1. Patrick Mahomes
Still the benchmark despite a dip in stats (3,928 yds, 26 TDs, 11 INTs in 2024), Mahomes remains atop expert rankings — including ESPN — Analysts expect a bounce-back with improved pass protection and receiving talent like Kelce returning.
2. Josh Allen
2024 NFL MVP with 3,731 passing yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs, plus 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs. Ranked No. 2 by ESPN — just behind Mahomes — Allen continues to close the gap TalkSportSI. He’s a fantasy monster with elite dual-threat upside.
3. Lamar Jackson
Jackson delivered over 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards, with 41 TDs and only 4 INTs in 2024 — plus MVP-caliber performance en.wikipedia.org. His unprecedented dual-threat game keeps him locked firmly in the top tier.
4. Joe Burrow
With 4,900 passing yards, 43 TDs, ~70% completion, Burrow outperformed Mahomes statistically in 2024. Analyst Chris Simms even ranks him ahead of Mahomes based on merit cincyjungle.com. Elite weaponry around him makes him a solid QB1 pick.
5. Jalen Hurts
Despite the Eagles prioritizing Saquon Barkley, Hurts led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl win and earned playoff MVP honors TalkSport. His dual-threat consistency makes him a high-floor fantasy option — although some analysts edge him down in pure QB rankings.
6. Jayden Daniels
A breakout phenom now leading Washington. ESPN and SharpFootball include him among the top 4 fantasy QBs entering 2025 Hogs Haven. His rushing upside and ascending passing game give him breakout QB1 potential.
7. Matthew Stafford
ESPN’s QB rankings slot Stafford around 7th–10th , praising his veteran leadership and consistency with the Rams offense. He’s a steady fantasy starter with high TD potential.
8. Baker Mayfield
Appearing in ESPN’s QB seed lists around #7 fantasy rank , Mayfield offers upside in Tampa’s offense — though may lack ceiling compared to dual-threat QBs.
9. Jared Goff
Coming off a solid season with the Lions and cracking top-10 lists , Goff offers fantasy value through efficiency and a strong surrounding cast.
10. C.J. Stroud
Though left off ESPN’s top 10, analysts blasted that decision. With rookie coordinator Nick Caley and added weapons like Christian Kirk and Nick Chubb in Texan’s “rebirth”, Stroud is expected to solidify into a top fantasy tier.
11. Justin Herbert
Consistently strong — over 3,000 passing yards and 20+ TDs for five straight seasons, and historically interception-free stretches . Herbert remains a solid QB2 in fantasy.
12. Jordan Love
After signing a massive extension and maintaining a >60% completion rate with ~4,100 yds, 32 TDs, Love now leads a Green Bay offense in the playoffs . High-volume passer with upside.
13. Dak Prescott
While not heavily cited in search results, Prescott has delivered consistent 4,000-yard seasons when healthy and is a safe QB2/high-end QB3 in fantasy. (Note: rank based on historical performance and expectations.)
14. Geno Smith
After leading the league in completion percentage and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2022–23, Smith posted 4,283 yards and added clutch fourth-quarter efficiency in 2024 . He’s a valuable mid-tier fantasy starter if healthy.
15. Brock Purdy
Despite being snubbed from ESPN’s top 10, Purdy was a top-6 fantasy QB in 2023 (4,000+ yards, 31 TDs) . 2024 was tougher due to injuries in San Francisco, but his upside and team situation keep him fantasy-relevant.
Fantasy Notes & Strategy
- Tier 1 (1–5): All possess high fantasy ceilings — especially the dual-threat playmakers (Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Hurts, Daniels).
- High-floor Pocket QBs (7–9): Stafford, Mayfield, and Goff offer steady production — ideal safety picks.
- Bounce-back candidates (10–15): Stroud, Herbert, Love, Prescott, Geno, Purdy each offer upside based on health, situation, or past performance.
Final thoughts:
Mixing elite dual-threats, high-volume passers, and strong veterans gives you both floor and ceiling. Drafting around QB6–QB10 could give you leverage and value—by the time you hit QB12–15, you’re banking on breakout potential or consistency.
You don’t become #1 by waiting for it — you believe it, train like it, and act like it long before the scoreboard reflects it. Champions are built in the mind before they’re crowned on the field.
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