When most of us first started playing fantasy football Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were the guys, and now it’s Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Drew Brees and Philip Rivers were up-and-comers, and now it’s Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Michael Vick was redefining the game at QB and looked like a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and now Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray are making similar highlights. The QBs have changed with the game, and a big arm with escapability outweighs the ability to be a pocket passer it seems. Youth floods the league, and every team is in search of the next best edge to win, starting with the QB position.
Dynasty managers in search of the answer at QB for their teams don’t have to stress nearly as much as they used to. Early success for QBs has never been more available, and you will know if a QB is the real deal because of the short leash teams give to their inexperienced options. Prospects used to sit before playing as Aaron Rodgers did behind Brett Favre, and even Mahomes with Alex Smith. Now young players are being tossed into the flames immediately to perform or else. Look at Baker Mayfield and his fall from taking the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in years for example. However good results have come from this new method the NFL has developed as a result of a win-now mentality.
The new veterans are Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Ryan Tannehill. Before we know it these teams will adjust to a younger option to rejuvenate the fan base and to continue bringing bodies into the stadiums. For fantasy managers, this means expecting the unexpected and preparing for the future is necessary for championships. Anyone with Kyle Trask on their squad immediately knows value can shoot up instantly with one player retiring. Look for youthful options that are sitting on the bench waiting for an opportunity; Kellen Mond for the Vikings is someone to target.
The flood of youth not only at the QB position but also all via the weapons on offense allows serious opportunity points for fantasy. Teams are scoring more than ever on the field; multiple receivers and backs can be valuable from one offense in any given week. QBs can toss a football 70+ yards it seems and they’ve become faster than ever, so what defines a great fantasy QB from a good one? Dynasty-wise: youth, a high ceiling, and escapability over rushing are what I seek out of the position. Someone who is attached to a franchise, and will be surrounded by talent throughout their career is ideal. However, in Superflex, you cannot sacrifice other positions to simply ensure two great quarterbacks on your roster – balance and depth are key.
Offenses are explosive and dynamic as opposed to the traditional three yards and a cloud of dust RB-oriented ball that used to be played. Pass catching out of the backfield is an often-used option and QBs are being protected more than ever before by NFL Rules. Analyze your QB position as a whole rather than individually in order to ensure all-around team success, and don’t be afraid to shore up any weak position by pairing utilizing one in a trade to upgrade your team as a whole.
With the league developing and changing as I’ve stated get ready for certain teams this offseason to make adjustments or moves at the position. Looking ahead gives you an edge over your leaguemates:
Carolina Panthers: Sam Darnold isn’t it; we saw that with the resurgence of Cam Newton. However, they are invested in Darnold. We will see what the team does in FA and/or the Draft, but the coaches need to turn this franchise around before they’re moved on from themselves. Betting on Darnold instead of a rookie in last year’s draft was risky already and I think they learned their lesson.
Washington Commanders: Ryan Fitzpatrick was the solution and perhaps he recovers, but they need a youthful option to pair with their new name. Heineke wasn’t it, and Rivera will have to turn out results sooner than later.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger is gone and Mason Rudolph showed he isn’t capable of handling the NFL. They will most likely try to keep this team and offense alive with a move for a veteran player to come in and operate their offense.
Denver Broncos: A QB battle between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater would be another letdown for all Broncos fans. Expect a big move to keep their new WR contracts worth their value. It’s a turn-key offense once a capable QB enters the fold.
New Orleans Saints: NOLA is in an absolute salary cap nightmare this year, and all because they couldn’t decide what to do after Brees left. Taysom Hill may not get his shot with Sean Payton being gone and Jameis Winston a free agent. Who knows what’ll happen with this team?
Other Teams to Watch: Packers, Vikings, Falcons, and Buccaneers
Forty-Nine different QBs had start-worthy games this season, and I expect that trend to continue with turmoil at the position as teams look for the long-term option. Drafts will be filled with QBs going earlier despite the talent potentially lacking in individual classes. Teams will force QBs to develop quickly or be removed just as fast. Fantasy teams should do the same and then hang on tight when they find a long-term option much like an NFL franchise.
Tom Brady and Big Ben retiring mark the end of an era where stability was an option. It marks the end of the NFL as we know it, honestly. It’s exciting however and leaves room for the next step of youth and talent at the position. Who knows maybe one of the young guns will step up to the challenge and become the next “GOAT”…
Look to the future classes for your answer at QB, trade for the cheap vet options in the meantime, and enjoy the new NFL that has been developing before our eyes each year. I’m rooting for certain guys, and you can ask me about it on Twitter. Find me @DFF_MattBull on and follow @DFF_Dynasty to become successful in your leagues and #AlwaysBeBuilding.
Read more on DFF_MattBull’s “Fantasy Football Positional Evolution” Series: The Running Back Position and Its Evolution in Fantasy Football
