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 Justin Herbert 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 elite (1-3)
- Patrick Mahomes, KC
- Josh Allen, Buf
- Justin Herbert, LAC
I do not think you could wrong with any of the three. These guys can carry your team week in and week out.
Tier 2–the near elite (4-9)
- Tom Brady, TB
- Jalen Hurts, Phi
- Lamar Jackson, Bal
- Kyler Murray, Ari
- Aaron Rodgers, GB
- Russell Wilson, Den
These guys could easily enter into the elite tier. Tom Brady never stops. Jalen Hurts has been the trendy pick to take it to the next level, though I still have concerns about his accuracy. Additionally, I always have concerns when my QB runs to the extent that he, Jackson, and Murray do. Aaron Rodgers is probably being undervalued. Russell Wilson is set up to cook.
Tier 3–the good (10-11)
- Joe Burrow, Cin
- Matthew Stafford, LAR
These two could easily be bargains. Just keep in mind that some of Burrow’s stats last year were inflated by a few games at the end of the season (the KC and Baltimore games come to mind). Stafford is going to be solid, but there is that nagging little concern regarding his elbow tendinitis–it may be nothing, but…?
Tier 4–the solid (12-14)
- Derek Carr, LV
- Kirk Cousins, Min
- Dak Prescott, Dal
There are questions here, but these guys are sound. Carr has a solid pass catching group, and he will be in many shootouts in that division. Cousins should be able to thrive with the weapons he has. I have a bit of concern with Prescott, but he should be okay.
Tier 5–the upside (15-17)
- Trey Lance, SF
- Trevor Lawrence, Jax
- Tua Tagovailoa, Mia
There is potential here. Trey Lance could be upper tier if his passing ability has progressed. Lawrence, remember, was an elite prospect who just happened to enter the league on a team that was an absolute train-wreck. This is Tua’s make or break year. If he cannot get it done with the weapons he has, I am not sure it is ever going to happen.
Tier 6–let the buyer beware (18-28)
- Justin Fields, Chi
- Jameis Winston, NO
- Davis Mills, Hou
- Daniel Jones, NYG
- Jared Goff, Det
- Matt Ryan, Ind
- Mac Jones, NE
- Ryan Tannehill, Ten
- Zach Wilson, NYJ
- Marcus Mariota, Atl
- Carson Wentz, Was
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. Justin Fields and Jameis Winston could make some noise. Davis Mills, honestly, is quite interesting and may surprise, but there is no guarantee there. Like Tua, this is a make or break year for Daniel Jones. He may actually be good, or he may lose his job by week 6. Goff is who he is, but he will have some weapons this season. I don’t know how many more years Ryan has left in the tank, but he may have one more. Mac Jones may be allowed to throw more, but there is uncertainty. Tannehill may struggle without A. J. Brown. The jury is still out on Zach Wilson. Can Mariota resurrect his career? Crazier things have happened. Wentz, at this point, is who he is.
Running Back tiers coming soon….