The fantasy season is now officially over. How many titles did you win out there? For me, I made the playoffs in 80% of leagues and came away with two titles, a 2nd and a 3rd place finish. Not too bad but I can (and will) do better next year.
Speaking of next season, the regular season may have just ended but it’s never too early to plan for our next drafts. The Razzball NFL writing team will be shifting gears to take a look back at what we say, with a sharp eye on what it means moving forward. We even drafted our first round in a “Way Too Early” Mock last Thursday night. It was a lot of fun. If you missed it, you could read and listen HERE.
That’s what this article is for today. A look back at the QB busts, steals, and name my MVP. Additionally, I give you my QB to watch in 2024. Be sure to let me know if you agree. If not, be sure to let me know who (and more importantly, WHY) you think it should be someone else. I love reading and responding to your comments, so fire away!
Positional Finish indicates the player’s fantasy finish at the position in PPR. The average draft position (ADP) that is inside the () is the positional ADP the player was drafted based on the Razzball consensus ADP this preseason.
Quarterback MVP
- Player: Josh Allen
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- Positional Finish (ADP): QB 1 (QB 3)
Despite a number of worthy candidates, I give my MVP vote to Josh Allen. In terms of fantasy points scored, Josh led all signal callers through Week 17, surpassing Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. (NOTE: I chose not to include Week 18 stats since some QBs rested). In the fantasy world, we want both consistency and the ability to explode any given week. This is where Allen stood out most compared to his peers. Only he and Hurts had 10+ games totaling over 20 fantasy points (12 and 13 games, respectively). Additionally, only he and Jackson had more than two fantasy scoring games totaling over 30 points (three games each). Again, consistency and peak scoring ability equals MVP. Josh, you may not have been selected for the Pro Bowl but Razzball NFL has some hardware for you, my friend.
Honorable Mention: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens, Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, and Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback Bust
- Player: Daniel Jones
- Team: New York Giants
- Positional Finish (ADP): QB 42 (QB 14)
This one was pretty easy for me, although Rodgers is a very worthy choice as well. Danny finished the 2022 season as the fantasy QB9, benefiting from his 700+ rushing yards and seven rushing TDs. If he was on your radar as a QB sleeper, don’t feel too bad…the Giants thought so too, and gave him a four-year, $160M contract. I had high expectations for him last Summer (unlike Rodgers). Sure, his season ended early due to the torn ACL but let’s not blame that alone for being a bust. He wasn’t exactly lighting up the fantasy world over the first five weeks anyway. Except for Week 2 @ Arizona (36 fantasy points), he averaged a very mediocre 15.6 fantasy points over those five weeks. In his absence, Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor filled in admirably for stretches. Will this lead to a QB controversy if Jones is healthy in time for training camp, as currently estimated? With that contract, it’s doubtful but there’s one thing for certain, he won’t be highly pursued in fantasy drafts.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets, Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns, and Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback Steal
- Player: C.J. Stroud
- Team: Houston Texans
- Positional Finish (ADP): QB 13 (QB 28)
The second pick, and second QB taken, in the 2023 draft surpassed all expectations and led the Texans to a playoff berth. Stroud was drafted primarily as a backup QB in fantasy circles but announced his presence quickly with three 20+ fantasy point games by Week 4. If there were any holdouts, those were finally put to rest after his 44+ point performance in Week 9. His 23:5 (TD to INT) ratio also speaks volumes here. He finished as QB13 (thru Week 17) but that’s a little misleading due to missing 2 games with a concussion and losing Tank Dell for the season. Realistically, he was a Top 10 fantasy QB this season. Look for continued growth in 2024.
Honorable Mention: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Early 2024 Quarterback Sleeper
- Player: Anthony Richardson
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- Positional Finish (ADP): QB 37 (QB 15)
Don’t forget about this exciting rookie next season. Richardson underwent surgery in early October due to a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. In his abbreviated rookie season, Richardson played two full games and parts of two others. In those two full games, he averaged 27+ fantasy points, throwing and running for TDs in each. Fantasy experts will be taking sides all summer on whether he can pick up where he left off or will be urged to limit his rushing to stay healthy. Time will certainly tell but as of now, I expect him to be a value pick later in drafts.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Who are your QB MVP(s), Steal(s) and Bust(s)? Drop your names in the comments below and don’t forget to join me and the Razzball NFL boys as we discuss these and other topics throughout the NFL playoffs.
Look for my articles right here each week and be sure to follow me on Twitter/X @Derek_Favret. I’m now on BlueSky as well (@dfavret.bsky.social).
Until next time, my friends.
