Fantasy football championships are not won solely in the early rounds by drafting the big names everyone knows. True league winners separate themselves by spotting those hidden gems, the players drafted beyond their expected opportunity whose actual chances and upside are screaming at you. We’re not talking about completely unknown players here, because let’s be real, finding a true “hidden gem” in today’s fantasy world is nearly impossible. Instead, we’re targeting guys whose current draft price just doesn’t reflect the massive potential role they could command.
Don’t Sleep on These QBs, Seriously
When you’re digging for a quarterback in those later rounds, there’s a killer strategy that consistently pays off: focus on guys who can rack up fantasy points with their legs. Yeah, drafters are getting smarter about rushing QBs, but some still slip through the cracks. Take Malik Willis for the Dolphins. In his six career starts, this dude averages about 45 rushing yards per game and has already punched in four rushing touchdowns. Project that over a full 17-game season, and you’re looking at roughly 760 rushing yards. And get this: SI notes that since 1972, over 70% of quarterbacks who hit at least 700 rushing yards have ended up as top-10 fantasy quarterbacks. None of them, and I mean *none*, fell below QB15. That’s a no-brainer late-round pick right there, offering tremendous upside and a super safe floor at the same time.
Then there’s Tyler Shough with the Saints. I’m picking him not because he’s a safe bet, but because his current draft price is wildly underestimating his potential role. As a rookie, he showed some useful rushing ability and performed on a per-game basis. Now, heading into Year 2 in Kellen Moore’s offense, he’s got an improved supporting cast around him. Kellen Moore’s offenses are known for creating tons of opportunities for quarterbacks, and Shough doesn’t need to suddenly become an elite passer to be fantasy relevant. If he can just sling for 3,800-plus yards, hit the mid-20s in touchdowns, and keep contributing meaningful rushing production, suddenly you’re staring at a QB who absolutely belongs in the QB1 conversation.
J.K. Dobbins: Risk, Reward, and RB24 Potential
Alright, let’s talk about J.K. Dobbins of the Broncos. I wouldn’t blame any fantasy manager for being wary. When his name comes up, the first thing that probably flashes in your mind is that brutal injury history, which is definitely enough to make you steer clear of the 27-year-old back. But here’s the kicker, and I’m putting it simply: when he plays, he isn’t just good, he’s incredibly efficient. He’s got R.J. Harvey, who had a strong rookie debut, and Jonah Coleman, a draft pick, in the backfield with him. No offense to those guys, but if the Broncos were fully confident in them, they wouldn’t have brought Dobbins back. Before his injury, over 10 games, Dobbins was the RB24 in fantasy points per game. You can draft him as the RB34 right now, and he’ll likely be available even later in most home leagues. If you’re still not sold, I get it. But let me drop one more stat for you: since 2000, only three RBs have averaged more yard…
The fantasy draft is where championships are made, not just won. These are the kinds of late-round plays that can shift your entire season. Keep an eye on Willis, Shough, and Dobbins as you build out your roster; grabbing even one of them could be the move that puts you over the top.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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