X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Drafting Running Quarterbacks in Fantasy Football: Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Tyrod Taylor

The allure of the running quarterback has existed for years. Randall Cunningham was one of the first true dual-threats at the position in the 1980's and '90s, an era that also produced all-time great scramblers like Steve Young and John Elway.

It was the arrival of Michael Vick in the NFL as the No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft, however, that coincided with the ever-increasing popularity of fantasy football at the start of the 21st century. Vick possessed a cannon for a throwing arm along with a 4.33 40-yard dash time, still a draft combine record for a quarterback. It wasn't just possible that he could forever change the game of football -- it was expected.

Fifteen years later, Vick is the league's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards by more than 1,000 yards, and that's even after missing two full seasons and serving primarily as a backup over the last few seasons.

Vick's running ability was always elite, but it was his inconsistencies as a passer that prevented him from becoming a revolutionary quarterback.

The NFL is a passing league, now more than ever. Vick's arrival didn't herald a future generation of run-first quarterbacks, but the NFL still features some distinguished dual-threats, most notably Cam Newton and Russell Wilson.

Newton and Wilson are two of the top-five consensus fantasy quarterbacks entering the 2016 season, regardless of league size, format or scoring settings. How much of that has to do with their rushing production? Are there other quarterbacks that will create similar production on the ground? Are there negatives to drafting mobile quarterbacks? Let's take a look

Defining Running Quarterbacks

The concept of a "running" quarterback gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean in terms of fantasy football? Let's try to find some clarity, using last season as a starting point.

In the 2015-16 season, six quarterbacks rushed for at least 300 yards -- Newton (636 yards), Tyrod Taylor (568), Wilson (553), Alex Smith (498), Aaron Rodgers (344) and Blake Bortles (310). Only four quarterbacks had at least four rushing touchdowns -- Newton (10), Jameis Winston (six), Kirk Cousins (five) and Taylor (four).

Over the past five seasons, three quarterbacks have topped 500 rushing yards each year except for 2012, when just two did it:

  • 2015: Newton (636), Taylor (568), Wilson (554)
  • 2014: Wilson (849), Colin Kaepernick (639), Newton (539)
  • 2013: Newton (585), Wilson (539), Kaepernick (524)
  • 2012: Robert Griffin III (815), Newton (741)
  • 2011: Newton (706), Tim Tebow (660), Vick (589)

None of the names on this list come as a surprise. All were dynamic running threats in college and were expected to bring that skill set to the NFL. For the purposes of defining "running" quarterbacks, using the nice, round cutoff of 500 rushing yards works. In standard scoring, 10 rushing yards equals one fantasy point, so 500 rushing yards would give a quarterback an additional 50 fantasy points over the course of the season. For reference, roughly 50 points separated fantasy's No. 3 quarterback (Drew Brees) and No. 11 quarterback (Matthew Stafford) last season, according to Fleaflicker.

What About Rushing Touchdowns?

Rushing touchdowns from quarterbacks are far less consistent -- unless, of course, you're the reigning NFL MVP. Over the previous five seasons, Newton is the only quarterback with multiple years of five-plus rushing touchdowns. He's had at least five in every season since joining the NFL in 2011:

  • 2015: Newton (10), Winston (six), Cousins (five)
  • 2014: Wilson (six), Newton (five)
  • 2013: Newton (six), Geno Smith (six)
  • 2012: Newton (eight), Griffin (seven), Kaepernick (five), Andrew Luck (five)
  • 2011: Newton (14), Tebow (six), Mark Sanchez (six)

In terms of rushing touchdowns, Newton is on his own level. The Carolina Panthers utilize Newton as a go-to option at the goal line. He is tied with Steve Young for the most rushing touchdowns (43) by a quarterback in NFL history, and he's still just 27 years old.

In standard leagues, rushing touchdowns equal six points. Five of those would give a quarterback an additional 30 fantasy points. Let's look at Newton, specifically. His 3,837 passing yards ranked 16th among QBs last season. That's OK, but hardly elite. Now factor in his 636 rushing yards (63.6 points) and 10 rushing touchdowns (60 points), and that's an additional 123.6 fantasy points. It becomes clear to see why he finished as fantasy's top-scoring quarterback.

Risks/Future Outlook

So how does the running quarterback scene look entering the 2016-17 season? Well, it looks fairly similar to last season. Newton's yardage consistency and penchant for goal-line touchdowns makes him not just the top running quarterback, but the top overall quarterback for fantasy purposes. Wilson also stands out as a top-five quarterback with upside as high as the QB1 overall like he was between weeks 10-16 during the 2015 regular season. After those Newton and Wilson, the running quarterbacks become more of a question mark.

Taylor is undeniably dynamic, but he missed two games last season and the health of Sammy Watkins is certainly a big issue for Taylor and his fantasy value. Alex Smith could again eclipse 400 rushing yards, which does raise his weekly floor some, but I don't expect him to push past 500 at 32 years old. With new Head Coach Chip Kelly, Colin Kaepernick would definitely be a threat to top 500 rushing yards, but he is currently in a camp battle with Blaine Gabbert. If Andrew Luck recovers from his injury-riddled 2015 season, he has shown the ability to pick up points on the ground throughout his career. While it may be rare the Colts design a run for Luck, the team will pass enough that he will have opportunities to pick up 1sts downs on the ground. Marcus Mariota is another intriguing running quarterback option, however, he also faced injuries during his rookie campaign, so it wouldn't surprise if the Titans focus on his development as a passer, as well as his young weapons in Dorial Green-Beckham and Tajae Sharpe.

The one clear downside of drafting a running quarterback is the threat of injury looms large and could limit opportunities for Taylor, Luck (who missed nine games last season) and Mariota on the ground. Newton (big, durable body) and Wilson (adept at avoiding contact) appear to be the outliers at the position.

So which quarterback will surpass that 500 yard rushing mark in 2016? I say, if healthy, Newton and Wilson are locks to hit that number. I also think Taylor surpassing 500 rushing yards is likely, with Mariota falling just short of the mark in his sophomore season.

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF