One player you haven’t had to worry about much the last couple of seasons was Philip Rivers, who actually had his most impressive season in 2010.  With his receiving corps completely depleted, Rivers turned unknowns into stars and continued to shred opposing defenses.  What’s most impressive is that the coaching staff was able to keep a full-throttle down-the-field approach even while the receiving corps was so severely limited.  And obviously that’s because they have Rivers, who is among the elite quarterbacks in the league.  Rivers is the only player in the league to have a QB rating of more than 100 each of the last three seasons.  Peyton Manning hasn’t even hit the mark since 2006.

And that’s why Rivers projects as such a safe pick.  Not only has he put up the big numbers, you know he has the complete confidence of his coaching staff no matter what happens to the personal around him.  After tossing 30 touchdowns for the second time in his career, Rivers looks like almost as safe of a fantasy pick as Aaron Rodgers, even if he doesn’t get similar run statistics.  But Rivers is already elite, with a 66% completion percentage and more than 4,700 yards passing last year to go with 30 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions.  Even if Rivers has a down year, something he hasn’t suggested he’s due for, you’re likely to see some consistent production.

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