By Winsto (08/25/2023)
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 Mahomes tier (1)
- Patrick Mahomes, KC
His floor is safer than anyone else’s, and his ceiling is as high, if not higher, than anyone else’s.
Tier 2–the near elite (2-3)
- Josh Allen, Buf
- Jalen Hurts, Phi
These two are championship winners. Allen still has the tools, and Hurts really surprised many, including me, by how well he progressed in accuracy last season.
Tier 3–the good (4-7)
- Justin Herbert, LAC
- Lamar Jackson, Bal
- Joe Burrow, Cin
- Trevor Lawrence, Jax
These guys could easily enter into the near elite tier. I believe Herbert is simply too good to have another year like last year, and I believe the offensive coordinator change will only help. Jackson is set up with weapons, but I always have concerns when my QB runs to the extent that he does, or at least did in the past. Burrow is rock solid, and Lawrence is primed for taking a leap forward this year.
Tier 4–the upside with risk (8-10)
- Justin Fields, Chi
- Tua Tagovailoa, Mia
- Deshaun Watson, Cle
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 proned to risk aversion, may I suggest the following tier.
Tier 5-the interesting “safe” choices (11-13)
- Aaron Rodgers, NYJ
- Kirk Cousins, Min
- Dak Prescott, Dal
There are questions here, but these guys “should” be sound. I may regret ranking Rodgers this low, as he has nice skill position players in New York. Yet, that offensive line is cause for concern. Cousins should be able to thrive with the weapons he has. I think Prescott is who he is. I would not expect a high ceiling with him, but he should have a solid floor.
Tier 6-the “maybe” tier (14-16)
- Derek Carr, NO
- Geno Smith, Sea
- Daniel Jones, NYG
I truly believe Carr is a solid quarterback who is going to surprise a few people this year with the weapons he will have in New Orleans. Smith had a nice season in 2022, but there is a little voice in the back of my mind that is asking was it a fluke? Stop me if you have heard this before, but Daniel Jones “could” take a step forward this year. He has weapons.
Tier 7-the bigger “maybe” tier (17-19)
- Jared Goff, Det
- Matthew Stafford, LAR
- Russell Wilson, Den
Goff is who he is, but he is going into this season with arguably stronger weapons than last year, especially after Week 6 (when Jamison Williams returns from suspension). Stafford is coming off a lost season, but maybe he bounces back well. I really do not what to think with Wilson. Last year was not good, and I worry that it will not get better. But, I could be wrong, as Denver’s new head coach, Sean Payton, may help prove.
Tier 8—the low floor with potential (20-30)
- Sam Howell, Was
- Brock Purdy, SF
- Anthony Richardson, Ind
- Kenny Pickett, Pit
- Jordan Love, GB
- Ryan Tannehill, Ten
- Jimmy Garapollo, LV
- Desmond Ridder, Atl
- C. J. Stroud, Hou
- Mac Jones, NE
- Bryce Young, Car
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 am intrigued by Sam Howell, though concerned about his offensive line. Richardson may have some wow games, but his passing accuracy needs to improve. Jordan Love and Desmond Ridder may surprise some people this season, or they may be who the sceptics thought they would be.
Running Back tiers coming soon….