LestersLegends.com

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One of the Super Bowl quarterbacks has had a ton of success, but has garnered little respect. The other has become an overnight sensation. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has one of the strongest arms in the league. They are still considered a running team, mainly because Ray Rice is just that dynamic. Baltimore finished the regular season ranked 11th in rushing offense and 15th in passing offense.
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While Rice is heavily involved in the passing game, Flacco doesn’t get enough credit. His completion percentage (54.8 during the playoffs, 59.7 percent during the regular season) isn’t great, but he takes shots down the field. Because he makes big plays and protects the football (10 interceptions during the season, zero in the playoffs), he maintains a solid passer rating. With an underrated assortment of weapons, Flacco should be able to have another solid playoff game.
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I still expect Colin Kaepernick to have a better game from a fantasy perspective. Since the early interception in the Wild Card Round, he has been nearly flawless. I give him the edge of Flacco because of his running ability. While he had just 21 yards in the win over the Atlanta Falcons, he set the all-time quarterback single-game rushing record with 181 yards against the Green Bay Packers.
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Kaepernick does not seem to be intimidated by the big stage. In his brief run as starting quarterback, he has already defeated the likes of Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan. I’m not overlooking the fact that Flacco took down Peyton Manning and Brady in successive weeks, or the fact that Flacco has won a playoff game in every year he’s been in the league, but I guess I’m drinking the Kool-Aid a little.
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I think Kaepernick has the inferior defense to contend with. Ultimately, though, it is his ability to make plays with his feet that makes me lean towards youth prevailing in Super Bowl XLVII.
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Also check out:

• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Pick
• Early Fantasy Baseball Rankings

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for the  the AFC & NFC Conference Championship Games of the 2012-13 NFL Playoffs.
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1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Losing Rob Gronkowski hurts, but Brady just keeps on rolling. He lit up the Houston Texans for 344 yards and three touchdowns. Brady had one of his worst playoff performances against the Baltimore Ravens in last year’s AFC Championship game. I expect a stronger performance this time around.
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2. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
Kaepernick’s athleticism was on full display as he set the quarterback rushing record in the Divisional Round win over the Green Bay Packers. The Atlanta Falcons struggled to contain Cam Newton and Russell Wilson. I think they’ll bottle a heck of a lot better than Green Bay, but his running ability and strong arm makes Kaepernick a strong fantasy football option in the Conference Championship.
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3. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan should be breathing easier after finally getting that first playoff win. It wasn’t always pretty, but Ryan threw three touchdown passes. Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers gave him enough of a running game to keep the defenses honest. He’ll need some of that balance against the 49ers’ stout defense. Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez give Ryan the top trio of weapons left in the playoffs.
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4. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco has averaged 306.3 yards with seven touchdowns and just one interception in his past three playoff games, including 306 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s meeting with the Patriots. Flacco has the most favorable matchup against New England’s secondary. I have Flacco ranked fourth, but I don’t think there is a big difference between the quarterbacks this week.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship NFL Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
The Houston Texans kept Andy Dalton in check, but Brady is a different animal. He torched them for 296 yards and four touchdowns in Week 14. He won’t be quite that productive, but he’s certainly capable of putting up a monster game, especially with Rob Gronkowski in his arsenal this time around.
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2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers is playing at as high of a level as any quarterback has ever played. He is the career leader in passer rating in both the regular season and the postseason. The San Francisco 49ers are a tall order, but with his full assortment of weapons, Rodgers is as deadly as they come.
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3. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Manning had a couple of slow games in Weeks 14 and 15, but ramped back up with 300-plus yards three touchdown passes in each of the final two games. One of the slow games was against the Baltimore Ravens (Week 15), but the Broncos were aided by a defensive touchdown and a strong ground game as they jumped out to a big, early lead. I expect the Ravens to put up more of a fight this time around, which will mean a heavier dose of Manning.
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4. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson is the last rookie standing after RGIII and Andrew Luck exited stage right. He is averaging 54.8 rushing yards in his past six games, including 67 yards last week against the Washington Redskins. He has thrown just two interceptions in his past nine games while tossing 17 touchdowns.
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5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan, like Peyton, had a small dip in production prior to a strong finish (disregarding Week 17 when the Falcons were coasting). The Seahawks are on fire, but they did look vulnerable early in last week’s Wild Card win over the Redskins.
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6. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Schaub is inconsistent, but has a favorable matchup against the Patriots secondary. I expect the Patriots to put up points, which will mean Schaub will have to throw plenty. He can do some damage against that secondary.
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7. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco is the Rodney Dangerfield of NFL quarterbacks. He gets no respect. All he does is win at least one playoff game every year. That said, I don’t love him as a QB option against a tough Broncos team.
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8. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
The Packers had a little difficulty dealing with Joe Webb’s running ability last week until he proved that he could not pass the ball. Kaepernick has the ability to run the ball, but unlike Webb, he can actually beat you with his arm too. I fear that the stage will be a little intimidating
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft:  Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends fantasy football quarterback rankings for the Wild Card Round.
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1.  Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers threw for 4295 yards and 39 touchdowns. He’s fresh off a 365 yard, four touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings. Rodgers has ten touchdown passes in the past three games and hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 13. He’s also the most seasoned quarterback playing in the Wild Card Round.
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2. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
RG3 may not be seasoned, but he is amazing. He threw for 3200 yards and 20 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He ran for 815 yards and seven more scores. The Seattle Seahawks present a difficult challenge, but I can’t bet against RG3.
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3.  Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck set the NFL rookie record with 4374 passing yards. He threw 23 touchdown passes and added five scores on the ground. He faces a Baltimore Ravens defense that doesn’t have its usual bite.
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4.  Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson was the third impressive rookie that really picked up steam as the season went along. He finished with 3118 yards, 26 touchdowns and just ten interceptions. He added 489 yards and four scores on the ground. The Redskins rank 30th against the pass, and were one of four teams to allow at least 31 passing scores.
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5.  Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Schaub is capable of a big game, but often the running game does the damage. At home he has 13 touchdowns and four interceptions (nine TDs, eight INTs on the road).
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6.  Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton’s 26 touchdown passes are second to Rodgers’ 39 among Wild Card quarterbacks. Only 12 of them, along with 10 interceptions, came on the road (15 TDs, six INTs at home). That’s why I give Schaub the slight edge.
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7.  Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco is the least consistent of the Wild Card quarterbacks. He finished strong, throwing seven touchdowns in Weeks 14-16. That paid dividends for fantasy owners that had to rely on him. I’d look elsewhere in NFL Playoffs fantasy leagues.
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8.  Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Ponder had an impressive game last week against the Packers, but this time he goes on the road. He had 119 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions the last time he faced the Pack in Lambeau.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Wild Card Round Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for Super Bowl XLVI. It is a matchup of two of the elite quarterbacks in football. They are both cool under pressure and have delivered on the biggest stage.
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Eli entered the season with questions about whether or not he was elite. He had the confidence to say he was. I think he put that question to bed, throwing for more yards this year than his brother ever did. It’s not that Eli has better weapons, he just has more traditional ones, with three great wide receivers.
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Victor Cruz emerged as one of the game’s best deep threats this year. He has the ability to take the ball to the house at any time. Hakeem Nicks has that same knack, but is much tougher to bring down. Mario Manningham completes the trio.
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Tom Brady has Wes Welker, who is nearly impossible to cover. He is so quick off the ball, and is fearless. He caught 11 passes in the Super Bowl XLII, and another double-digit game is not out of the question. Deion Branch, the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP, knows how to step up in a big game. Brady’s most challenging weapons, though, are his tight ends. Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is hurt, but even a 80% Gronk is a tall order. He is so good in the red zone. Aaron Hernandez could play a bigger role for the Patriots with Gronk at less than full strength. I could see Hernandez having more yards and Gronk more scores.
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This truly should be a pretty even match-up for the Super Bowl XLVI quarterbacks. I just give Tom Brady a slight edge.
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Also check out:

