Joe Pepe | Tue, May 7th 2024, 7:09am EDT

Must-Have Quarterbacks & Tight Ends (Fantasy Football)

Recently, there has been no better connection in the NFL than a quarterback and their tight end. Today, we will break down the best fantasy football draft targets at each position as your startups unfold.

Just like in the real world, quarterback is a position you must get correct to have a chance to win. We will start with the man under center and then dive into the tight ends who can be the final piece to your fantasy football championship. Let’s get started!

Fantasy Football Quarterbacks & Tight Ends

Let’s dive into fantasy football quarterbacks and tight ends we’re targeting in drafts.

Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI)

The ultimate Konami Code at the quarterback position doesn’t look like it will slow down soon. Hurts ran for 15 touchdowns and more 600 yards this past season, and with Saquon Barkley freezing the linebackers, we should see more of the same this year. Hurts had a dip in his passing production in 2023, but the Eagles changed their offensive coordinator by bringing in Kellen Moore. Moore should reinvent this Eagles offense, bringing back RPO and motion (something the Eagles severely lacked last season).

Don’t let the dip scare you. Instead, embrace it with Jalen Hurts and enjoy the automatic 20+ fantasy points per game.

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)

Anthony Richardson is a mini Jalen Hurts at the moment. However, he can supplant him as the best Konami Code under center this season. Yes, Richardson can run and cause chaos and nightmares for the opposing defense. The key to his success is his cannon of an arm. Right now, the RPO-style offense that Anthony Richardson works within is loaded from top to bottom. He gets Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, Adonai Mitchell and Josh Down. The Colts have built around their rookie, and his ADP has stayed reasonable due to this past year’s injury. Don’t skip this backflipping, rocket-arm quarterback in 2024.

Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)

Prescott led the NFL with touchdown passes (36) and completions (410). He was the QB3 this past season, and the Cowboys offense enters this season built to lean on Dak’s right arm. With the Cowboys ignoring their running back position, the team will need Dak Prescott to play at an NFL MVP level again. Dak has had multiple years where he became the Michael Jordan of his team and has had to throw the team on his back. If the Cowboys are going to be successful, Dak will need to repeat last year.

Brock Purdy (QB – SF)

When your weapons are CMC, Deebo Samuel, Brandin Aiyuk and George Kittle, you will always be in the mix as a must-have quarterback. Don’t expect a ton of rushing potential from Purdy, but you can expect completions, yards and possibly two touchdowns a game within that offense.

Jordan Love (QB – GB)

Jordan Love made me eat my words in 2023. This season, I am behind him. The Green Bay Packers organization decided to give Love everything he could want around him. He has a plethora of wide receivers with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed. The Packers loaded up their tight-end room with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Green Bay also decided to ensure their running back room was filled with talent by drafting MarShawn Lloyd after signing Josh Jacobs and Re-signing AJ Dillion.

This Packers offense is loaded. One of the most straightforward rules in fantasy football is to draft players from good offenses. Well, the Packers can be a top-five offense. Don’t be afraid to get their signal caller; stack him as you build your team this offseason.

Geno Smith/Sam Howell (QB – SEA)

These two are a tricky decision/choice, but a late-round dart throw that can win you your league. The Seahawks are another team full of talent around their quarterback. We have a quarterback in Geno Smith, who was QB5 two seasons ago. They also have a gunslinger in Sam Howell, who racked up stats in 2023. I believe the competition in Seattle is more open than most. If you have a late-round pick and want to take a dart throw, don’t be scared to look at Seattle and pick your guy.

Let’s move quickly to the tight ends that can save your fantasy season.

Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)

With all the love that Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta are receiving after their incredible 2023 season, many fantasy football managers forget that Mark Andrews is Lamar Jackson‘s WR1. Whenever you can get the WR1 to a great offense like Baltimore, who has an MVP under center, you have to do it for your fantasy football team.

Sometimes, when new names emerge, these old solid veterans become the unsexy pick for fantasy. Your team doesn’t need to be sexy; it needs to win. Don’t skip Mark Andrews.

Evan Engram (TE – JAC)

Calvin Ridley has left town. Jacksonville also released Zay Jones. The Jaguars replaced their production with an inconsistent Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas. Trevor Lawrence may lean into his comfort and elevate Engram’s fantasy production. Once again, the name is unsexy when you look at your roster. However, you must draft this player when your tight end can produce 114 receptions, 963 receiving yards, and four games with double-digit receptions.

Engram was TE6 two seasons ago and TE2 last season. We know what we will get, and we will receive fantasy greatness.

Cade Otton (TE -TB)

Cade Otton is the living embodiment of the 1999 movie “She’s All That.” On the surface, you would rather have any other tight end. However, after a deeper look, you see that Otton is the best thing to happen to you. Okay, bad 90 movies aside, Otton is a sneaky late-round pick for your fantasy team.

Baker Mayfield would look for Otton more than we thought this past season, especially in the red zone where only Mike Evans had more touchdowns than Otton in the Tampa Bay offense. Otton faces virtually zero competition, meaning he will see his 90+% snap percentage again in 2024. Otton could be the last pick of your team and offer you low risk but high reward for your fantasy team.

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These are my favorite selections of the quarterback and tight end position. Remember to read all the fantastic work here at FantasyPro, and if you ever need unique help with your off-season drafts, reach out to me on Twitter at @jpep20. Enjoy your offseason!

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