Depending on what type of fantasy football league you’re in, the quarterback position is either a high priority or worth waiting on. Superflex leagues typically have quarterbacks fly off of the board as it’s a huge advantage to flex a second quarterback on a fantasy roster. However, most people play in 1QB leagues, making the position less of a necessity.
Quarterbacks tend to score more points than any other position. Simultaneously there are only 32 players to choose from in a given week. Similar to running backs, there is a low number of quarterbacks who are fantasy football relevant. It’s important to have a solid fantasy option on your roster, but when is the best time to select a quarterback in your fantasy draft?
There are obvious elite options like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray. However, to acquire them onto your team you’ll have to use a valuable draft pick that could be spent on a high-end option for another position. There are multiple strategies when entering the initial fantasy draft, especially in regards to quarterbacks. Let’s take a deeper dive into the position.
Fantasy Football Strategy for 1QB Leagues
10-12 teams with just one starting quarterback are the type of leagues most people participate in. With the small number of fantasy football teams along with 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL, a wise strategy would be to wait and select a quarterback late in the draft. Mahomes, Allen, and Murray are exciting picks, however, you can get more bang for your buck by opting for a late-round option instead.
The gap from the top-scoring quarterback in fantasy football is not much different than the 10th quarterback on the list. For example, Josh Allen finished the season with the most fantasy points of any other quarterback in the league. He averaged an impressive 25.32 points per game. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson ended the year as the 10th highest scoring quarterback, averaging 22.79 fantasy points per game, per Fantasy Pros.
The gap between number one and number 10 was less than a three-point difference. You want all the points you can get, but a differential of 2.53 points is not a big deal. Consistency is key in fantasy football and any quarterback totaling 20 points or more per week is a solid option. Last year, 10 quarterbacks averaged 20 points per game (15 games played minimum). Additionally, eight quarterbacks averaged 16 to 19 fantasy points per week (15 games played minimum), which is a respectable number as well.
Not selecting an elite quarterback is not the end of the world. There will always be options on the waiver wire, where every year, there’s a quarterback who goes undrafted in fantasy football who ranks amongst the top 12. Quarterback is arguably the easiest position to stream, as exploiting weekly matchups is another strategy that could help you win your league. With that said, here are five late-round fliers that are worth a look in fantasy football.
Late Round Fantasy Football Quarterbacks Worth a Look
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins isn’t the most exciting quarterback in the league as he tends to be an average player. Although that’s true, Cousins has been a solid fantasy option through recent years. This season, ESPN projects Cousins to finish with 3,999 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those stats translate to 262.42 fantasy points on the year, making him a nice streaming option depending on the matchup.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield’s talents on the field haven’t quite translated to fantasy football yet, but that could all change this year. He looked like a QB1 in the back end of last season and should carry that momentum into 2021. ESPN projects him to total 3,700 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. That would give him 264.83 fantasy points on the year, which is a respectable number. However, Mayfield has the potential to surpass that amount if the offense can stay hot throughout the season.
Derek Carr
Every year Derek Carr is slept on in fantasy football even though he finishes within the top 20 in the position each season. With Darren Waller at his disposal, Carr can light it up on any given night. He’s one of the most disrespected fantasy assets in the league, as he has a great chance to finish amongst the top 20 yet again. ESPN believes he’ll end up with 4,159 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, scoring 259.39 fantasy points. Carr is a consistent option who is routinely going undrafted in fantasy football this season.
Tua Tagovailoa
He had a rocky rookie campaign but things are shaping up nicely for Tua Tagovailoa. Many are fading him due to his lackluster performances from a year ago, however, the Miami Dolphins quarterback has looked fantastic throughout training camp and the preseason. He was originally the top quarterback of his draft class until the injury, which seems to be behind him now. Additionally, Tagovailoa has finally received a full camp after missing out on it due to COVID-19 restrictions last year. ESPN projects him to finish with 3,923 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, which translates to 265.39. Those aren’t terrible numbers by any means, but Tagovailoa has the potential to blow those stats out of the water.
Cam Newton
There is every reason to fade Cam Newton, but he continues to prove everyone wrong. Last year, Newton looked like he was back to his regular self until he tested positive for COVID-19. The passing touchdowns weren’t there, but his rushing proficiency kept him relevant. Many are excited about the prospect of Mac Jones, however, Newton has looked stellar throughout the preseason. ESPN seems to disagree, as they project him to total 1,659 yards, 13 total touchdowns, and six interceptions, scoring just 136.02 fantasy points. Newton will likely go undrafted, but he has the potential to be the league-winning waiver wire acquisition this year.
