Ryan Fowler's QB Tiers as of August 19th

The rule of thumb: if YOUR QB is gone, don't panic and reach just to fill the position. Take a deep breath and look to fill other areas of need.

Top Tier (6)

Michael Vick - Three preseason interceptions against the NFL's top defense in the midst of a training camp crash course do not scare me.

Tom Brady - With improvements to his WR corps, two capable tight ends, Danny Woodhead ready for a dump-off pass, and "The Hoodie" prepared to run up the score, Brady's stock has risen.

Aaron Rodgers - Review his 2010 stats and remember he has all his WRs back with the return of Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant. He could leapfrog Brady and Vick, but I like him at #3 right now.

Philip Rivers - His throwing motion is unorthodox, but Rivers has thrown for over 4,000 yards three straight seasons and, if he stays healthy, he has Vincent Jackson for all 16 games to line up opposite Malcom Floyd. Antonio Gates' toe injury is a concern, but even if the TE's season is abbreviated, he will produce when on the field.

Drew Brees - The quarterback who likes to spread the wealth. It could be Colston, Henderson, Meachem, Moore or Graham reaping the fantasy profits each week. Brees is going to chunk it around (33 TDs / 22 INTs in 2010). His interceptions in the past have driven me crazy based on field position and pass coverage.

Peyton Manning - It may be overhyped, but recovering from a second neck surgery - and not at the same rate had he been able to work with Colts' team doctors during the lockout - definitely impacts Manning's draft stock. I'm not about to ignore the 4700 yards and 33 TD passes from last season, but it's hard to mimic those stats if he has the slightest setback when the season starts.

Middle Tier (13)

Matt Ryan

Tony Romo

Ben Roethlisberger

Matt Schaub

Josh Freeman

Eli Manning

Mark Sanchez

Matt Cassel

Joe Flacco

Sam Bradford

Matthew Stafford

Kevin Kolb

Kyle Orton

Bottom Tier (13)

Jay Cutler

Cam Newton

Donovan McNabb

Jason Campbell

Matt Hasselbeck

Tarvaris Jackson

Colt McCoy

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Chad Henne

Rex Grossman/JohnBeck

Andy Dalton

Alex Smith

David Garrard

- Ryan Fowler

Agree? Disagree? Let's talk fantasy football! Email me.