The dynasty football season is in full swing, with many rookie drafts completed around the fantasy world. That said, there is still work to be done! Now is the time to look at our team and around our league to decide which veterans are sleepers in 2023. Figuring out the sleepers at any position is vital in most leagues; however, that importance is often even greater for quarterbacks. Correctly identifying the top players at the position in 1QB leagues can help solidify a team, and having the right ones in superflex can make or break your team’s ability to contend. Let’s discuss some veteran quarterbacks you should be trying to acquire for your fantasy roster this year and for the future.
- More Dynasty Veteran Sleepers: Running Backs
- Dynasty Trade Value Chart
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
Dynasty Veteran Sleepers (2023 Fantasy Football)
Here are veterans that present value in dynasty startup drafts.
Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
High on the list is Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. He’s not a sexy name in the land of fantasy football, but he is an effective point-scorer for your team year in and year out. He’s finished as a top-11 quarterback for each of the last three seasons. This season, he’ll get a full year with T.J. Hockenson and a new number-two wide receiver in Jordan Addison. The Vikings will also have Alexander Mattison in the backfield (Dalvin Cook is likely to be cut in June), which means that Cousins will be surrounded by talent. He also has a top-10 offensive line that can become even greater if they solidify the issues around the interior offensive lineman, where they gave up more pressure than any lineman in the league. Finally, Cousins should land in the top ten for passing yards and touchdowns within this Kevin O’Connell offense. If your leaguemates are sleeping on him, you need to trade for him and snatch him up for your team right now.
Russell Wilson (QB – DEN)
I understand the bad taste surrounding Russell Wilson as we think about the bad performance he gave us in 2022. However, things are different in Denver now that Sean Payton leads the charge. With a formidable coach leading the way, we should see Russ bounce back from a season where he had career-lows in completion percentage (60.5%), passer rating (84.4), and touchdown passes (16). He also had the most sacks of his career, with 55 total.
The good news about all of these putrid stats is that Denver’s offseason moves should help Russell Wilson. They brought in a running back, Samaje Perine, to handle the backfield until Javonte Williams can return. They drafted Marvin Mims to get a weapon that fits the new system, and they signed Mike McGlinchey to the offensive line to help with protection for Russ. Most fantasy players will remember the bad and overlook the good that has happened in Denver this offseason, which should keep Russell Wilson’s price low. With his contract forcing him to stay in Denver until at least 2026, this is a safe trade candidate if you need a quarterback in a dynasty league.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – LV)
This may be another name that makes you run for the hills, but hear me out before you judge. Jimmy Garoppolo has a talented arsenal of weapons around him with Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Jakobi Meyers. Looking at the depth chart, his backups are Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell, two players that won’t create a short hook for Jimmy Garoppolo. Now considering his contract, the Raiders’ first potential out is 2025, meaning you should have two seasons of a quarterback on your team (depending on next year’s draft). Jimmy is not a world-beater for your fantasy team, but he averaged 16.7 fantasy points per game through the first 12 weeks of last season before breaking his foot. We are looking at a middle- to low-end QB2 for your fantasy team, which will keep the price from over-inflating. If you need a quarterback to give you some floor production for a star-studded team, don’t overlook Jimmy Garoppolo.
Ryan Tannehill (QB – TEN)
The writing is on the wall for Ryan Tannehill and his reign as the starter in Tennessee is coming to an end. However, Will Levis will also need time and the Titans have already thrown in the towel on Malik Willis. With the depth chart lacking an immediate talent to take over at the helm, Tannehill should start and play most of this season on a schedule that FantasyPros rated four out of five stars on strength. The price will be low on this aging quarterback and he should be seen as a temporary option for your team if you require depth or a second starter in superflex.
Taylor Heinicke (QB – ATL)
We understand that Desmond Ridder is the starter in Atlanta. However, Taylor Heinicke played well in his time under center for the Commanders in 2022, with 12 touchdown passes in nine games. Heinicke also provides a mobile floor for your quarterback room. Acquiring him will have a modest cost, but it could be crucial to your team’s success, especially if Desmond Ridder is on your fantasy squad. The Falcons have talent surrounding the quarterback, an easy schedule, and an easy division they can win. If Ridder fails to impress out of the gate in 2023, the team could turn to Heinicke and that lowball price from the summer will look great in hindsight with him on your roster. If it doesn’t work out, this trade has low risk and you can easily move on from him.
Dynasty is tricky. The way you think about players often mirrors stocks in the stock market. Buying and selling at the right time is crucial for success, especially with most fantasy managers wanting to run away from higher-aged players. This gives you a window to capitalize on and and their incorrect thinking can be your roster’s gain. Remember always to read the impressive work here at FantasyPros and if you ever need help, feel free to reach out on Twitter at @jpep20. Good luck in dynasty this season!
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