• Super Bowl XLVI  Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVI Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVI Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVI  Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVI  Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVI Pick

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for the  the AFC & NFC Conference Championship Games of the NFL Playoffs.
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1.  Tom Brady vs. Baltimore Ravens:  All Tom Terrific did was throw for 363 yards and six TDs last week. He easily could have thrown a playoff record seventh touchdown, but they let up on the gas in the fourth quarter. The Pats have won nine straight games averaging 37.3 points. The way Gronk, Welker, and Hernandez are playing it will be hard to slow down Brady and company.
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2. Eli Manning @ San Francisco Giants:  Eli is red hot. He has nine touchdowns to one interception in his past three games, all must wins, against the Cowboys, the Falcons, and the Packers. He has averaged 317.7 yards per game during that stretch, and the way Hakeem Nicks is playing, the Niners are going to have their hands full. The Niners are great defensively, but were only middle-of-the road against the pass.
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3.  Alex Smith vs. New York Giants:  Smith grew up right before our eyes last week throwing for 299 yards and three touchdowns. He added a nifty 28-yard touchdown run and showed great composure handling New Orleans’ pressure and delivering a game-winner. The Giants are a different team right now, but ranked 29th against the pass during the regular season.
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4.  Joe Flacco @ New England Patriots:  The Patriots ranked 31st against the pass this year. Flacco threw a pair touchdowns last week, and now that Boldin is back he at least has some chance to make plays.
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Also check out:

• Conference Championship Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Conference Championship Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Conference Championship Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Conference Championship Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Conference Championship Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Conference Championship Round NFL Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Drew Brees @ San Francisco 49ers:  Brees is playing out of his mind. Every week he seems to shatter records. Playing on the road will be a challenge, but he’ll be up for it.
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. New York Giants:  Rodgers was nearly flawless this year and should be on fire, but the way the Giants’ defensive line is playing keeps him out of my top slot.
3. Tom Brady vs.  Denver Broncos:  There just doesn’t seem to be a way to stop all of Brady’s weapons. Josh McDaniels was brought on board to make sure the offense isn’t compromised with Bill O’Brien splitting duties with Penn State. Risky move, but Brady and Belichick have what it takes to pull it off. The gamble is definitely worthy of a visit to the Best online sportsbooks.
4.  Eli Manning @ Green Bay Packers:  Eli is an elite quarterback, fantasy or otherwise. The Giants are going to put some pressure on the champs.
5.  Tim Tebow @ New England Patriots:  They meet again. Tebow proved himself all over again in the win over the Steelers. He should put up decent fantasy numbers with his arm and his feet. Just not enough to get the W.
6.  Alex Smith vs. New Orleans Saints:  The Niners defense will slow the Saints, but they will still likely score around 30. Smith is going to have to get Crabtree and Vernon Davis involved to stand a chance.
7.  Joe Flacco vs. Houston Texans:  Flacco has been there before, which keeps him out of the eight spot, but this game will be about Ray Rice.
8.  T.J. Yates @ Baltimore Ravens:  Houston’s recipe will be heavy run once again. Having Andre Johnson does help, but this is going to be a physical game.
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Also check out:

• Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Divisional Round NFL Picks