If we’re being honest, quarterback is not the most important position when it comes to fantasy football. Almost no one in their right mind is going to use their 1st-pick on a quarterback. However, much like actual football, it may be the most talked about and debated position on the field.
Last season, several young quarterbacks burst onto the season and locked down starting jobs after being largely unknown quantities heading into the season. Now it’s time to see how those youngsters stack up to some of the more established quarterbacks in the league.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at where every starting quarterback ranks in terms of fantasy value heading into the 2019 season.
32. Whoever Starts for Redskins
Who starts at quarterback for the Redskins is still undetermined. Rookie Dwayne Haskins has the best chance if he can at least match what Case Keenum and Colt McCoy do in the preseason. With his arm strength, he would also have the biggest fantasy upside because there would at least be the possibility of throwing the deep ball.
However, regardless of who wins the job, fantasy points in the passing game could be limited. Tight end Jordan Reed is probably the top target, but he’s been injury-prone during his career. Josh Doctson is yet to emerge and the rest of Washington’s receivers are young and unproven, including a couple of rookies in Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon.
Top Target: Jordan Reed
Secondary Target: Josh Doctson
31. Josh Rosen/Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins
Fitzpatrick had some decent games in Tampa last year, but even if he wins the job to start the season, interceptions are inevitable and should eventually cost him the job. Meanwhile, we don’t know what to expect out of Rosen. He can’t possibly be as bad as he looked in front of Arizona’s dreadful offensive line last year. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be a competent fantasy option.
For what it’s worth, Miami’s receiving corps isn’t terrible. There’s no standout option, but there are a handful of guys who should be viable targets. However, they’ll need above-average quarterback play to excel, and the Dolphins aren’t getting that from either Fitzpatrick or Rosen.
Top Target: DeVante Parker
Secondary Target: Kenny Stills
30. Joe Flacco, Broncos
If he played all 16 games last year, Flacco probably would have ended up in the 18-24 range among fantasy quarterbacks. But it’ll be a stretch to get him in that same area this year. Outside of Emmanuel Sanders, Denver’s wide receivers are young and unproven, including a rookie tight end. He’ll also be with a new team for the first time in his career, so there could be some growing pains.
Perhaps more importantly, the Broncos are going to win games by running the ball and playing defense. They’re not going to let Flacco air it out unless they need to, so the fantasy upside just isn’t there.
Top Target: Emmanuel Sanders
Secondary Target: Courtland Sutton
29. Marcus Mariota, Titans
In what could be a make or break year for him, Mariota isn’t all that appealing as a fantasy quarterback, especially for someone who’s a capable runner. Injuries played a part of his struggles last season, but not enough to excuse a mere 11 touchdown passes in 14 games.
On the bright side, Corey Davis is a year older and Adam Humphries provides a nice option in the slot. There’s definitely room to grow with the receivers the Titans have. However, it’s not enough to keep Mariota as anything but a backup in deep leagues, especially when you consider the risk of injury.
Top Target: Corey Davis
Secondary Target: Adam Humphries
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