It’s NFL fantasy draft season. Fans are heavily invested in research, always looking for an edge. In a game with so many formats and players, there’s always something to learn. Outside of avoiding first-round flops, the quarterback is another key discussion. Which ones are worth reaching on, and where does the murky water begin? These are the top ten fantasy quarterbacks for this year’s standard-scoring redraft leagues. Stats and rankings provided by the Sleeper app.
Nix burst onto the NFL scene last year as a rookie, finishing QB7 in fantasy. After it took four weeks for his first career touchdown, there were only two games on the schedule after which he failed to hit the end zone. The ceiling in his value is apparent in the Broncos’ conservative playcalling. The team has yet to supply a true WR1, and they won’t have the benefit of surprise in 2025.
Mahomes fell from the top ten in fantasy for the first time last season, but, if anything, he carried the Kansas City Chiefs. His supporting cast was limited, and he missed time for a variety of reasons. Coming off the most conservative playcalling of his career, his options should stabilize and improve, lifting his value incrementally.
Goff finished 2024 as a career-high QB6, making it three consecutive top-ten seasons. The Lions will remain aggressive and dangerous, but a slight regression is expected after such an efficient year. Despite the fewest pass attempts since 2021, the 30-year-old had a career-high 37 touchdowns. The team is hungry after their embarrassing postseason exit. Even with some decline, he should still be considered a top-ten QB until proven otherwise.
After only playing eight games last year due to injury, he fell out of the top-15 at the position just twice in eight previous seasons. The Cowboys have been, and always will be, irrelevant in the NFL under current ownership, but they’ve always chucked the ball. Even with CeeDee Lamb being the only viable receiver and using a backup for half the year, the team still finished 11th in the passing game. With a viable WR2 in George Pickens, the second-worst scoring defense, and an inept run game, Prescott will be in plenty of passing situations.
After a rough entry into the NFL in 2020, Hurts has been in the top ten every year. Statistically, last season was a down year. With a run-focused offense now featuring Saquon Barkley, he still finished as QB8 in 2024-25. The defending Super Bowl champions look to have a similar roster and game plan, making the production fairly predictable. He separates himself from the others outside of the top five with his rushing touchdown potential, especially in short-yardage situations. Even with Barkley seemingly carrying the team, Hurts fell just one short of his career high of 15 rushing touchdowns.
The best rookie quarterback last year, Daniels finished QB5 to catapult his career. While the threat of a sophomore slump lures, the team addressed areas of need on a team that already has a playoff win. With better protection and an improved WR-room, there’s a chance of contending with the proven elite of the NFL.
Mayfield had a career best in many stats last year, including fantasy value and touchdowns. Their defense struggles against the better passing teams in the NFL, putting the gun-slinger into pass-heavy, comeback situations. While regression from his 4,500 passing yards and 44 touchdowns is expected, the gap in elite fantasy quarterbacks worth reaching for gets blurry around here.
Burrow has been a top-ten fantasy QB when able to play more than 10 games. The defense allowed more than 25 points per game last year, keeping the 28-year-old on the field at a higher rate. Extending their top-two receivers and irritating the only elite defensive player on the roster, 2025 may further widen the gap between the two sides of the ball. Could he improve on his 45 touchdowns and still miss the NFL postseason?
Last year’s MVP continues to butter his bread on the ground, with back-to-back double-digit rushing touchdowns. The most reliable fantasy quarterback in the NFL, Allen has finished top-two at the position every year since 2020. His efficiency is unlikely to be repeated, as the Bills finished 26th in passing attempts, but third in touchdowns.
Last year’s top-scoring fantasy player, some fans argue, was robbed of the MVP. With 45 touchdowns and the best offense in the NFL, there is some validity to their point. The Ravens offer two elite running threats, with running back Derrick Henry lining up behind Jackson. This keeps defenses honest, opening up passing options. The quarterback has registered a touchdown in every game since Week Nine of the 2023 campaign.
End Of My NFL Rant
In a redraft league, Mayfield is the line that separates the quarterbacks worth reaching on, while Daniels would certainly rank higher in a dynasty draft. Either reach for an elite dual-threat, or wait, and pick up value later in the draft. It takes someone truly comfortable running or passing the ball to top the QB list. The second season for young stars like Daniels and Nix will be interesting to track.
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