It’s fantasy football draft SZN…or at least getting closer to it. While many leagues have already kicked into gear with their dynasty start-ups or rookie drafts, season-long leagues will be starting up soon also. To help get a stronger hold on how to target players, I have put together a bit of a cheat sheet for you, position-by-position. Starting with the most important position on the field…quarterbacks…we will dive into the who, where, and why of who to draft based on my rankings.
Top Ten Fantasy Quarterbacks
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1. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
Jackson is a legit threat to throw for 3,500 yards and run for 1,000. There have been four 1,000-yard quarterback rushing seasons in NFL history, and Lamar Jackson has two of them. With a healthy Mark Andrews returning and the emergence of Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely, Jackson is primed for his best passing season yet.
2. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
Gone are Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, but Josh Allen still has enough around him to continue to be one of the top fantasy quarterbacks. The Bills brought in Curtis Samuel via free agency and drafted Keon Coleman out of Florida State. Dalton Kincaid caught 73 passes on 91 targets as a rookie in 2023. James Cook is one of the best receiving running backs in the league. Combine that with Allen’s running ability, and he should provide the typical Josh Allen season in 2024.
3. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, the Brotherly Shove, and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL…Jalen Hurts is in quarterback heaven. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore replaced the fired Brian Johnson this offseason and should bring in a more cohesive offensive system to Philly.
4. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Cheifs
Make no mistake…Patrick Mahomes is still extremely capable of being THE top fantasy quarterback. This is just a projection based on how the offense performed last season and the speculation of Rashee Rice’s probable suspension. The additions of Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy should make the Chiefs’ offense way more explosive than in 2023.
5. CJ Stroud – Houston Texans
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Houston has gone from NFL bottom feeder to upstart to Super Bowl contender in very short order. The additions of CJ Stroud, Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, and Will Anderson last season and now the additions of Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, and Azeez Al-Shaair have completely turned the organization around. In 2023, CJ Stroud was the offensive rookie of the year. In 2024, will be a favorite to win the MVP.
6. Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins
With the speed at Tua Tagovailoa’s disposal, it should be nearly impossible for him to not be one of the top-five-ish fantasy quarterbacks. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, ODell Beckham Jr., Malik Washington, Raheem Mostert, Devon Achane, and Jaylen Wright are like a track team. If Tua can stay away from injuries, he could very well achieve top-five quarterback status by season’s end.
7. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
No matter how you feel about Dak’s ability to perform in the playoffs, he is clearly one of the high-end fantasy quarterbacks. In 2023, he was the overall QB2 and will likely have to play to that level again for the Dallas Cowboys to sniff the playoffs in 2024. The lack of a running game will force the Cowboys’ offense to revolve around Prescott’s passing ability. Look for Dak and CeeDee to have massive numbers again.
8. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow missed the majority of 2023 with a calf strain and then a torn wrist ligament. The Bengals felt his absence in a big way, missing the playoffs and finishing in last place in the AFC North. Burrow returns to a slightly different, but equally dangerous offense. Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon are gone, but Zack Moss and Jermaine Burton enter. Both could be considered “upgrades” at their positions. Look for another massive season for Burrow and a bounce-back for Cincinnati.
9. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
Murray missed over half of the 2023 season due to a torn ACL. After he came back, he was still one or the most effective fantasy quarterbacks, finishing in the top 12 four times in eight games. He will have two big-time targets to throw to in tight end Trey McBride and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Murray’s upside includes his running ability, so his improved health will be a major factor.
10. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers
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Aaron Rodger who??? Well…maybe don’t go that far, but Jordan Love proved he was very capable of taking over in Green Bay. The Packers have done great in drafting quarterbacks. The first half of the season was a little rocky for the first-year starter, but he really turned it on over the second half and into the playoffs. He became just the third first-year starter at quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards, 30+ touchdowns, and win a playoff game. With Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs to go along with the incoming Josh Jacobs, Love should continue to flourish.
Quarterbacks: Next 10
Very few rookie quarterbacks make their way into the top 20 of fantasy at the position. Don’t be too quick to pull the trigger on first-year quarterbacks until late in the draft as a dart throw…especially in a one-QB league. SuperFlex leagues are obviously different, as all starting quarterbacks will be selected. As for the next ten quarterbacks to target, see the list below. Caleb Williams and Deshaun Watson fell just outside the top 20.
- Brock Purdy – San Francisco 49ers
- Anthony Richardson – Indianapolis Colts
- Jared Goff – Detroit Lions
- Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
- Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders
- Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams
- Aaron Rodgers – New York Jets
- Baker Mayfield – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
- Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
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About the Author
Tom has been writing about professional wrestling, college football, NFL, and fantasy football for over a decade and is an avid sports fan. He has been known in the fantasy football industry for his dynasty and devy knowledge, but he is also very versed in betting.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a History degree, he loves all things Vols. He is also a massive Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys fan.
Tom has been with Total Apex since the beginning and will continue to help push the company to higher levels. Follow Tom on X @TomHarveySports and follow Total Apex on X @totalapexsports and @totalapexeandg
