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The 2024 NFL Draft class had six first-round quarterbacks selected. By comparison, the 2023 NFL Draft class had only three first-round quarterbacks picked. Two of those quarterbacks were C.J. Stroud by the Houston Texans and Anthony Richardson by the Indianapolis Colts.
Both quarterbacks flashed superstar potential as rookies. Stroud was the QB9, averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, Richardson averaged 18.2 fantasy points per contest, making him the QB11 on a points-per-game basis.
Unfortunately, Richardson missed most of his rookie season because of injuries. Which second-year quarterback should fantasy players draft in 2024? Let’s dive into it.
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C.J. Stroud’s 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Stroud won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after leading the Texans to their first division title since 2019. The former Ohio State star led the NFL in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio. He joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only other quarterbacks to accomplish both things in the same season. However, Stroud was the only one to do it as a rookie.
Fantasy players got several big performances from the rookie quarterback. He scored 20 or more fantasy points in 40% of the games, including 30 or more twice. Furthermore, Stroud had the top fantasy performance by a quarterback in 2023, totaling 41.8 fantasy points and five passing touchdowns in a Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
#Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud today - best rookie QB game in history?
30/42 Passing
480 Total Yards
5 Passing Touchdowns
0 Interceptions
147.8 QB Rating
11.2 Yards Per Attempt
75 Yards Longest CompletionDefense allowed 37 points but he still won!
https://t.co/iWk0s2SZzd https://t.co/FWcfcWbc1T pic.twitter.com/6i8ErDpwQR
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 5, 2023
The former Ohio State star has arguably the top wide receiver core in the NFL. Nico Collins and Tank Dell were fantasy stars last season. Meanwhile, Houston traded for Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon in the offseason, giving Stroud two more dangerous weapons in the passing game.
Anthony Richardson’s 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Richardson only completed 59.5% of his pass attempts as a rookie. However, he had three passing touchdowns and only one interception in four games. Yet, the former Florida star was a force on the ground, totaling 25 rushing attempts for 136 yards and four touchdowns.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON TAKES IT HIMSELF.
📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/2awLV5mL5o— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
The star rookie quarterback had 10 rushing attempts in two games, scoring 20.9 or more fantasy points in both contests. Unfortunately, Richardson left multiple games early because of a concussion and shoulder injury. Hopefully, he can stay healthy in 2024.
Indianapolis improved Richardson’s receiving core this offseason. They re-signed Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick in the NFL Draft on Adonai Mitchell. The Colts also spent a fifth-round pick on Anthony Gould and a pair of mid-round selections improving their offensive line.
Who Should I Draft?
Fantasy players should love to have either quarterback as their starter this upcoming season. Both second-year players have the upside to be the overall QB1 in 2024. However, fantasy players should take Stroud over Richardson. He doesn’t have injury risk like Richardson. Furthermore, Stroud has a far superior receiving core.
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