Three weeks into the season, and it’s already clear: if you aren’t rethinking your fantasy quarterback strategy right now, you are probably going to get left behind. We are way past those summer drafts, folks. Everything we’ve seen on the field to this point is just one big audition tape, showing us where the real talent is headed, not where it’s been. It is time to shuffle up those rankings and get real about who is worth what.
The Big Guns Are Still Rolling, But Check Out Purdy’s Numbers!
Look, some guys are just built different. Josh Allen, for example, is still a fantasy cheat code. He is making a serious case for being a justified early pick after all, pulling off QB1 or QB2 numbers for a ridiculous six straight seasons. His goal-line runs are pure gold, and with DJ Moore crushing it, Dalton Kincaid ascending, and Joe Brady dialing up plays, Allen’s off to his best passing start ever, clocking in with a sweet 9.1 yards per attempt and 14.0 yards per completion. Yeah, he is worth that $26 price tag.
But then there’s Brock Purdy, and honestly, the guy has been too good to be true through these first three weeks. A 133.1 rating? Just one pick? Zero sacks? And a juicy 9.5 YPA? Come on! He’s even got value as a runner, too. Sure, the schedule does not look great, but Purdy can absolutely beat that slate with his decision-making, crazy accuracy, athleticism, and Kyle Shanahan’s creative schemes. It would be awesome if the Niners could snag another receiver though, because that room has been hit with injuries, and Mike Evans is a risky bet to stay healthy all year. Still, I’d follow Purdy into a burning building, that’s how much I trust him.
The Rise of Shough and Goff’s Pinball Party
Now, let’s talk about the legitimate building blocks. Guys like Patrick Mahomes ($17), Joe Burrow ($17), Jalen Hurts ($16), and Dak Prescott ($15) are solid, but you gotta hear about Tyler Shough ($15). This dude was a fantasy hero last December, and that fire has absolutely carried over into this fresh season. He’s been QB6, QB8, and QB6 this year! The setup for him is just perfect: impact receivers, a run game that’s a bit spotty, a leaky defense keeping games close, a sharp play-caller, and an indoor-heavy schedule. Plus, Shough can sneak in 300-400 rushing yards himself. Imagine if the Saints actually get something out of Jordyn Tyson in the second half. Shough has earned every bit of that Circle of Trust status.
And then there’s Jared Goff ($15). He doesn’t do anything with his legs, but everything else is there. We’re talking a dreamy schedule, a bunch of indoor games, and a slew of talented teammates making plays. The Detroit defense is also giving it away weekly, especially with their secondary down multiple starters since the spring. That means pinball football, baby! Goff gives you both a high floor and a crazy ceiling every single week.
Drake Maye’s Freefall Is Becoming a Problem
Okay, time to talk about the guys who are making us sweat. Matthew Stafford ($13), Drake Maye ($13), Bo Nix ($12), Jordan Love ($11), Bryce Young ($10), and Justin Herbert ($10) are all sitting in that “talk them up, talk them down” tier. But Drake Maye? His shocking slump to open the year is partially explained by the A.J. Brown injury, and the Patriots probably messed up by giving away Kayshon Boutte before the year even started. But let’s be real, there’s more at play here. Maye has struggled big time with pocket movement and decision-making, leading to a slew of sacks and turnovers. He’s been less proactive running this year, and OC Josh McDaniels hasn’t exactly been creative with answers.
It’s frustrating to bench Maye after what you paid for him in August, but it is possible you’ve ended up with a decent backup who is now your unexpected starter. We desperately need a “prove-it” game from Maye before he comes off the restricted list, and honestly, that comeback might not even happen until Brown is ready to truly contribute again.
So, if you’re looking at your roster or eyeing the waiver wire, keep Maye’s situation firmly in mind. These tiers are not static, and the talent clusters are shifting fast. What are you going to do to stay ahead?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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