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Three fantasy football quarterback values and sleepers to target in the middle rounds of 2024 drafts. Can these QBs surpass their ADP expectations?
We're hitting August in style with tons of 2024 fantasy football draft preparation, including several options for those unsure how or when to attack the quarterback position. We used to take QBs early before shifting to a dominant philosophy of waiting until the late rounds for a signal-caller, but why focus on the extremes? As you'll see, there are some enticing mid-round options to plan around as the draft unfolds.
This article will present three mid-round quarterback sleepers for you to consider drafting this season. Our editors have hand-picked these specific NFL players for your draft prep enjoyment. Normally only available to Premium subscribers, the outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2024 Draft Kit.
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Kyler Murray, Cardinals - Fantasy Football Outlook
Kyler Murray enduring a down year in 2023 made sense. His recovery from a torn ACL late in the 2022 season bled over into his most recent campaign, keeping the former first-overall pick on the sidelines until Week 10. Although there was nothing particularly pretty about his play once he returned (two games with more than one passing touchdown), Murray was still a QB1 (9th) in the games that he played.
What Kyler Murray had to deal with last year:
- No true WR1
- 1st Year HC
- Terrible OL
- Fresh off the ACLAnd all he did was finish as a Top 10 QB in PPG in the limited time he did touch the field.
We are all too low on Murray heading into 2024, I fear… 🚀 pic.twitter.com/BmZBfisLkX
— Joe Volpe (@The_FFAnalyst) August 8, 2024
As is the case with any other quarterback, rushing production is a cheat code. Murray's 30.5 yards-per-game rushing average was essentially on par with Josh Allen, but that was also the second-lowest mark of Murray's five-year career. A career-low 5.5 carries per game contributed to that number. Flashback to 2022 and Murray was the QB6 and on pace for 679 rushing yards through Week 9.
He was at his best when he had an alpha wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins to connect with. Marvin Harrison Jr. enters the league with similar hype to Hopkins, plus Trey McBride is one of the league's best receiving tight ends. The Arizona offense should improve in 2024, with Murray returning to pre-injury form. For those fantasy managers who prefer to wait to select a quarterback, Murray will be a popular mid-round candidate with a composite ADP of 84.
-Andrew Ball, RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels, Commanders - Fantasy Football Outlook
There have been mixed reviews on QB Jayden Daniels' 2024 outlook after going No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Washington Commanders, but the rookie is primed to make waves right away. Kliff Kingsbury was brought in as the team's OC and his offenses have typically been up-tempo while featuring a strong RPO element.
Since 2014, there have been 6 QBs who started at least 16 games in their first 2 years in the NFL and who rushed for 1,000+ yards in a college season. They averaged 20.1 fantasy points per game while finishing as a QB1 or better in 63.5% of the fantasy weeks they started.
After passing for 3,811 yards and rushing for 1,250 more while combining for 50 total TDs during his final college season in Baton Rouge, it's hard not to feel optimistic about Daniels’ fantasy value even as a rookie due to his solid rushing floor. He should be best viewed as a low-end QB1 with upside for 2024 at an average ADP of 118.
Jayden Daniels is about to do what we hoped Trey Lance could do in his rookie year for fantasy football.
Sign me up for that 10th round ADP- all day, everyday. 🤝💰
— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) July 29, 2024
-Kyle Lindemann, RotoBaller
Caleb Williams, Bears - Fantasy Football Outlook
Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft to lead the offense for years to come following the trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh. The Bears' new franchise QB steps into an upgraded offense, with Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift joining DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. Chicago also spent the ninth overall pick on Rome Odunze.
Williams blossomed after following Lincoln Riley to USC as a sophomore, throwing for over 4,500 yards with 42 touchdowns. Lesser numbers as a junior were still bumped by highlight-reel plays that flashed his upside. The arm talent and ability to create from broken plays are real, with plus mobility able to extend the play. His legs led to 27 total rushing TDs in three years of college ball.
This is what sets Caleb Williams apart from the others😮@CALEBcsw can extend plays via the run and/or his ability to pass on the run and off platform.
Check out this over the head hook pass for an 8 yard gain. Very Patrick Mahomes like 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/tvT84FM9sU
— Trojan Football ✌️fan (@TrojanFBx) February 13, 2024
While the long-term upside is clear, rookies will have volatility baked into their fantasy projection. Therefore, it's difficult to automatically place him within the top-12 QB list for redraft leagues, given 2024's player pool. He'll open as a bench stash/streamer in most 12-teamers that start one QB with an average August ADP of 115 (No. 14 QB), while those in Dynasty/2QB/Superflex leagues must be more aggressive. But he could spike in a big way with his background and supporting cast.
-Nick Mariano, RotoBaller
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