The 2026 Fantasy Football season is upon us, and with it, the annual challenge of drafting quarterbacks. This year, the quarterback position is particularly deep, offering a unique opportunity for drafters to find value and build a competitive team. The key to success lies in understanding the tiers and strategic approaches to drafting quarterbacks, as outlined by Dave Richard's comprehensive analysis.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this year's quarterback class is the combination of veteran experience and young talent. Richard highlights a group of 16 quarterbacks who are ready to start in one-QB leagues, with an additional five as potential breakout candidates. This depth allows drafters to target high-upside players while also waiting for value in the middle to late rounds.
Tier 1: Early Round 1 Picks
In this tier, Richard identifies four quarterbacks with the potential to finish as the best in Fantasy Football. The Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, New England Patriots' Mac Jones, and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow are all strong contenders. Allen and Jackson have proven their consistency with 20+ Fantasy points per game over multiple seasons. Jones and Burrow, despite being in their early 20s, have already demonstrated the ability to produce solid numbers. These quarterbacks will be highly sought after in Superflex/two-QB leagues, but drafters should be prepared to make a decision early.
Tier 2: Mid-Round 1 Picks
This tier features quarterbacks with built-in rushing advantages and the potential for improved passing numbers. Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts and Washington Commanders' Sam Howell stand out as good values with outstanding upside. Both quarterbacks have shown the ability to generate buzz in training camp, and their rushing skills add an extra layer of appeal. Drafters should be prepared to make a move for these quarterbacks in the early rounds of Superflex/two-QB leagues.
Tier 3: Late Round 1 to Early Round 2 Picks
Here, Richard highlights quarterbacks with good upside and a relatively low downside. Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert, Chicago Bears' Justin Fields, and Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott are among the top candidates. Herbert, in particular, has averaged at least 19 Fantasy points per game over his six-year career and is now working with a savvy playcaller in Mike McDaniel. These quarterbacks will be highly sought after in the mid-to-late rounds of Superflex/two-QB leagues.
Tier 4: Late Round 2 to Early Round 3 Picks
This tier showcases quarterbacks with a strong case for exceeding their Draft Day value. New York Giants' Daniel Jones, Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, and San Francisco 49ers' Trey Lance are all considered strong options. While injury-related concerns may exist, the upside for these quarterbacks is significant. Drafters should consider focusing on this group, especially in 14-team leagues, where the value on the waiver wire may make carrying two quarterbacks less important.
Tier 5: Late Round 3 and Beyond
In the final tier, Richard identifies quarterbacks with top-12 potential but may be overlooked due to their draft position. Names like Detroit Lions' Jared Goff, Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers, and Minnesota Vikings' Kirk Cousins come to mind. These quarterbacks may be available later in the draft, offering drafters the opportunity to find hidden gems. However, Richard emphasizes that waiting on the quarterback position is a valid strategy, especially if other positions are more attractive in the early rounds.
In conclusion, the 2026 Fantasy Football season promises an exciting quarterback landscape. Drafters have the opportunity to find value and build a competitive team by strategically targeting quarterbacks in the various tiers. Richard's analysis provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the quarterback position, ensuring that drafters can make informed decisions and potentially find the next big breakout quarterback.
