We often hear this, but quarterbacks are particularly deep this year. Don't fall into the trap of paying up for an elite one or (even worse) a mid-tier QB1. While some guys will assuredly live up to ADP, fantasy managers who wait will likely be rewarded. However, the "Late-Round Quarterback" strategy isn't limited to the player you draft. It involves paying close attention to the waiver wire. You might swap quarterbacks throughout different pockets of the season. You may have to stream based on matchups. But for those fantasy managers willing to put in the extra work, it's a great year to kick quarterbacks down the board.
The Elites
These are your perennial elite quarterbacks. Year after year, you're getting league-tilting production from these guys. But you'll have to pay up if you want them. Considering the opportunity cost this year in Rounds 3-4 of your drafts, I recommend passing on this tier for more affordable options later.
- QB1 - Josh Allen - Allen is coming off an MVP, logs a top-two season almost every year, and you shouldn't expect any less this year.
- QB2 - Lamar Jackson - Jackson could be the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for another 1,000.
The Borderline Elites
These quarterbacks will come a bit cheaper than the tier above. But they're still expensive. And given the depth of this year's quarterbacks, it's hard to advocate for drafting these guys unless they come at a steep discount relative to their current ADP.
- QB3 - Jayden Daniels - An electric rookie season and elite rushing output vaults Daniels atop this tier, who could improve off last year's production.
- QB4 - Jalen Hurts - So much of his value is reliant on punching in short touchdowns, but it keeps happening year after year.
- QB5 - Joe Burrow - A bad defense and the best one-two receiver punch in the league set Burrow up for another big season through the air.
Probably Won't Hurt You, But Not Worth Paying Up For
As mentioned multiple times this year, quarterback is deep. Instead of paying up for these quarterbacks, you could still get great value at other positions. Here, while a lot of managers are hoping to fill out their lineups, you can add bench depth.
- QB6 - Patrick Mahomes II - The new dink-and-dunk style of offense doesn't lead to as many fantasy points as we saw from Mahomes earlier in his career.
- QB7 - Kyler Murray - His fantasy production has regressed each of the last five years, but he's in a much better situation than in years past.
The Justin Fields Tier
There aren't many players like Justin Fields, and that's what makes it hard to put him in a tier. He rushes so frequently and with such good efficiency that it offsets most of his issues as a passer, at least from a fantasy football perspective. Those issues, though, can put him out of a job. When he's on the field, he's a plug-and-play QB1. But if he loses his job late in the year, it could be too late to find a strong pivot.
- QB8 - Justin Fields - When he's on the field, Fields' unique style of play makes him a top-ten option.