14 games for the Jets last year and was successful enough to lead the team to the brink of the playoffs. He completed 259 of 460 passes (56.3%) for 2,796 yards and 17 touchdowns, while throwing only seven interceptions. But Parcells sees more upside with Foley than O'Donnell and will likely make him the backup in New York. That's not the job O'Donnell had in mind when he signed a five-year, $25 million contract, so don't be surprised if he requests a trade. If he earns the starting job, then he's a great choice as a backup QB. But anything less than a starting job will result in O'Donnell sitting on the sidelines come Draft Day.
31. Doug Flutie, Bills: The Bills signed the former Boston College star to a two-year contract during the off-season before making the trade with Jacksonville for Rob Johnson. Flutie is expected to challenge for the starting job, but will likely wind up as the backup QB. Still, it's hard to argue with his numbers from the Canadian Football League. Flutie won an unprecedented four straight Most Outstanding Player awards from 1991 to 1994 and won the award the last two years after leading Toronto to a pair of Grey Cup championships. He threw for 5,505 yards and 47 touchdowns this past year and completed 2,541 of 4,177 passes for 35,635 yards and 241 touchdowns during his seven-year CFL career. It would be fun to watch Flutie finally excel in the NFL, but only draft him if he wins the starting job in Buffalo, which seems unlikely.
32. Steve Beuerlein, Panthers: This 33-year-old has been a reliable backup QB throughout his nine-year career and he will likely serve the same role in Carolina this year, despite Collins' recent troubles. The only time he was a recommended fantasy-league pick was in 1993 when he was Arizona's starter. But over the last four years, he's been limited to reserve duty and has thrown only 23 TD passes, including six last year. Beuerlein isn't the answer for Carolina or your fantasy-league team, so keep him on your bench in '98.
33. Rich Gannon, Chiefs: This nine-year veteran was called upon to start six games for Kansas City last year after Grbac injured his shoulder and he wound up throwing seven TD passes and rushing for two TDs while leading K.C. to the playoffs. He's a solid backup for the Chiefs, but in fantasy football he's a less than desirable choice. Leave him alone on Draft Day, unless you have Grbac and want to protect yourself from another injury to the Chiefs' starter.
34. Craig Erickson, Dolphins: Rumors have been swirling in southern Florida that head coach Jimmy Johnson wants to replace Marino with this six-year veteran, but the backlash would be incredible. So expect Johnson to go with Marino for at least one more year before attempting to make a change. If that's the case and Marino remains healthy this year, then Erickson will be back on the bench holding the clipboard. Remember Erickson's stats from last year (13 of 28 for 165 yards with 0 TDs) before thinking about drafting him. 35. Rodney Peete, Eagles: The Eagles had a revolving door at quarterback last year, but have since settled on Hoying as their starter for '98. Peete, 32, will be relegated to backup duty this year and will have trouble topping last year's mediocre stats (68 of 118 for 869 yards and four TDs). This nine-year veteran can't even be considered for backup duty this year for fantasy-leaguers, so make him your #3 QB or better yet, leave him alone on Draft Day.
36. Randall Cunningham, Vikings: Brad Johnson is the scheduled starter in Minnesota this year, but Cunningham will be ready if he's called upon once again. Cunningham started the last three games of the season when Johnson was injured and completed 44 of 88 passes for 501 yards and six touchdowns. He also led the Vikings to a playoff win against the Giants and then re-signed with Minnesota during the off-season. This 35-year-old isn't being counted on to start this year, so don't draft him based on his performance last year. But if you draft Johnson, you may want to draft Cunningham as insurance.
37. Ty Detmer, 49ers: The Niners didn't have enough confidence in last year's No. 1 pick, Jim Druckenmiller, to be Steve Young's backup, so they signed this former Heisman Trophy winner to a free agent contract. Detmer, 30, started seven games for Philadelphia last year and completed 134 of 244 passes (54.9%) for 1,567 yards and seven touchdowns. He's a perfect fit for this offense, but for the Niners' sake, let's hope he doesn't play much. Leave Detmer alone on Draft Day and only pick him up if Young somehow goes down for a lengthy amount of time.
38. Eric Zeier, Ravens: This third-year pro was a restricted free agent this off-season who signed a two-year deal with Atlanta. The Ravens matched the $2.9 million deal because they believe he will become the team's starting QB in the near future. But that future isn't right now as he will likely be the backup to either Testaverde or Harbaugh this year. He certainly showed some promise last year when he threw for 958 yards and seven TDs in three starts, for an impressive 101.1 QB rating. He's a solid choice as your third QB for '98, especially in leagues which retain rosters from year-to-year because he has a chance to start and his future appears bright in Baltimore.
