It’s all about the quarterbacks in fantasy football…for those with the signal callers and the pass catchers. Knowing what’s at stake heading into training camp this summer can help fantasy managers know what to expect from big-time playmakers. These four quarterback battles are ones to keep an eye on!
Four Quarterback Battles with Fantasy Football Implications
Will Levis vs. Mason Rudolph
This battle is one that many don’t think about, but the significance of it is huge. Tennessee wants to take steps forward at the quarterback position, and the Titans believe Mason Rudolph will help. Rudolph took the NFL by storm at the end of last season when given a chance by the Steelers.
Will Levis struggled in his rookie year, but it was a Titans offense that didn’t have much firepower. The acquisition of Calvin Ridley on the opposite side of DeAndre Hopkins creates a lot of potential for this Tennessee offense.
Fantasy managers are going to expect Hopkins and Ridley to see a lot of targets and rack up yards this fall. Levis and Rudolph are going to have to push each other to make the Titans’ offense as strong as it can be. This battle should come down to the wire.
Hopkins and Ridley are both must-draft players, but they will see their value increase if Rudolph takes the reins. Lastly, neither quarterback is draftable.
Sam Darnold vs. J.J. McCarthy
You knew this one would show up in here, and there’s a lot at stake for the Minnesota offense. With three legitimate pass catchers in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings have plenty of mouths to feed. This offense is built around a strong passing game.
Once Kirk Cousins left in free agency, it was widely known the Vikings were going to draft a quarterback. Sam Darnold was brought in as a veteran presence to help mentor McCarthy.
With Minnesota paying Darnold $10 million, expect him to get the bulk of first-team reps. McCarthy will need to bring his A-game this preseason, and the Vikings should consider playing the rookie for a more high-octane offense.
Don’t be discouraged from taking Jefferson, Addison, or Hockenson if Darnold starts. Just be mindful that the first few weeks might be a little rough. In addition to the receivers, McCarthy is draftable; Darnold is not.
Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
This is another battle that everyone was expecting to see here, but also one that is much more clear. Mike Tomlin has been direct in all communication by saying Russell Wilson is QB1. The Steelers are taking that approach into training camp.
It doesn’t mean Fields can’t win the job. The odds are just very low. Fields has an uphill battle to fight with not much time left to win.
One thing for certain, however, is Steelers receivers will be much better this season. George Pickens, Roman Wilson, and Pat Freiermuth will score more fantasy points whether Wilson or Fields win the battle.
Steelers receivers are in a win-win situation. Whoever wins the job is draftable.
Jarrett Stidham vs. Zach Wilson vs. Bo Nix
This one just barely made the list because it should be pretty obvious. Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham are career backups and should be treated that way. They have no fantasy value.
Javonte Williams managers would love it if Stidham or Wilson started. The Broncos would become a run-first offense with those two calling plays.
Sean Payton wants to air it out in Denver and rightfully so. Bo Nix should get the green light by the end of training camp to be the starting quarterback. He gives Courtland Sutton the best chance to have a monster year this season.
If Nix can’t beat out Stidham or Wilson, you may want to stay away from Sutton. Additionally, don’t touch any Denver quarterback not named Nix with a 10-foot pole.
These four quarterback battles are ones to keep an eye on as report dates get closer. Be sure to stay up to date on these battles before your draft!
Main Image: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
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