By Winsto (updated 08/23)
Final FronTiers–Quarterbacks
Trying to meticulously rank each and every player at multiple positions is tricky, and let us be honest. People rarely ever follow to a ‘T’ a ranking sheet. We look at players in the same area. We draft based on how we perceive players in groups and where that dividing line is between one group to the next group. If I was forced to rank, how they are ordered is pretty much how I would rank them. At the end of the day, though, it is your team. Draft who you like. If you are a huge Jalen Hurts fan, then wouldn’t your fantasy season be more exciting for you if he was on your team as opposed to taking a “higher ranked” quarterback in the same tier who may or may not be much better? Good luck with your drafts. I hope this helps you in that endeavor.
Quarterbacks
Before I get to these tiers, make sure you understand your league’s scoring system. Many leagues award 6 points passing touchdowns. In those leagues, the gap between the upper tier QBs and late top ten QBs is more substantial than you may think.
Tier 1–the “set it and forget it” tier
- Patrick Mahomes, KC
- Josh Allen, Buf
- Jalen Hurts, Phi
- Lamar Jackson, Bal
These players are championship winners. Mahomes has a new and improved receiving room. Allen, despite the loss of Diggs, still has the tools to succeed, particularly on the ground. Hurtz and Jackson are in the same tier, but toward the bottom. Both now have top end RBs, which may take some rushing TDs away from them.
Tier 2–the “good” tier
- C. J. Stroud, Hou
- Jordan Love, GB
- Joe Burrow, Cin
- Anthony Richardson, Ind
These guys could easily enter into the Tier I, but I need to see more before I give them that level of trust. Stroud and Love have serious firepower at pass catchers. Burrow needs to just stay healthy. Richardson is the most unproven and has the widest range of outcomes, but he may have the highest ceiling of this group.
Tier 3– you “should” be good tier
- Dak Prescott, Dal
- Kyler Murray, Ari
- Brock Purdy, SF
These players “should” be good, but I am not quite as confident in them as I am in the previous 2 tiers. There are some questions here, but they “should” have a solid floor.
Tier 4–the upside with risk
- Jayden Daniels, Was
- Caleb Williams, Chi
Look, could these guys wind up as top 5 fantasy quarterbacks? Yes! Could these guys wind up outside the top 10, either due to injury or poor play? Yes! It really depends on how you want to approach this year and the construction of the rest of your team. If you are prone to risk aversion, may I suggest the following tier.
Tier 5-the “safe” choices tier
- Jared Goff, Det
- Matthew Stafford, LAR
- Tua Tagovailoa, Mia
- Kirk Cousins, Atl
- Aaron Rodgers, NYJ
- Trevor Lawrence, Jax
There are questions here, but these guys “should” be sound. The reality is that these players should have a steady floor. I am just not sure their ceiling is super high.
Tier 6–the “who knows” tier
- Justin Herbert, LAC
- Geno Smith, Sea
- Deshaun Watson, Cle
- Will Levis, Ten
Aside from Watson, all of these gentlemen will by playing for new coordinators. Herbert is an elite talent, but the Chargers lost many offensive weapons. And, the new OC is known for running the ball. Smith and Levis, on the other hand, may see their numbers improve due to their new OCs wanting to pass more frequently. As for Watson, honestly, who knows?
Tier 7-the here is what’s left tier
- Baker Mayfield, TB
- Bo Nix, Den
- Sam Darnold, Min
- Daniel Jones, NYG
- Derek Carr, NO
- Drake Maye, NE
- Gardner Minshew, LV
- Bryce Young, Car
- Russell Wilson, Pit
Look. None of these guys should be your starting QB. If you are in a Superflex league, then the way I have ordered them is the order I would approach this tier. I may be too low on Mayfield. Nix and Maye are the rookies. Darnold has nice receiving corps, so maybe he may do something???
Running Back tiers coming soon….