Dynasty Considerations
The artistry and challenge of dynasty fantasy football is that there is no hard and fast, staunch philosophy we must adhere to. There are different ways to “build” teams, accumulate players and draft picks, or naturally trade them away. For full context in this dynasty series, we must pay specific attention to player contracts, age, coaching staff, team ecosystem, and offensive scheme. Quarterbacks are essentially gold in Super-Flex; you are in a massive predicament if you are without.
Tier 3
Herbert, Watson, Lawrence, Fields, Richardson. These guys possess elite passing ability, sound coaching staffs, great offensive skill position players, and half of these players have game-breaking rushing ability.
6. Justin Herbert
2022 was marred for Herbert in a variety of ways. Offensive line injuries, his top two receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, both missing large chunks of time with soft tissue damage and Herbert’s own rib fracture/cartilage injury. His 2022 season was a total outlier, and he was on the cusp of being a tier 2 QB for me here. I have complete confidence in his ability to remain a top 5 dynasty QB.
The future looks radiant for the 2023 campaign in Los Angeles. Adding Kellan Moore as Offensive Coordinator bodes incredibly well for Herbert’s continued progression and offensive development. Across the last four seasons, The Cowboys’ offense under Moore ranked number two in the NFL in total offense (391 yards per game) and scoring (27.7 points per game).
The Chargers’ offensive line ranks ninth on PFF 2023 ranks, and having a healthy Rashawn Slater back at LT is monumental. The offensive firepower is all there for L.A. to be massive contenders this year and for Herbert to be a cornerstone asset for the next decade.
Age: 25.3 Contract: Still on rookie deal, in long-term extension talks with LA
7. Deshaun Watson
In 2022 we witnessed Watson finally step back onto an NFL field, which was far from stellar. Watson did serve an 11-game suspension and had not played football in two years; rust was inevitable. In his six games, Watson only compiled 1,102 passing yards and seven touchdowns. We must remember that before violating the league’s personal conduct policies, Watson was a Pro Bowl top-five caliber quarterback. PFF has the Browns ranked at number two in their offensive line rankings.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has shown a propensity for run-heavy offenses, but I believe the Browns shift their focus, and passing attempts will be bountiful in 2023. Trading for Elijah Moore and drafting Cedric Tillman are just some subtle ways I am “reading the tea leaves.”
Age: 27.8 Contract: 5 year, $230 million, signed 2022
8. Trevor Lawrence
I am not one for taking “victory laps” on players, but this is one where I enjoyed tastefully saying, “I told you so” last year. We saw a breakout sophomore season from Lawrence in 2022, and he is just getting warmed up. Jacksonville needs to improve in PFF offensive line rankings at a lowly 26th. Trevor concluded 2022 with 584 passing attempts, 4113 yards, 66.3 completion percentage, 291 rushing yards, 25 passing TD, and five rushing TD.
Hiring a smart, experienced, Super Bowl-winning head coach was the best thing Jacksonville could have done for Lawrence’s development. The Jags then dramatically overpaid Christian Kirk, which actually proved to be well worth the investment. Now the Jaguars are about to unleash Calvin Ridley in this offense, and the sky’s the limit for Lawrence. Look for passing attempts, yardage, TDs, and rushing yards to all be elevated in 2023.
Age: 23.7 Contract: Rookie deal, year three, draft pick 1.01 2021
9. Justin Fields
Admittedly, I have more hesitancy with Justin Fields here than with any other quarterbacks listed in this tier. That is not all solely an indictment on Fields himself, more so a reflection of the coaching and offensive scheme. For starters 2022, Fields posted a paltry 318 passing attempts, 2242 yards, and 17 TD. However, his rushing was nothing short of magnificent, with 1143 rushing yards and eight rushing TD.
He would have handily broken Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record had he not missed games due to a shoulder injury. Chicago wisely packaged up the 1.01 in the 2023 NFL draft, and D.J. Moore was a part of the compensation. Fields now has a legitimate WR1 on the team. The passing attempts must come up, and there’s no way around it. The Bears can get Fields up to around 500 attempts this year, but this team is still very much a run-first squad. PFF has the Bears at 21st in the offensive line rankings.
I believe Fields is a brilliant runner and will continue to develop as a passer. I need to see the coaching staff fully “believe” and game plan around his passing before I can position him any higher.
Age: 24.3 Contract: Rookie deal, year three, draft pick 1.11 2021
10. Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson certainly checks almost all the boxes for me as a prospect while acknowledging some glaring defects in his profile. He needs to be coached up appropriately, and I believe he will be under Steichen’s careful attention. He will struggle, and he will have moments of brilliance. I would absolutely love to see the technique evolve to match the arm talent and athleticism.
His rushing upside makes him a total cheat code in fantasy. Anthony is built like a linebacker, has the speed of a wide receiver, and can break tackles like a fullback. He is an elite runner who is also very effective at throwing on the run. Richardson steps onto the field with a solid offensive line, an elite running back in Johnathan Taylor, a very sound receiver room, and a brilliant offensive-minded head coach. The offensive line is less elite than in recent years, but PFF still has them ranked 10th.
Starting receivers Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Isaiah McKenzie, Josh Downs, and Jelani Woods provide plenty of weaponry to support a rookie QB with a capable arm. Lastly, the most substantial of all the team-specific fits lands within Shane Steichen as head coach. Steichen is a first-time head coach but boasts an illustrious offensive play-calling resume. In 2021-2022 he helped develop Jalen Hurts into one of the NFL’s top QBs, coordinated an offense with two 1,000-yard receivers, and Philadelphia was the number three scoring offense in the league.
In 2020, Steichen was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, guiding Justin Herbert in rookie records for completions (396) and TDs (31).
Age:21.1 Contract: Rookie deal, year one, draft pick 1.05 2023
