BALLER MOVE: Target as a QB1 in the middle rounds
CURRENT ADP: 109 in standard drafts, 145 PPR
ANALYSIS: Consistency is the name of the game for Philip Rivers over his 11 year career in the NFL. Rivers has started all 16 games in each season since 2006, after bench-warming for Drew Brees in the first two seasons of his career. However, the only time you should expect Rivers to be on your bench during the season is the Chargers week 10 bye.
In each of his nine seasons as the Chargers starting quarterback Rivers has passed for over 3,000 yards and surpassed the 4,000 yard plateau in 6 times, he has also passed for over 25 touchdowns in each of those seasons. Rivers had a red hot start at the beginning of last season, but like most of San Diego's roster was slowed by injuries as the season progressed. Despite his rib and back injuries Rivers still managed to throw for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns behind an offensive line that rotated from play to play.
An improved offensive line should help keep Rivers upright this season, deterring injuries that plagued him for nearly all of 2014. Not only has his offensive line improved this offseason but the skill players around him look much improved from last year as well. Keenan Allen is poised for a rebound season along with Rivers, Ladarius Green has huge upside due to his athletic abilities, Danny Woodhead is healthy, Melvin Gordon is an upgrade over Ryan Mathews, and Stevie Johnson is a great possession receiver to have in the west coast/spread offense that the Bolts run.
While the stats show Rivers isn't really a sleeper, many fantasy owners tend to overlook him though. He has a proven track record of consistency as a fantasy Quarterback, one to target in the middle rounds if you want to be able to build up your receivers and running backs early in the draft.
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!