Lamar Jackson followed up his second MVP season in 2023 by being the runner-up to Josh Allen, who won his first in 2024.
For fantasy, both were well worth the round they were taken for redraft, as they headline the quarterback position once again. However, you do have to sacrifice a potential top receiver, running back, or tight end in the range where both are taken.
The big difference as fantasy assets was actually their usage in the run game, as Allen had way more touchdowns on the ground for the Buffalo Bills. Lamar for the Baltimore Ravens actually looked to the air more often compared to previous seasons.
This year, Jackson under Todd Monken in year three will look to potentially repeat last season with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. Both have an ADP of around two to three in most redraft leagues, similar to last year.
Will the former MVP, Lamar Jackson, trump Josh Allen for the top fantasy quarterback in 2025, or will he be taken after the current MVP and be worth it for redraft?
Lamar Jackson 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production
Somehow, Lamar Jackson had a better season compared to his 2023 MVP year, as he will look to get his third MVP in 2025. He set career-high passing numbers with 4,172 yards through the air, 41 passing touchdowns, just four interceptions (second-lowest in his career).
His passing touchdown numbers from last season eclipse his numbers from his 2019 MVP year, as his completion percentage was also a career high at 66.7% in 2024. With the second career high in QBR (77.3) and career high passer rating (119.6), it’s hard to think how Jackson’s efficiency can get even better. But it absolutely could, as they retain all their core receiving threats and added veteran Nuk Hopkins.
Not to mention, this is just passing numbers; his rushing numbers seemed low in 2024, with just four touchdowns on the ground, but it was more than 2023 by 100 yards, but one less touchdown. The thing that hurt some of his rushing production was the eight fumbles, as it’s the third most career-wise (eight in 2019 and 10 as a rookie in 2018).
Jackson still will always be a threat to run, and while he may not reach 1,000 yards on the ground or seven rushing touchdowns like he had in 2019-2020, he is still at the very least a top two option at the position for fantasy redraft. This was mainly due to Derrick Henry, who will run it back in his second season as a Raven. But there could be variance there year-to-year, as defenders may key in more on Henry for goal-line situations.
Lamar Jackson 2025 Fantasy Outlook
For fantasy, Lamar Jackson did finish as the top quarterback in redraft over Allen, as he had fewer down games overall in 2024. He had seven top-five quarterback finishes last season, according to Fantasy Pros.
However, the Ravens’ quarterback had more top 10 finishes and one more top-five finish compared to Allen for fantasy, giving him the slight edge over the Bills’ quarterback in ADP this coming year.
It will matter where you pick in redraft, as the top quarterbacks may be pushed up in the mid to late second round in some fantasy leagues, making it tough to take a top-three pick with just one starting quarterback. This rise and difference between the next few players like Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, or Jayden Daniels might come at a discount in comparison.
Final Thoughts
Lamar Jackson should be the top quarterback taken for fantasy redraft leagues, but the big question is whether it is worth it or not. I would advocate pairing him with “King Henry” as a stack, potentially to get the most equity out of the Baltimore Ravens’ potent offense. This was a strategy that happened in my own home league, as he went from one of the worst teams in 2023 to a fantasy playoff team in 2024. However, if you do get the top fantasy QB and spend a top pick on one, be prepared to take some fliers at other positions and hope they hit down the stretch.
