The lifeblood of a team and the engine that makes the offense go, quarterbacks are without question the most critical position on the offensive side of the ball. Yet, for fantasy football purposes, we typically wait at least several rounds before filling that slot on our roster.
Depth at the position, coupled with most league formats only allowing one to start each week (Superflex leagues aren’t as common as you’d think), has led to running backs and wide receivers dominating the first several selections. But make no mistake: Choosing the right quarterback will provide your team with a high weekly floor of points. Adding a capable alternative or backup option in case of injury or bye-week woes is becoming more widely accepted amongst analysts.
When should you consider adding a signal-caller to your fantasy squad? Which quarterbacks stick out in their respective tiers? Let’s dive into some late-round quarterbacks to consider.
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Late-Round Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
- Jared Goff (QB – DET)
- Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)
- Drake Maye (QB – NE)
- Jordan Love (QB – GB)
- Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX)
- J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)
- C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)
- Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
- Bryce Young (QB – CAR)
This is a deep and varied tier, with players that have breakout potential, youth and tremendous upside. Jared Goff headlines the tier as an upside-QB2. He will be consistently above average, but not someone whom I’d peg with immense upside. His 2024 numbers were incredibly efficient, and it’s worth wondering what sort of impact the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will have. Detroit is a juggernaut, but Goff’s lack of upside as a runner severely caps his ceiling.
Caleb Williams is a polarizing candidate. A dramatically improved offensive line, coupled with (arguably) the deepest group of pass-catchers in the league, has me hopeful he can begin to fulfill the lofty expectations the Bears levied on him. To quote Cooterdoodle, “Drake Maye is your favorite analyst’s favorite breakout pick at the position.”
Everyone seems to have a hunch that Maye is due to explode in 2025. After running for his life for the majority of last season behind a sieve offensive line, New England made it a point to bring in reinforcements to protect their franchise star. The additions of TreVeyon Henderson at running back and a viable No. 1 WR in Stefon Diggs should do wonders for Maye’s development.
Jordan Love has me puzzled, if I’m being honest. Part of me is hopeful that he’s able to return to the gaudy totals he set during the 2023 season; part of me is hesitant that he is stuck as a mid-tier QB2. That’s especially true after the recent news that he underwent thumb surgery to repair ligament damage suffered in the first preseason game against the New York Jets.
Trevor Lawrence is in a similar position. I should be higher on him, but I’m suffering from “once bitten, twice shy” syndrome: A new coaching staff and the addition of Travis Hunter opposite Brian Thomas Jr. should help things, but I remain hesitant. He’s a perfect upside backup for managers who took a riskier option in one of the prior tiers.
J.J. McCarthy has nearly everything going his way. He has the backing of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, elite options to throw to all over the field, a stout offensive line and rushing upside. The problem? We just haven’t seen it all come together yet, and trusting him out of the gate as your QB1 is a risky proposition.
C.J. Stroud is the new poster child for the “sophomore slump” reference. Following an outstanding rookie campaign, struggles along the offensive line and a decimated wide receiver core made it impossible to replicate the magic. Losing Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell won’t help matters. Houston is now relying on the Iowa State rookie tandem of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to provide them with a new explosive tandem.
Tua Tagovailoa. Where to even start with this one? His injury risk is obvious, and one wrong slide or unfortunate hit to the head could not only end his season but also his career. He offers little upside as a rusher, and Miami seemed reluctant to take downfield shots with him last year, in favor of quick passing routes. Tagovailoa just doesn’t offer enough upside to have me intrigued.
Wrapping up the tier is Bryce Young, who enters the year with a major spark of hope. Following an early-season benching after an incredibly rocky start, something finally clicked. Young’s accuracy showed marked improvement, and he finally began looking downfield at his receivers. The presence of alpha Tetairoa McMillan has me hopeful that Young can continue his late-season surge.
Favorite Late-Round QB Picks
From a pure ADP perspective, Bryce Young offers QB1 upside as a 13th-round selection. For those going bargain-basement hunting, he represents the best value.
J.J. McCarthy is my other favorite of the tier. I’ve been a fan of his since his time at the University of Michigan. To put it simply, there are just too many positive factors to ignore. Anyone with a pulse could throw to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, and McCarthy also has upside as a runner. He represents a fantastic dart throw in the 10th round that could supplant most low-end QB1s.
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