What QB Should I Draft in Fantasy Football? A Comprehensive Guide
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! We know you're eager to build your dream team, and drafting the right quarterback is a crucial decision. So, let's dive into the world of fantasy football and help you answer, "What QB should I draft?" Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what qb should i draft in fantasy football.
Understanding QB Scoring in Fantasy Football
Before we jump into the best QBs to draft, let's quickly recap how QBs score points in fantasy football:
- Touchdown Passes: 4 points - Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards - Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards - Rushing Touchdowns: 6 points
Now that we've got the basics covered, let's explore the QB landscape and help you make an informed decision.
The Elite QB Tier: Worth the Early Pick?
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is a no-brainer when discussing the best QBs to draft. He's the reigning NFL MVP and has been a fantasy football monster since his rookie season. His unique blend of arm talent and elite rushing ability makes him a weekly QB1.
Why draft Lamar Jackson?
- High floor and ceiling: Jackson has finished as the QB1 or QB2 in each of his first three seasons. - Rushing upside: He's led the league in rushing yards among QBs in two of the last three seasons. - Offensive firepower: The Ravens have invested in weapons like Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, and tight end Mark Andrews to complement Jackson's skillset.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has been the gold standard for fantasy QBs since taking over the starting job in 2018. Despite not playing a full season in 2019 due to injury, Mahomes has still managed to finish as the QB1 or QB2 in each of his four seasons as a starter.
Why draft Patrick Mahomes?
- Consistent production: Mahomes has thrown for at least 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in every season he's started. - Coaching and scheme: Andy Reid's offense is QB-friendly, and Mahomes has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and new addition Marquez Valdes-Scantling. - Upside: Mahomes has the potential to put up video game-like numbers, making him a worthy early pick.
Mid-Tier QBs: Value Picks to Consider
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has taken significant strides in his development and has emerged as a top-tier fantasy QB. In 2021, Allen finished as the QB4, throwing for 4,407 yards and 36 touchdowns while adding 763 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.
Why draft Josh Allen?
- Improving accuracy: Allen has shown significant improvement in his completion percentage each season, culminating in a career-high 66.6% in 2021. - Rushing upside: Allen's mobility and strong arm make him a dual-threat QB with a high fantasy floor. - Weapons: The Bills have invested in talent around Allen, with Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Dawson Knox forming a formidable receiving corps.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert burst onto the scene in 2020, finishing as the QB6 in his rookie season. Despite a slight dip in production in 2021, Herbert's upside is undeniable.
Why draft Justin Herbert?
- High ceiling: Herbert has shown the ability to put up monster numbers, throwing for 300+ yards in 10 games in 2020 and 2021 combined. - Offensive firepower: The Chargers have surrounded Herbert with talent, including Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. - Coaching and scheme: Brandon Staley's offense should help Herbert take the next step in his development.
Late-Round QBs: Sleepers and Handcuffs
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance is an intriguing late-round QB prospect who could provide significant upside if he wins the starting job in San Francisco. Despite limited action as a rookie, Lance showed flashes of brilliance, including a 159.9 passer rating in his only start.
Why draft Trey Lance?
- High ceiling: Lance's dual-threat ability and strong arm make him an exciting fantasy prospect. - Opportunity: If Lance wins the starting job, he'll have a talented supporting cast, including Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. - Cost: As a late-round flier, Lance has minimal risk and significant reward.
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston is a high-risk, high-reward late-round QB option. In his last full season as a starter (2019), Winston threw for 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns but also led the league with 30 interceptions.
Why draft Jameis Winston?
- Upside: If Winston can limit his turnovers, he has the arm talent to put up massive numbers. - Weapons: The Saints have a talented receiving corps, including Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Chris Olave. - Cost: Winston's late-round ADP makes him an attractive option in best ball formats and superflex leagues.
QB Handcuffs: The Importance of Backup QBs
In deep leagues and superflex formats, drafting a backup QB or "handcuff" can provide valuable insurance in case your starter goes down with an injury. Some handcuffs to consider include:
- Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (backup to Russell Wilson) - Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (backup to Jacoby Brissett) - Davis Mills, Houston Texans (backup to Tyrod Taylor)
Draft Strategy: When to Draft a QB
The optimal QB draft strategy depends on your league's format and scoring settings. In standard leagues, waiting on a QB is a viable strategy, as the position tends to be deeper than others. However, in superflex and two-QB leagues, drafting an elite QB early may be necessary to stay competitive.
Here's a general guideline for when to draft a QB in standard leagues:
- Early (Rounds 1-3): Consider drafting an elite QB (Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes) if you want to secure a top-tier option and build your team around a strong QB foundation. - Mid (Rounds 4-7): This is an ideal range to draft a high-upside QB like Josh Allen or Justin Herbert, who can provide significant value at a lower cost. - Late (Rounds 8 and beyond): In this range, focus on drafting QBs with high upside and low risk, such as Trey Lance or Jameis Winston, as well as handcuffs for your starter.
Final Thoughts on What QB to Draft in Fantasy Football
Drafting the right QB is crucial to your fantasy football success. By understanding the elite, mid-tier, and late-round QB landscapes, you can make an informed decision and set your team up for a strong season. So, what QB will you target in your fantasy draft? Let us know in the comments!
Happy drafting, and good luck in your fantasy football season!