2016 Fantasy Football Draft Day Dilemmas: Candidates to replace Tom Brady

Fantasy Football owners must brace for the first four weeks of the season without Tom Brady. Dave Richard ranks some replacement quarterbacks.

Tom Brady is suspended for four games again. That's according to the Second Circuit United States Court of Appeals, which ruled that Commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to suspend him was both fair and within his rights of the collective bargaining agreement.

That's just ... great.

Last year we went months speculating on his future only to find out as the season was just a week away that Brady wouldn't serve any suspension at all. Brady went on to finish as the second-best quarterback in Fantasy (36 points behind Cam Newton) and the most consistent of all (13 of 16 games with 20-plus Fantasy points).

This year, without getting into too much lawyer verbiage, doesn't seem as promising. Brady could ask for a rehearing or might have to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court -- if they'll even hear it.

There could be more twists and turns, but for now, you have to assume Brady won't be available for the first four weeks of the season, including three home games in Weeks 2 through 4 against the Dolphins, Texans and Bills. Those matchups now fall into the hands of Jimmy Garoppolo, but he shouldn't be your first choice to replace Brady in lineups.

One of the cool Fantasy storylines this summer is the depth at quarterback. There are so many good ones that owners can wait until the middle rounds to find a starter of Carson Palmer or Blake Bortles' caliber. People can wait even longer to find sleepers.

Now, if you draft Brady, you can grab one of these sleepers and specifically use him for the four games Brady sits, plus the game of Brady's Week 9 bye if you choose.

Here are the best bets, ranked in order:

You have to love those first four weeks -- not a tough matchup on the board! Week 9 is ugly -- the Broncos have done an incredible job against Carr through two seasons. Draft Carr in Round 10 or 11, ride him for the first four weeks and then you have a month to decide on what to do in Week 9.

Winston had two two-touchdown games against the Falcons last season and also ate up the Rams. Week 9's game is on a Thursday. Playing the Arizona and Denver defenses isn't much fun, though. The breakout appeal and late-round price tag keeps his value afloat.

It's good, not great. The Cowboys had Manning's number last year, as did the Vikings. Even with the rest of the schedule looking sweet, he's not worth the Round 8 or 9 investment.

Gotta love those first three weeks against the Bucs, Raiders and Saints, but Week 4 is a nightmare and Week 9 isn't going to be easy. Ryan has typically struggled in Tampa Bay, plus the short week will hurt him (along with his lack of touchdowns).

Some of these games -- the Lions, the Raiders, the Chargers -- don't seem so scary. But the Vikings will be a tough opener for Mariota and he'll get his first taste of the Texans in Week 4 (he didn't play against them last year). It's too dicey.

It's not great. The Jets were one of the few teams that wrecked Taylor, and the Patriots should have a better grip on him now than last year. That Jets game is on a Thursday, and that game at Seattle is downright nasty.

Stafford's first two games shouldn't be horrible, but his next two could be a disaster and Week 9 could be the biggest wreck of them all. With the uncertainty of how the Lions offense will look without Calvin Johnson, he should be avoided.

Smith's track record against the Chargers, Jets and Steelers suggest tough sledding. The Jaguars might be better than anyone expects.

You have to think the Pats will try to put their pedal to the metal without Brady. Week 1 could be difficult, but that three-game homestand (including Houston on a short week) against defenses they're familiar with should give Garoppolo a chance at some stats.

Two Texas-sized road challenges along with the same bye week as the Patriots puts Cutler on the no-no list.

You almost want to punt on Tannehill for his Week 1 game alone! But he has never played well at New England, and that game at Cincinnati is on a short week. Gross.

This isn't an easy schedule for Osweiler, who will need big plays from DeAndre Hopkins in every game (not just these) just to crack 20 Fantasy points.