By Vincent Vibe, LuckyBets.com Fantasy Insider
In today’s fast-paced fantasy football world, drafting by tiers isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Especially when it comes to quarterbacks. The 2025 season is loaded with elite talent, breakout potential, and late-round gems. But the key to winning isn’t just picking the best QB — it’s knowing when to pull the trigger based on positional drop-off and value gaps.
Let’s break down the 2025 Tiered Quarterback Rankings, how to use them to your advantage, and why you should avoid reaching too early on a QB — unless you know you’re getting Tier 1 upside.
What Is Tier-Based Drafting?
Instead of just ranking players 1 through 15, tier-based drafting groups players with similar projected output, helping you:
- Avoid unnecessary reaches
- Maximize value each round
- Predict positional drop-offs
- Adapt to run-heavy or delayed drafts
It’s like playing poker — you don’t just look at your hand; you watch the table.
Tier 1: Elite Dual-Threat Game-Changers
(Round 2–3 Value)
These guys can win you a week singlehandedly.
| Player | Team | Key 2024 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | BUF | 3,731 pass yds / 28 TDs / 531 rush yds / 12 rush TDs |
| Lamar Jackson | BAL | 4,100+ total yds / 41 TDs / 4 INTs (MVP) |
| Jalen Hurts | PHI | Super Bowl MVP / 700+ rush yds / Top-3 red zone usage |
| Jayden Daniels | WSH | Breakout rookie w/ 4.4 speed, now featured on Netflix’s Quarterback |
Strategy Tip: If you’re not grabbing one of these in Round 2 or early 3, you’re better off waiting — the next tier offers solid depth.
Tier 2: Proven Gunslingers with Top-5 Upside
(Round 4–6 Value)
| Player | Team | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | KC | Down year statistically, but still the — bounce-back likely with Kelce and Rice |
| Joe Burrow | CIN | Threw for 4,900 yds / 43 TDs — PFF #1 passing grade |
| C.J. Stroud | HOU | Most efficient rookie since Herbert, with new weapons (Chubb, Christian Kirk) |
| Justin Herbert | LAC | Healthy again, historically avoids INTs, new OC boost |
Strategy Tip: These guys may not run like Tier 1, but they can hang 30+ points with elite volume. Perfect value in mid rounds if you loaded up at RB/WR early.
Tier 3: Veteran Value & Safe Floor
(Rounds 7–9)
| Player | Team | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | DET | 4,500+ pass yards, low INTs, stacked Lions offense |
| Matthew Stafford | LAR | Top 10 in air yards, trusts Puka + Adams |
| Baker Mayfield | TB | Shocked in 2024 with career highs, top-10 fantasy finish |
| Jordan Love | GB | 4,100 yds / 32 TDs — trending upward with young WRs |
Strategy Tip: Target these if you’re in Superflex leagues or need insurance with a late QB1. All come with stable volume and red-zone opportunity.
Tier 4: Boom-or-Bust & Late-Round Lottery Picks
(Rounds 10+)
| Player | Team | Why Draft |
|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott | DAL | High ceiling but volatile — new scheme limits consistency |
| Geno Smith | SEA | Great 2022–23, but shaky OL and inconsistent targets |
| Brock Purdy | SF | Top-6 fantasy QB in 2023, but injury-prone system QB |
Strategy Tip: Perfect backup QBs. If you wait too long or go zero-QB, pair two Tier 4s to stream based on matchups.
Final Draft Advice
- Don’t panic pick: If Tier 1 is gone, wait until Tier 2 or 3 for best value.
- Know your league settings: 6-point vs 4-point pass TDs, bonus scoring, and Superflex can drastically shift value.
- Upside > name value: In 2025, guys like Jayden Daniels or Stroud may outscore Mahomes based on rushing upside or pace of play.
- Stay flexible: Use tiers to pivot mid-draft if a run starts.
- Now go get your guy — smart, not early.
Download Your Free LuckyBets.com Tier Cheat Sheet [PDF Coming Soon]
Want to crush your draft? Our downloadable QB Tier Sheet will help you track value live during your fantasy draft. Stay tuned.
You don’t win your league on draft day… but with the right tier strategy, you can definitely lose it less.
Vincent Vibe
