"Albert Einstein once warned, "Never think of the future – it comes soon enough." While I usually condemn disputing the guidance of men whose surnames are synonymous with "genius," I think our friend AE's advice is invalid in the endeavor of distinguishing keepers for the 2012 fantasy football season. So before we put a wrap on the 2011 year, let's pause to analyze and examine which players can be used as cornerstones for the next fantasy campaign.

Quarterbacks

Keepers: Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford

Reason: Running backs were historically hailed as the foundations for fantasy teams, but in an era where passing is paramount and split-committee backfields are the norm, it's the signal caller spot that reigns supreme in the roto world. This sentiment was evidenced by the aforementioned quarterbacks occupying the top five spots in standard scoring leagues during the 2011 campaign.

While few qualms will be raised against the quartet of Rodgers, Newton, Brady and Brees, the inclusion of Stafford may raise eyebrows. Certainly, a horrid four-game stretch in the middle of the season in which Stafford tossed 10 interceptions compared to eight touchdowns sours in his proprietors' minds, and an immense amount of carnage inflicted by the former Georgia Bulldog came in the last three weeks of the season (1,284 yards, 12 touchdowns), somewhat skewing his season's statistical output. Still, for a player that entered 2011 with just 13 career starts, hard to hate on 41 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards, no?

Outside looking in: Michael Vick, Peyton Manning

Reason: Vick played in more games, passed for more yards and owned a better yards-per-carry mark than his remarkable 2010 campaign. So why was the Philly field general a disappointment this year? The issue is three-pronged: a lack of ball security (18 turnovers in 2011 compared to a scant nine a season ago), a cutback on carries (76 rushes this year versus 100 carries in 2010) and a regression in end-zone excursions (21 aerial scores plus nine rushing touchdowns in 2010; just 19 overall trips to paydirt in 2011). Add in the vulnerability of his health and it's a no-brainer: Vick fails to qualify for keeper status.

As for four-time MVP Manning, too much ambiguity on his injury rehabilitation and playing destination for the perennial Pro Bowler to merit keeper distinction. If he gets a preseason game or two under his belt and displays the celebrated deftness and command that we have come to expect from him, Manning would likely warrant an early-round selection, albeit with a relatively-high amount of risk, in 2012 fantasy drafts. Until we reach that threshold, Manning is a stay-away. A sad day, indeed, as this marks the first time that Manning is undeserving of this honor."