39. Jon Kitna, Seahawks: Don't forget about this backup QB on Draft Day because he could be a solid sleeper pick. The former World League star was discovered at Central Washington by head coach Dennis Erickson, whose son played with Kitna. The 6'2² QB excelled in the World League and looked so good in pre-season games last year that he became the backup QB once Friesz got hurt. Kitna started one game when Moon was sidelined and looked good, completing 31 of 45 passes during the year (68.9%) for 371 yards, one TD and two INTs. He has great potential and could be the starter should anything happen to the 41-year-old Moon.
40. Kent Graham, Giants: Graham started six games with Arizona last year, but became expendable when Jake Plummer took over. The Giants were more than happy to sign this six-year veteran to be Kanell's backup, especially since he played his first three seasons in New York. The former Ohio State star has thrown 16 TD passes over the last two years, but will have a hard time even topping last year's numbers (130 of 250 for 1,408 yards and four TDs). Leave him alone on Draft Day, even if you carry three QBs on your roster.
41. Paul Justin, Bengals: His incredible performance in the upset win over Green Bay (24 of 30 for 340 yards and one TD) convinced Cincinnati that he would be the perfect backup to Blake, so they traded a fifth-round draft pick to Indianapolis for the 30-year-old veteran. Justin started four games for the Colts last year, completing 83 of 140 passes (59.3%) for 1,046 yards and five TDs. He has a great arm if he's given time in the pocket and could challenge Blake for playing time. But a more likely scenario has Justin riding the bench most of this year as Blake's backup. For that reason, he's not a desired pick on Draft Day.
42. Steve Matthews, Jaguars: This left-hander out of Memphis started one game when Brunell and Johnson were both injured and showed some promise. He completed 26 of 40 passes (65.0%) for 275 yards. Now, with Johnson in Buffalo, Matthews is next in line to Brunell. Remember that during the season if anything happens to Brunell because Mathews could excel in this offense.
43. Dave Brown, Cardinals: The Giants' starting QB over the last four seasons got off to a rough start last year and then was replaced by Kanell after a mid-season injury. He threw only five TD passes in eight games last year and was released by the Giants during the off-season. The six-year veteran signed with Arizona in April and will now serve as Plummer's backup. He was never a recommended starting QB in fantasy football even when he was a starter, but he's not even a recommended pick for backup duty in '98.
44. Jim Everett, Chargers: At the age of 35, Everett's NFL career is nearing an end. He led the NFL in TD passes in 1988 (31) and '89 (29), but was a backup QB for the first time last year. In four games with the Chargers, he threw only one TD pass and four interceptions. Now with Leaf installed as the team's starting QB, Everett's future looks bleak, so don't waste a draft pick on this former star.
45. Jeff Hostetler, Redskins: Hoss started the last three games of the season for Washington and led the team to a pair of victories, throwing five TDs and six interceptions in the process. He finished the season with five TD passes and 10 INTs and looked every bit of his 36 years of age. Hostetler no longer has the mobility or the arm strength to be a starting QB and he will likely be a backup the rest of his career. With Frerotte healthy to start the year, Hostetler will be relegated to the bench.
46. Steve Bono, Rams: Bono was Favre's backup in Green Bay last year after starting in Kansas City the two previous seasons, but he was traded to St. Louis during the off-season to be the backup QB to Banks. The way Banks has played the last two years, there's a chance that Bono could see some action, but we wouldn't recommend him on Draft Day.
47. Frank Reich, Lions: Reich appeared in six games last year as Mitchell's backup in Detroit and is the Lions' insurance policy once again. Reich will battle Jim Miller and rookie Charlie Batch for the backup job, but won't play enough to top last year's numbers (11 of 30 for 121 yards).
48. Dave Krieg, Oilers: Krieg, 39, spent his first full season since 1980 on the bench, failing to start a single game for the first time since his rookie season when Jimmy Carter was still president of the United States. Krieg will enter his 19th NFL season as the backup to McNair in Tennessee, but don't expect to see this old-timer on the field much in '98. Last year he threw only two passes as McNair started all 16 games. Not recommended.
49. Mark Rypien, Falcons: Atlanta signed this 10-year veteran to become Chandler's backup. Rypien hasn't been a factor in fantasy football since 1991 and he failed to throw a single TD pass last year in a backup role for the Rams. Remember the Super Bowl victory in '91 when Rypien was at his peak and then leave him on the bench on Draft Day.
50. Mike Tomczak, Steelers: As long as Kordell Stewart continues to develop as the Steelers' starting QB, there's no need to consider Tomczak on Draft Day. The 35-year-old veteran will again back up Stewart, but don't expect anything more than the stats Tomczak posted last year (16 of 24, 185 yards, 1 TD).