As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency continuing to roll on and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of QB Sam Howell.
Sam Howell’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
If the season were to start this Sunday, odds are Sam Howell would be the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Howell was always on track for a redshirt season after the team spent precious draft capital on Carson Wentz. It took until Week 18, but we saw Howell under center, giving us a glimpse of what could be in 2023.
Howell, 22, went 11-of-19 for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Dallas Cowboys, which is about what you’d expect for a rookie in their first start. But what went under the radar and something I noted in his pre-draft profile is his rushing upside: Howell added 35 rushing yards and a touchdown. That was enough to guide him to a QB7 finish in Week 18 with 19.3 PPR points.
During his final season at North Carolina, Howell rushed 183 times across 12 games, totaling 872 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as he finished third among FBS QBs.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Quarterback
When you watch Howell’s game tape, you instantly see someone who played baseball. His release and motion are short and compact, with the ball rarely traveling away from his shoulder. While his arm isn’t the biggest, he can deliver downfield with pace, and his competitive toughness will endear him with his teammates so long as there is progress on the field.
With that said, Howell is a massive wild card when it comes to fantasy. No one knows how he will look as a starter. But with Taylor Heinicke now in Atlanta, this looks to be Howell’s team so long as Washington allows him to grow.
It will unquestionably be an up-and-down season. Nonetheless, Howell could surprise many and is likely the cheapest starting quarterback in dynasty fantasy football leagues.
Sam Howell’s Dynasty Fantasy Ranking
I think Howell is a sneaky add right now during the dynasty offseason. While I wouldn’t sit here and project 20.3 PPR points every week, the talent on the Commanders’ offense should aid him. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson are a rock-solid duo at RB, and the trio of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel should be effective.
While the Commanders could move off him after a year, there is an argument that Howell is the No. 3 QB of the 2022 class (behind Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy but ahead of Desmond Ridder), despite only playing in one game. That’s right where he is in my current dynasty rankings, coming in as the QB27. For Superflex formats, where QBs see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, Howell is the No. 142 overall.
If you believe in Howell and ranked him highly coming out of North Carolina, now is the time to buy him, as Washington likely isn’t going to find anyone at this point in free agency to replace him and isn’t linked to one of the top QBs. He feels safe for now, and a late second might be enough to get it done.
But if Howell is not on it out the gates or shows continued improvement all season, I doubt he will get this opportunity again as the 2024 QB class is loaded up top with Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Quinn Ewers, and Shedeur Sanders, who could all hear their names called in the first round.