FANTASY FOOTBALL QUARTERBACKS

They may play the most important position on the field, but quarterbacks aren't similarly valued here. Most fantasy football leagues reward rushing touchdowns over those of the passing variety. Therefore, the top backs typically are selected before even the most stellar of signal callers.

Of course, this isn't to say that a QB can't make or break a season. Let's take a look at the top draftees at that position …

1. Peyton Manning: Forget his choking in the playoffs, Manning is the only QB worthy of a first round selection. He'll be taking to the air even more this season without Edgerring James around.
2. Tom Brady: Set a personal high for yards last season … and there's no reason to think he won't challenge it again. Even with a healthy Corey Dillon in the backfield, this is a passing offense.
3. Carson Palmer: Hs 2005 may have ended on a stretcher, but The Files reads Sports Illustrated. He looks primed to come back by the opener. If so, expect a huge year from one of Cincy's Big Three.
4. Kurt Warner: Hey, God is on his side. And James is now taking handoffs as two 100-reception wideouts line up along his sides. Anyone could throw for close to 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in this set-up.
5. Brett Favre: Unless your league punished interceptions, of course. He may have 57. But Favre will also put the ball in the air numerous times as Green Bay faces many overwhelming, early deficits.
6. Donovan McNabb: Assuming he's healthy, of course, no starter throws more often than the Philly quarterback.
7. Eli Manning: Entering his third season, all the pieces are in place. New York's passing offense was on the rise in 2005, with the exception of that playoff debacle. Look for even better numbers from Peyton's brother this year.
8. Trent Green: Even as he handed the ball off to Larry Johnson for touchdown after touchdown last season, Green still compiled over 4,000 yards. He rarely throws interceptions, either.
9. Drew Bledsoe: Fortunately, you won't get punished for sacks against your QB. That fact - and the addition of Terrell Owens - catapult Bledsoe up our chart.
10. Matt Hasselback: No one doubts how efficient the Super Bowl quarterback is, but Shaun Alexander likes to score often. Don't expect too many passing TDs in Seattle.

Keep in mind … Drew Brees throwing swing passes to Reggie Bush in New Orleans; Aaron Brooks tossing bomb after bomb to Randy Moss in Oakland …