The quarterback position for fantasy was strange and was just not as prominent compared to past years in 2023, with the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson included. Despite two MVP titles, it hasn’t always translated to fantasy success, compared to his 2019 season, where he was the top quarterback in fantasy.
This past season, Jackson finished as the 4th ranked quarterback, but had ups and downs throughout the season.
The Baltimore Raven’s 27-year-old star quarterback has recently been in the news for losing weight, as he wants to be more agile, dropping from 215 to 205 from his 2023 playing weight. Jackson, the former 2-time All-Pro and 3-time Pro Bowl signal caller was 230 in 2022 and targets getting his weight down closer to his 2019 MVP season.
A faster Jackson with another year commanding the Todd Monken offense is a scary sight for the NFL in 2024.
Lamar Jackson 2023 Stats and Fantasy Production
In 2023, Lamar Jackson won his 2nd MVP by throwing 3,678 yards, a 67.2 completion percentage, and 24 passing touchdowns to 7 interceptions for the Baltimore Ravens.
He also had 821 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground, as a difference maker that elevated the offense to a different level that can’t be quantified unless you watch Jackson on the field make magic happen.
Despite this praise from winning a prestigious accolade, these stats (passing and rushing) are not as good as his 2019 MVP campaign, as Jackson did his thing differently this past year. 2023 was a learning year under a new system for one of the most dangerous quarterbacks to ever touch a football on the NFL field.
Jackson also lowered his turnover mark, only fumbling 5 times, especially in his rookie year, where he coughed up the ball double that amount with 10 in 2018. His interception improved from his 2021 drastically, throwing 13 picks to just 7 in back-to-back seasons.
His ADP from 2023 has only dropped a few selections in drafts, as Jackson is still a top 5 quarterback taken in most fantasy leagues and should be a 2nd or 3rd-round pick, according to FantasyPros.
Lamar Jackson 2024 Fantasy Outlook
In PPR, Lamar Jackson is considered 30th overall, right before Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the 3rd-rated quarterback in drafts, according to FantasyPros.
He is before other mobile star quarterbacks like Josh Allen from the Buffalo Bills and Jalen Hurts from the Philadelphia Eagles. Both were consistent fantasy options and finished 1 and 2 ranked at the position for fantasy football last year.
For Fantasy, I do feel it’s appropriate to rank him in this way, despite losing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens did sign big-time star running back Derrick Henry, who should massively help the offense and be tough for opposing defenses to key in on the ball carrier.
Baltimore still has plenty of weapons and a decent offensive line, despite a few departures this offseason. Star tight end Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely should still be focal points of this passing offense, along with young stars like breakout rookie Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
The Ravens drafted Devontez Walker in the 4th round of this past NFL Draft and re-signed veteran Nelson Agholor, who has had clutch catches for them in 2023.
Final Thoughts on Lamar Jackson
While Lamar Jackson did seem more boom or bust compared to the top 3 fantasy quarterbacks, he should rebound in 2024 as a true elite option at the position.
While I am excited about his potential in fantasy, he seems to be more of a round 3 selection, just because the depth of quarterback is pretty solid this year with the relatively shallow drop-off we had at quarterback for fantasy in 2023.
The Baltimore Ravens have even higher hopes this year, reaching 13 wins in 2023 as the best in the league and coming into this season as potential Super Bowl contenders, rivaling the Chiefs.
For 2024, I envision Lamar Jackson to have a better season and get back to his 2019 form, perhaps outrunning even more defenders this coming season, making him more of a fantasy asset compared to the last two years.
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