Whether in a traditional one-quarterback league or a Superflex format, your quarterback drafting strategy will dictate your draft. Do you sit back and wait on a mid-tier QB while loading up on other positions? Do you secure one of the top quarterbacks early so you can focus on other positions?

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There is no wrong answer in a vacuum. However, every fantasy manager has their favorite players at each position. Check out my favorite quarterbacks to target below.

Must-Draft Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray (QB – ARI) 

Typically, I am on the other side of the fantasy spectrum with Kyler Murray. Avoiding Murray in past seasons was the ticket due to injury concerns and his penchant for fading during the fantasy playoffs. However, we saw Murray return halfway through the season from his torn ACL injury. He jumpstarted an offense with Greg Dortch as their WR1 last season.

In his eight games last season, Murray completed 65% of his passes for 1,799 yards and 10 touchdowns to five interceptions. Murray proved his knee was healthy by adding 244 rushing yards and three scores.

The new coaching staff, led by head coach Jonathan Gannon, brought stability to the Cardinals. The Cardinals are one of the top teams to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft. With $55 million in cap space and six draft picks in the first three rounds, the Cardinals are geared to take the next step forward. Arizona’s focus should be on building around Murray with consistent explosive weapons and additional protection on the offensive line.

The Cardinals possess the fourth overall pick, which should be either a potential wideout stud like Marvin Harrison, Jr. or Malik Nabers. A go-to wideout on the outside to combine with breakout tight end Trey McBride would be a fantastic jolt to the fantasy potential of their star quarterback. A rejuvenated James Connor behind a rebuilt line allows Murray more time, leading to a recipe for a tasty fantasy cocktail.

One knock on Murray has been his immaturity. However, we witnessed his growth and leadership skills when he returned last season, thanks to his hard work. Murray still possesses the elite fantasy upside with his ability to rush the football. Instantly upgrading his surrounding weapons and another year away from his ACL injury should allow Murray to ascend to a top-five season, making Murray a must-have quarterback for the 2024 season.

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND) 

The hype surrounding Anthony Richardson entering last season was deafening. While he was a raw 21-year-old prospect, his physical abilities displayed enormous potential. Richardson struggled with injuries in his rookie campaign but was tremendous on the field. In the two games he started and finished, the fourth overall pick produced 33.6 and 23.92 fantasy points for a ridiculous 28.76 fantasy points per game. Those are QB1 overall type numbers.

Granted, a small sample size might concern fantasy managers. However, his flashes of potential should reflect the massive upside Richardson provides. Injury concerns were discussed due to his reckless style of play, which resulted in Richardson playing only four games in this rookie season. He went down with season-ending shoulder surgery in Week 5. However, the early reports are encouraging as he is making strides toward recovery and being ready for spring practice.

Richardson will return to a Colts offense loaded with weapons, including a finally healthy Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, who finished as the WR13 last season. The Colts own the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. There are rumblings they are interested in Georgia TE Brock Bowers. The Colts obtaining a safety valve option for their young quarterback makes too much sense and is ideal for improving Richardson.

Richardson showcased his running ability and surprising accuracy, which should allow him to enter the quarterback elite this season. Fantasy managers will want to hop on the Richardson hype train before it takes off during the 2024 season.

Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR) 

Matthew Stafford is not a sexy pick but an advantageous selection for fantasy managers looking for a QB2 that can light up the scoreboard. Stafford finished as the QB15 last season, averaging 16.9 fantasy points per game. The former No. 1 overall pick was magnificent for the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of last season. He led the Rams on a 6-1 run that propelled them into the playoffs. More importantly, Stafford made a tremendous fantasy impact by producing QB6 numbers from Week 12 through Week 17, averaging 2.5 passing touchdowns per game.

The increased productivity coincided with his weapons returning healthy. Cooper Kupp only appeared in 12 games last season but was a significant contributor during the Rams’ playoff push. Kupp scored in four out of the final five games and produced four 100+ yard receiving yard games in 2023. Of course, Stafford benefited immensely from the breakout of rookie wideout Puka Nacua. All the fifth-round pick did was finish as the WR4, averaging 14.5 half-PPR fantasy points per contest. The emergence of Kupp back into the Rams offense didn’t deter the rookie wideout, who averaged 13.9 fantasy points per game with Kupp in the lineup. Combine those two stud wideouts with another pleasant surprise in veteran wideout Demarcus Robinson. Robinson was a WR1 from Week 13 through Week 17, scoring a touchdown in four straight games.

Combine that impressive passing game with a running game led by Kyren Williams, who finished as a top-six running back last season. Add in Sean McVay’s play-calling and you have a recipe for fantasy success.

Stafford continued his spectacular run into the playoffs, delivering a splendid performance, throwing for nearly 400 yards and two scores. A healthy Stafford persists with the formidable Rams offense into the 2024 season with the eyes on another playoff run. Fantasy managers should not sleep on Stafford and consider Stafford a must-have quarterback option as your QB2 while producing QB1 numbers.

C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU) 

This might be the most obvious chalk pick ever. However, the inclusion of C.J. Stroud is necessary.

Stroud is coming off an outstanding rookie season, finishing with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. The former Buckeye finished as the QB11 among fantasy quarterbacks. Stroud also led the Houston Texans to a playoff berth and a victory over the Cleveland Browns. The rookie signal-caller helped turn around a Texans team that had previously posted three straight single-digit win seasons.

The Texans did not sit idle this offseason and party about their success last season. They were super active this offseason, including trading for star wideout Stefon Diggs. Houston also signed veteran running back Joe Mixon and key defensive personnel to elevate their mediocre defense.

Stroud and the Texans’ offense will also welcome back wide receiver Tank Dell, who began to develop chemistry with Stroud but suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 11. In Dell’s absence, we saw the emergence of wide receiver Nico Collins, who finished with 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.

With these offensive weapon additions, Stroud is expected to elevate his game to another level. His progression and the Texans’ win-now focus should be music to fantasy managers who roster Texans’ offensive weapons. With Stroud leading that offense, fantasy managers will witness a competitor for Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes for the top fantasy quarterback in the 2024 season.

More Fantasy Football Draft Advice

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• Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)

Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow him @CALL_ME_SOS.