Top 5 Fantasy NFL Quarterbacks of 2012

     Quarterbacks have become almost as important in fantasy football as they are in the real game.  In 2011 quarterbacks put up an unprecedented amount of fantasy points.  As a result, quarterbacks went higher in the draft this year.  While the numbers weren't as big as last year, quarterbacks still dominated the top scoring spots in my league.  Here are the top 5 quarterbacks of 2012:

Drew Brees

1. Drew Brees-  New Orleans was crippled by the suspensions of their Head Coach and key defensive players because of the bounty scandal.  Despite this,  Drew Brees was able to continue his dominant play and keep the title of top fantasy scorer in my league.  Brees threw for 5177 yards and 43 touchdowns.  He was the only player to eclipse 400 fantasy points in my league with a total of 407.58.

Aaron Rodgers

2.  Aaron Rodgers-  Rodgers continues to prove why is is one of the most elite players in all of fantasy football.  He has the most complete skill set of any quarterback in the NFL and is in the prime of his career.   Rodgers threw for 4295 yards and 39 touchdowns this year.  He overcame injuries to many of his top receivers and a porous offensive line to lead Green Bay back to the playoffs.  Rodgers finished the season with 391.60 fantasy points in my league.

Tom Brady

3.  Tom Brady-  Whether you love or hate the Patriots, it's hard to argue that Brady is not one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.  New England is a perennial lock to win the AFC East and Brady is a big part of that.  He threw for 4827 yards and 34 touchdowns at the helm of the Patriot's high powered offense.  Brady reaped 382.28 fantasy points from opposing defenses in my Yahoo league.

Peyton Manning

4.  Peyton Manning-  Manning is one of the best stories of the NFL in 2012.  After missing the entire 2011 season and having multiple neck surgeries, Manning made his return to the NFL with a new team.  Many said his career was over and that he should just retire.  The Colts, whom Manning had brought a Super Bowl championship to, chose to release him and rebuild.  Manning insisted he still had football left to play and signed with the Denver Broncos.  No one really knew what to expect from him this year.  Would he come back only to take a big hit and be carried out on a stretcher?  Manning proved all his naysayers wrong.  He took Denver from a good team to a great team.  The Broncos have a legitimate chance of getting to the Super Bowl this year because of what Manning was able to do with their offense.  Peyton threw for 4659 yards and 37 touchdowns for 358.96 fantasy points in my league.  Watching Peyton Manning run an offense is like watching a maestro conduct a symphonic masterpiece.  The more years this guy plays the game the better.

Cam Newton

5.  Cam Newton-  There were very high expectations for Newton coming into 2012.  He had an unbelievable rookie campaign.  Unfortunately he started off the season a bit slow and his team struggled.  There were whispers about Newton's maturity and dedication to the team.  That he was more concerned with personal accolades.  As the season went on Newton seemed to find himself.  The Panthers were able to win their last 4 games of the season and the whispers fell quiet.  Newton finished the season with 3869 yards passing, 741 yards rushing, and 27 total touchdowns.  He finished the year with 354.46 fantasy points.