Unveiling the Best QB Picks for Your Fantasy Football Squad

Alright, guys! It's that time of the year again - fantasy football season is upon us, and you know what that means? It's time to draft the best QB picks that'll lead your team to victory! But with so many talented signal-callers in the NFL, how do you know who to choose? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of quarterbacks and find the perfect fit for your fantasy football squad. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and best qb picks for fantasy football.

Understanding QB Scoring and Strategy

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the best QB picks, let's quickly discuss how quarterbacks are scored in fantasy football. Most leagues award points for passing yards (usually 1 point per 25 yards), passing touchdowns (4 points each), and sometimes even completions (0.5 points per completion). Some leagues also penalize interceptions (-1 point) and sacks (-0.5 points).

When drafting your QB, consider the following strategy:

1. 1. Wait and see: With so many quality QBs available, you can afford to wait on drafting one. Focus on securing elite players at other positions first, then snag a QB in the mid-to-late rounds.
2. 2. Target high-volume passers: QBs who throw a lot of passes tend to accumulate more points, even if their completion percentage or TD-to-INT ratio isn't the best.
3. 3. Consider your league's settings: Some leagues reward more points for passing yards or completions, while others penalize sacks and interceptions more heavily. Make sure your QB strategy aligns with your league's specific rules.

The Elite Tier: Top QB Picks for 2022

Now that we've got the basics down, let's take a look at the best QB picks for the 2022 fantasy football season. These QBs are in a league of their own and should be at the top of your draft board.

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

There's no denying that Patrick Mahomes is the cream of the crop when it comes to fantasy football QBs. The 2018 NFL MVP has finished as the QB1 in fantasy points in both of the past two seasons, thanks to his incredible arm talent and the explosive Chiefs offense. Mahomes led the league in passing TDs in 2021 (41) and has thrown for over 5,000 yards in three of his four full NFL seasons.

Mahomes is an elite fantasy asset due to his high-volume passing game, exceptional big-play ability, and the plethora of weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Juju Smith-Schuster (who joined the Chiefs this offseason), and tight end Travis Kelce. While Mahomes comes at a premium price in fantasy drafts, he's well worth the investment as the clear-cut QB1.

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen has quickly emerged as one of the top fantasy football QBs, thanks to his incredible dual-threat ability. In 2021, Allen finished as the QB2 in fantasy points, thanks to his league-leading 107 rushing attempts and 763 rushing yards. Allen also threw for 4,407 yards and 36 TDs, making him one of the most well-rounded fantasy QBs.

Allen's success can be attributed to his improved accuracy, the Bills' innovative play-calling, and a supporting cast that includes Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Dawson Knox. With Allen's ability to extend plays with his legs and find open receivers downfield, he's a safe bet to finish as a top-3 fantasy QB in 2022.

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson has been a fantasy football dynamo since entering the league in 2018, thanks to his unparalleled rushing ability. Despite missing some time due to injury in 2021, Jackson still finished as the QB5 in fantasy points, thanks to his league-leading 133 rushing attempts and 1,206 rushing yards.

Jackson's passing numbers have improved each season, and with the addition of wide receiver Rashod Bateman and a healthy tight end Mark Andrews, he could take another step forward in 2022. While Jackson's accuracy and decision-making can be inconsistent, his rushing upside makes him a top-5 fantasy QB and a valuable asset in Superflex leagues.

The Next Tier: Sleeper and Breakout Candidates

While the elite QBs will likely go early in your fantasy draft, there are plenty of value options and sleepers available in the mid-to-late rounds. Here are some best QB picks to target as you build your squad.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert has quickly established himself as one of the league's top young QBs, and his fantasy production has followed suit. In 2021, Herbert finished as the QB6 in fantasy points, thanks to his league-leading 640 passing attempts and 5,014 passing yards. Herbert also threw for 38 TDs and showed improved accuracy, completing 67.1% of his passes.

Herbert's fantasy upside is through the roof, thanks to his high-volume passing game and the talented weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and tight end Gerald Everett. With another year of experience under his belt and the Chargers' improved rushing attack taking some pressure off him, Herbert could take a significant step forward in 2022 and finish as a top-5 fantasy QB.

Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers

Trey Lance is one of the most intriguing fantasy QB prospects in recent memory, thanks to his incredible dual-threat ability. While Lance only started two games in 2021 due to an injury, he showed flashes of brilliance, completing 57.1% of his passes for 603 yards, 5 TDs, and just 2 INTs. More importantly, Lance rushed for 168 yards and a TD on 22 attempts, showcasing his elite athleticism and big-play ability.

With Jimmy Garoppolo now out of the picture, Lance is set to take over as the 49ers' starting QB in 2022. While he may have some growing pains in his first full season as a starter, Lance's rushing upside makes him an enticing fantasy option, especially in Superflex leagues. If Lance can improve his passing accuracy and decision-making, he has the potential to finish as a top-10 fantasy QB in 2022.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Jared Goff may not be the sexiest fantasy QB option, but he's proven to be a consistent producer in fantasy football. In 2021, Goff finished as the QB11 in fantasy points, thanks to his 4,438 passing yards and 29 TDs. Goff also showed improved accuracy, completing 67.2% of his passes and throwing just 7 INTs.

With the addition of wide receiver Jameson Williams and a healthy D'Andre Swift, Goff should have more weapons at his disposal in 2022. While Goff may not have the upside of some other QBs on this list, his consistent production and low cost make him an enticing fantasy option, especially in deeper leagues or Superflex formats.

The Sleeper and Bust Candidates

While some QBs may look like attractive fantasy options on paper, they may not pan out as expected. Here are some best QB picks to avoid or consider with caution in your fantasy drafts.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott has long been a popular fantasy QB, thanks to his high-volume passing game and the Cowboys' explosive offense. However, Prescott's fantasy production has been inconsistent, and he's yet to finish as a top-12 fantasy QB in a full season. In 2021, Prescott finished as the QB14, thanks to his 4,449 passing yards and 37 TDs, but he also threw 10 INTs and was sacked 50 times.

Prescott's fantasy value is heavily tied to the Cowboys' rushing attack, which can limit his upside. Additionally, Prescott's injury history is a concern, as he's missed significant time in two of the past three seasons. While Prescott has top-10 fantasy QB upside, his inconsistency and injury risk make him a risky option in the early rounds of your draft.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford had a career year in 2021, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory and finishing as the QB4 in fantasy points. Stafford threw for 4,886 yards and 41 TDs, thanks to his high-volume passing game and the Rams' explosive offense. However, Stafford's fantasy production may be difficult to replicate in 2022.

The Rams' offense is likely to regress after their historic 2021 season, and Stafford's age (34) and injury history (he's already missed significant time due to elbow and back issues) are concerns. Additionally, the Rams' improved rushing attack could limit Stafford's passing volume. While Stafford has top-12 fantasy QB upside, his age, injury risk, and potential regression make him a risky option in the early rounds of your draft.

Final Thoughts on the Best QB Picks for 2022

There you have it, guys! We've covered the best QB picks for the 2022 fantasy football season, from the elite tier to the sleepers and bust candidates. When drafting your QB, consider your league's settings, your team's strategy, and the specific strengths and weaknesses of each signal-caller. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to drafting a fantasy football squad that's primed for success.

So, who are you targeting as your fantasy football QB in 2022? Let us know in the comments below, and good luck in your drafts!