In the NFL, there are plenty of talented quarterbacks who are leading their teams, but who stands out from a fantasy perspective?
In particular, there are four names to keep an eye on. That will be today’s focus — who are the best fantasy football quarterback picks in 2024?
Who Are the Best Fantasy Football Quarterback Picks in 2024?
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
My strategy at quarterback this season is very simple. If I take one early, it’s Patrick Mahomes. If I take one in the middle rounds, it’s Kyler Murray. If I wait until the double-digit rounds, give me Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders’ rookie is a rushing quarterback. Rushing is a cheat code in fantasy. Even if Daniels is a terrible passer, as long as he doesn’t get benched, he’s a nearlock to be a top-12 fantasy QB.
If Daniels ends up being a better passer than we think, he has a top-five upside. Daniels is the premier late-round QB selection in 2024 fantasy drafts.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
Wait, what? Justin Fields? The Steelers’ backup quarterback? Make it make sense. You got it!
Obviously, no one is drafting Justin Fields outside of Superflex leagues. He’s going to open the season as Russell Wilson’s backup. But I am supremely confident Wilson is getting benched at some point this season.
Regardless of how you feel about Fields as a professional quarterback, he’s QB1 in fantasy. He averaged 18.4 fantasy ppg last season, finishing as the overall QB9. That was amid a bad year.
When Fields inevitably supplants Wilson as the Steelers’ starting QB, he will be a hot waiver add in every league.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
The last time Patrick Mahomes even had a chance to be the best value on the Chiefs was back in 2018, his first year starting. Since then, he’s been a perennial top-three option. That is, until now.
For much of the summer, Mahomes was going outside the top three quarterbacks. He’s now creeping back up to his rightful spot as the overall QB2. However, largely, he’s still going later than he has at any point since 2018.
With the Chiefs adding two new wide receivers in Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, combined with the returns of Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce, I think we’re getting 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns from Mahomes.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
In his career, Kyler Murray has never averaged fewer than 18.2 fantasy points per game (ppg). Over his first four seasons, he finished as the QB11, QB3, QB4, and QB7, respectively.
In 2022, Murray averaged 18.9 fantasy ppg over 11 games, finishing as the overall QB7. Last season, in eight games, he averaged the exact same 18.9 points per game. I would argue that’s even more impressive, given how much he looked like himself in his first games back after recovering from a torn ACL.
Last season, Murray ran for 33 and 51 yards in each of his first two games back. If he was doing that just after returning from a knee injury, imagine how much more effective he will be another year removed.
Anthony Richardson typically goes ahead of Murray. Yet, Murray already is what we hope Richardson will be. He is a screaming value in 2024 fantasy drafts.