Quarterback is the most important position in the NFL. However, it’s one of the least meaningful positions in fantasy football, especially in 1QB leagues. Every year, fantasy players see multiple quarterbacks end the season inside the top 12 despite getting drafted as a No. 2 quarterback.
Furthermore, one or two quarterbacks usually finish inside the top five despite having a preseason average draft position (ADP) outside the top 12. Last year, Dak Prescott (QB3) and Jordan Love (QB5) didn’t get drafted in many 1QB leagues. Yet, both were top-five finishers in 2023.
Let’s look at my five favorite quarterback sleepers to end the 2024 season as a top-five quarterback despite ranking outside the top 12 in FantasyPros ADP and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR).
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Quarterback Sleepers: QB2s with Top-Five Upside
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)
- ADP Ranking: QB14
- ECR Ranking: QB13
Rarely are No. 1 overall picks in the NFL Draft set up to succeed as rookies. Last year, Bryce Young had no weapons and an awful offensive line. However, that won’t be the case for Williams. The Bears made multiple additions to their offensive line, including trading for Ryan Bates. More importantly, Chicago added Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Gerald Everett and D’Andre Swift to a receiving core led by DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. Williams has the talent and supporting cast needed to put up massive numbers as a rookie.
Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)
- ADP Ranking: QB17
- ECR Ranking: QB16
Quarterbacks who can make explosive plays with their legs are worth their weight in gold. Therefore, Daniels has no business ranking outside the top 12 quarterbacks, let alone the top 15. He had 2,019 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns during his two years at LSU. Furthermore, Daniels had a 10-1 touchdown to interception ratio in 2023. The Commanders have a solid set of weapons and will be chasing points for much of the upcoming season. Therefore, the rookie will have plenty of opportunities to put up significant fantasy points.
Kirk Cousins (QB – ATL)
- ADP Ranking: QB18
- ECR Ranking: QB17
The veteran has been productive for fantasy players despite averaging only 6.4 rushing yards per game in his career. Cousins has consistently been a low-end QB1 since becoming a full-time starter in 2015. While he is coming off a torn Achilles, Cousins expects to be ready for Week 1. The veteran has an outstanding receiving core in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson. Furthermore, he plays most of his games indoors and against suspect defenses. If Cousins is 100% healthy, he could have a top-five finish.
Aaron Rodgers (QB – NYJ)
- ADP Ranking: QB19
- ECR Ranking: QB20
Unfortunately, Rodgers didn’t make it one game with the Jets before tearing his Achilles. While coming off a massive injury at his age is a concern, I wouldn’t bet against the future Hall of Famer this year. Rodgers was the QB13 in 2022. Furthermore, he had four consecutive years finishing as a top-nine quarterback before that. New York significantly improved its offensive line this offseason. They also signed Mike Williams and drafted Malachi Corley. Rodgers could be determined to prove he is still an elite quarterback in 2024.
Geno Smith (QB – SEA)
- ADP Ranking: QB24
- ECR Ranking: QB23
Smith is coming off a disappointing 2023 season, ending the year as the QB19. However, fantasy players should give him a pass, as his offensive line struggled to stay healthy. Meanwhile, the veteran was the QB5 in 2022, averaging 17.9 fantasy points per game. He had 30 passing touchdowns that year, the fourth-most in the NFL. Thankfully, Seattle improved its offensive line in the offseason. More importantly, Smith has an outstanding trio of wide receivers, giving him the weapons needed for a top-five finish this upcoming season.
Fitz’s Fantasy Football Draft Primers
- Quarterback Fantasy Football Draft Primer
- Running Back Fantasy Football Draft Primer
- Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Draft Primer
Expert Must-Have Draft Picks
Expert Players to Avoid
- DBro’s Players to Avoid (Premium)
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.