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In single-quarterback fantasy football setups, only around half of the 32 starting quarterbacks draw legitimate fantasy football interest. On the flip side, every signal-caller with a chance to start has value in Superflex or two-QB formats. Positional scarcity is a significant factor in these leagues, so even bottom-of-the-barrel quarterbacks will be rostered and in starting lineups.
That said, more than 32 QBs are firmly on the fantasy radar. Which players should fantasy managers target as potential late-round values?
Let's dive into three short-term QB starters who can be placeholders in your early-season lineups. We won't dive into pure backups with upside if an injury happens like Trey Lance. Instead, we'll focus on quarterbacks who are almost guaranteed to start at least a few contests.
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Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Since J.J. McCarthy attempted just 703 passes in three years at Michigan and is only 21 years old, he's likely to begin the season behind Darnold. The former New York Jets first-round pick has obviously been a complete letdown throughout his career, but he'll have the chance to provide a few quality starts while throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison behind a strong offensive play-caller.
#Vikings head coach, Kevin O'Connell, says Sam Darnold will be the No. 1 at QB headed into training camp.
Full answer: pic.twitter.com/YYjEByqc1P
— Julia Daniels (@juliaddaniels) June 12, 2024
Minnesota has a Week 6 bye, so it wouldn't be surprising if Darnold gets to start the first five games before the young buck is called into action.
Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
Brissett is becoming the new "Ryan Fitzpatrick" of this generation, as he's set to be on his fifth team in as many years. This time, he heads back to where he was drafted in 2016. While the veteran has struggled to keep a long-term starting gig, he's one of the best backups in the league, and he might even be one of the best 32 quarterbacks in the world.
Welcome to the NFL, @MitchTinsley15
📺 #CINvsWAS | NBC-4 pic.twitter.com/38NxcR7Qpi
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 26, 2023
As Cleveland's starter in 2022 during Deshaun Watson's suspension, Brissett finished as the weekly QB18 or better in seven of his 11 starts. While New England's pass-catching group leaves a lot to be desired, he is known for getting the ball to the right place, and he has a touch of rushing upside.
Drake Maye is a raw prospect with limited experience beyond the high school level, so Brissett could start as many as half of New England's games in 2024.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Mariota is sharing first-team reps with Jayden Daniels this offseason, but his chances of being the team's Week 1 starter aren't as great as Darnold and Brissett. Unlike McCarthy and Maye, Daniels has a ton of experience and will turn 24 near the end of his rookie season.
However, Mariota might be worth picking up in the late rounds of Superflex drafts in case head coach Dan Quinn wants Daniels to sit for a few weeks before throwing him into the fire.
Mariota has legitimate rushing upside and posted four QB1 weeks in 13 starts for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. The Washington supporting cast is solid, so he'd make for a decent temporary QB2 if he's called upon early in the season.
Marcus Mariota trying out the Axiom and its new top bar at Commanders OTAs. Interesting mask for a QB. pic.twitter.com/iUtpbm41qJ
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) May 25, 2024
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