As we approach the start of the 2022 season, there appear to be more elite options at quarterback than ever before. According to FantasyPros consensus ADP, six quarterbacks go inside the top six rounds and 13 inside the top-100 picks.
With dual-threat quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts being real difference makers; it has pushed up the price of the position in recent years. I lean towards grabbing one of those elite options whenever possible, but what choices are left if you miss out on them?
The Quarterback by committee approach might be your friend, and here at FantasyPros we have an excellent tool to help you.
The QBBC Finder Tool
The ‘QBBC finder‘ can help you find ideal pairings for quarterbacks at any range in the draft. Selecting the area of ADP you’d like to target, it will show you the pairings that make the most sense around bye weeks, the strength of the schedule and also show you estimated average points per week from the committee.
In each of the last three seasons, by a somewhat strange coincidence, 29 quarterbacks per year have posted at least one top-five weekly performance in fantasy. In regular 12-team, non-Superflex leagues, this leaves many quarterbacks on the waiver wire who can be productive if we can pick and choose them at the right time.
Ideally, you’ll leave the draft with at least one quarterback, but if it’s possible to grab two of an OK standard, then we can start planning for the season. We’ll focus on quarterbacks with an ADP of 15 or higher, but nothing will prepare you better than having a play with the QBBC Finder tool yourself and seeing the outcomes available.
If you miss out on an elite option at the position, one of the best choices you can make is to look for a quarterback with an opening schedule that appears friendly on paper. While strength of schedule isn’t the most predictive measure, it provides a strong launching point and can buy you enough time to decide what to do as the season progresses. Looking at early season fixtures, these quarterbacks stand out, and for each quarterback, you can see some of the ‘QBBC Finders‘ suggested pairings.
Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
In 2021, the Vikings had a soft schedule to open the season, and Kirk Cousins capitalized to the tune of 21.1 fantasy points per game over the first six weeks, placing him as the 10th best QB during that period. The 2022 schedule looks similarly friendly, with games against Detroit, Chicago and Miami coming early on.
There’s an element of the unknown to the Vikings with Kevin O’Connell taking over as head coach, but if he brings the multiple wide receivers looks he utilized as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, then getting in early on an explosive passing game has the potential to pay off big. Currently, FantasyPros Consensus ADP has Cousins at QB15. If we consider him our QB1 in our pairings, then the QBBC finder ranks Cousins best QBBC partner as Tua Tagovailoa, scoring an average of 19.0 points per week.
Other Suggested Pairings:
- Kirk Cousins & Trevor Lawrence (avg 18.8 pts/week)
- Kirk Cousins & Ryan Tannehill (avg 18.8 pts/week)
- Kirk Cousins & Justin Fields (avg 18.7 pts/week)
The Commanders have an excellent chance to open strong with a home game against the Jaguars and then a road game against the Lions. While both the Jaguars and Lions have improved this offseason, the Commanders should feel confident about beating the two worst teams in the league in 2021.
Wentz is currently the QB25 and completely free at the end of your drafts. While he finished last season in miserable form against the Jaguars, he played well for periods and has a nice surrounding core of talent in Washington. Unfortunately for Washington, their “easy” streak might end there as they face the Bills in Week. Still, after that, in Week 4, the Falcons await – another team who aren’t frightening for fantasy purposes – so you could be in a situation where you still want to hold onto Wentz after week 2.
With Wentz being available so late in drafts, he’s an interesting option to pair with a quarterback who may have a tough opening schedule or someone who you’re in wait-and-see mode while deciding when to start them full-time. For instance, Trey Lance starts his second season with matchups in Chicago and at home against Seattle. If you believe Lance might struggle early then, Wentz can carry you through that period, and the QBBC Finder estimates an average of 18.6 points per week.
Other Suggested Pairings:
- Carson Wentz & Ryan Tannehill (avg 17.3 pts/week)
- Carson Wentz & Zach Wilson (avg 16.4 pts/week)
Winston is another quarterback with a favorable early season schedule. The Saints open with divisional games against the Falcons, Buccaneers and Panthers. While the Buccaneers are a good defense, the Saints have been able to overcome them in recent years, and you can even talk yourself into a revenge game narrative for Winston if you’re so inclined.
Winston is currently the QB22 and might have the most significant upside of any quarterback outside of the top 15. With Michael Thomas practicing fully, promising rookie Chris Olave and experienced veteran Jarvis Landry, the Saints have all the receiving weapons they should need to make Winston fantasy viable. The QBBC Finder has Winston and Daniel Jones combining for 16.5 points per week on average, which might feel on the low side. Yet, remember that your lineup should be filled with studs at other positions you drafted as you faded QB.
Other Suggested Pairings:
- Jameis Winston & Zach Wilson (avg 16.1 pts/week)
- Jameis Winston & Jared Goff (avg 15.7 pts/week)
Though the Quarterback by committee approach might feel a bit scary, it can also be freeing. When stud quarterbacks fail to perform, it can be a hindrance to your roster. Each week you talk yourself into them turning it around this next game, and because of the draft capital involved, it feels necessary to do so.
Instead, when we shop in the bargain aisles, it becomes easier to move off a player who isn’t performing. Let us not forget that the late rounds have been fruitful in players like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in recent years. What late-round quarterback stands out to you?
Jump into the FantasyPros Discord and let us know, or find me on Twitter @NFL_Tstrack
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