Fantasy Football Rankings Quarterback
Tier 1- Quarterbacks worth taking in the first two rounds
Patrick Mahomes
That’s it. I’m not a fan of taking quarterbacks early, but Mahomes is as can’t miss as you can get. If I was thinking of drafting him I’d try and snag him in the second, but if you want him get him. There’s a good chance someone in your league will take him late first to mid second.
Tier 2- Quarterbacks worth taking in the third to fifth round
Lamar Jackson
Josh Allen
Kyler Murray
This is an interesting group of quarterbacks. They’re all going to get you points with their legs, don’t forget how many touchdowns Allen rushes for. It wouldn’t be a shock if any of these quarterbacks were the number one fantasy QB this year, but they’re not sure things like Mahomes. Any one of these guys could have an off year. They all run enough to worry about injuries. They’re also young enough where a step back would not be unheard of.
Tier 3-Quarterbacks worth taking in the sixth to eighth round- The Safe Guys
Russell Wilson
Dak Prescott
Aaron Rodgers
Tom Brady
Nice safe veterans who throw the ball plenty and are good at it. This is usually the group I like. I’d be shocked if these guys don’t put up 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, assuming they stay healthy of course.
Tier 3-Quarterbacks worth taking in the sixth to eight round- Feeling Risky
Ryan Tannehill
Justin Herbert
Matt Stafford
Matt Ryan
I’ve got a mix of veterans and young guys here. I don’t feel as comfortable with Matt Stafford as most, it’s a new offense, don’t underestimate a possible learning curve. Matt Ryan looks like he has a very fun offense around him, but he’s looked a little broken down for a couple years. They could both easily hit that 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, but I feel like there’s a greater chance they underperform. Quarterbacks seem to have a sophomore slump and even though Justin Herbert looked incredible last year, I’d be worried about that sophomore slump. Finally, Ryan Tannehill. Statheads will list off ten different reasons Tannehill is actually better than Patrick Mahomes, but he’s a good not great quarterback. There’s also a guy named Derrick Henry who scores a lot of touchdowns.
Tier 4- Quarterbacks who are risky/flying under the radar but could produce
Jalen Hurts
Joe Burrow
Baker Mayfield
Kirk Cousins
Tua Tagovailoa
Hurts probably isn’t going to put up the 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, but he’s going to run for a bunch of yards. Rushing yards are nice sneaky ways to rack up fantasy points for quarterbacks. If Burrow stays healthy, he should have a big year, but that’s a big if. Cincinnati’s offensive line sucks. Even if he doesn’t get injured, a constant pass rush might negatively affect Burrow. Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins are the safest bet in this group, they just don’t get any respect, especially Cousins. The Vikings had the number four offense in the NFL last year. Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson make up one of the best wide receiver combos in the league. Irv Smith Jr. is going to be a breakout tight end this year. Dalvin Cook runs the ball plenty, but he also catches and runs the ball a lot. Baker Mayfield has run a top five offense before. I’m not as big of a Mayfield fan as a lot of people, but he should put up at least above average numbers and has a high ceiling. Tua should run the ball as well, though not as much as Hurts. I do think Tua takes a step forward in his passing this year.
Tier Five- Backups still worth drafting
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Derek Carr
Jameis Winston
Daniel Jones
Jared Goff
Washington has a pretty good offense. I’m assuming Fitzpatrick starts and can utilize that good offense for a decent season. Carr will have huge weeks and terrible weeks, let’s hope one of his huge weeks is when your starter is on a bye. Winston is big time potential, though the Saints aren’t stacked at wide receiver anymore. If your league is especially easy on interceptions, Winston is a no brainer. I believe in Danny Dimes and I want to see him with a healthy offensive line, healthy running back and strong receiving corps. I’m probably higher on Jared Goff than anyone just by listing him as draftable. The Lions have a really good offensive line and they’re going to be losing a lot. Goff will throw plenty and have plenty of time to do so. You never know.
Tier Six-YOLO
Drew Lock
Deshaun Watson
Trevor Lawrence
Ben Roethlisberger
Justin Fields
One of my very deep predictions is that Drew Lock has a decent year. He’s got a cannon arm, if his receivers can catch a football he could put up numbers. At this moment Deshaun Watson is a YOLO pick. I can’t see the NFL allowing him to play this season, but who knows? Take him in the last round of your draft instead of a kicker. If he’s allowed to play, what a pick. If not, well you found your player to drop to pick up a kicker. I’m not a huge fan of rookie quarterbacks in fantasy football, you can find high upside veterans pretty easily. That being said, Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. He can throw and run very well. Justin Fields also throws and runs very well and he’s going to overtake Andy Dalton after four weeks or so.
Finally, Ben Roethlisberger. If you believe he stays healthy and the Steelers wide receiver corps comes together, while Travis Etienne keeps defenses honest, then he’s a great pick. I believe he gets beat up behind a patchwork at best offensive line and the Steelers have a tough year.
