As we approach the 2025 fantasy football season, everything from the offseason has culminated in this moment. With the 2025 Draft Kit as a guiding light for navigating the complexities of fantasy football, many of you are eager to discover my personal draft strategies for the summer. This week is dedicated to sharing how I plan to tackle fantasy football drafts in 2025, beginning with the all-important quarterback position. I will continue to update this guide throughout the offseason to reflect any significant developments that could affect draft strategies.
Before diving into specific player targets, it's crucial to lay the foundation for our quarterback strategy this season. We currently have a distinct top tier of four quarterbacks: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels. These players excel in both rushing and passing, providing the high floor and ceiling that fantasy managers crave. While I typically avoid spending high draft capital on quarterbacks, when I do, it's on players who are dual threats on the ground and through the air.
This year presents a unique challenge, as the pool of dual-threat quarterbacks is limited, reducing the number of viable arbitrage options. For instance, while Kyler Murray remains a back-end QB1 choice, he hasn't yet proven to be a reliable fantasy asset. Similarly, Justin Fields offers rushing potential but has a questionable passing floor, making him less appealing as a top-tier option.
When considering when to draft a quarterback, it's essential to assess your league's tendencies. If your league tends to wait on quarterbacks, adapt your strategy accordingly. Based on extensive draft data, the top tier of quarterbacks often overlaps with the WR2 and RB2 picks. Thus, selecting a premier quarterback can add significant points to your roster while mitigating risk.
I recommend considering a top quarterback in the third round once the running back and wide receiver tiers start to level off. The ideal scenario is to secure the fourth quarterback in that tier, ideally Jalen Hurts in Round 4 or later. Hurts is a prime target, especially since he often gets drafted after Daniels and sometimes even Joe Burrow, making him a valuable pick.
Should you miss out on the top-tier quarterbacks, there is a wealth of options in the QB5 to QB20 range. I believe this tier lacks significant separation, making it a prime opportunity to wait on quarterback selection. Drafting players like Baker Mayfield or Bo Nix at higher costs may not be worth it, especially when the depth at this position is considerable.
If you decide to adopt a late-round quarterback strategy, keep an eye on Drake Maye, who has been generating buzz throughout the summer. Additionally, consider drafting Kyler Murray, Brock Purdy, or Dak Prescott if they fall to you later in the draft. This approach allows you to build a balanced roster while securing value at the quarterback position.
In Superflex and 2QB leagues, the approach shifts slightly. It is vital to be aggressive in securing top-tier quarterbacks. If you can grab two QB1 options early, do it. However, if you're picking at the front of the draft, you may find that top-tier quarterbacks will be gone by the time the second round approaches.
In these formats, prioritize acquiring elite skill position players while allowing for a diverse quarterback pool later in the draft. Remember, in 2QB leagues, quarterbacks are a form of currency—players like Geno Smith and Aaron Rodgers can hold significant value even as backups.
While many principles from snake drafts apply to auctions, I adopt a less risk-averse approach in auction formats. I focus on securing front-end quarterbacks without forcing a pick. In auctions, I can navigate the pricing of Tier 1 quarterbacks while still pursuing high-caliber running backs or wide receivers.
When considering keeper targets, especially in 2QB formats, prioritize players like Drake Maye, who show potential for long-term value. Given the depth of the quarterback position this season, there are opportunities to find hidden gems that can serve your roster for the future.
As you prepare for your fantasy football drafts in 2025, keep these strategies in mind:
Consider targeting top-tier dual-threat quarterbacks early in the draft. Monitor your league's drafting tendencies to inform your strategy. If you miss the top tier, wait and capitalize on the depth of the quarterback position. In Superflex leagues, prioritize getting multiple QB1 options while securing skill position players. In auctions, remain flexible with your bidding strategy while targeting elite quarterbacks.With this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-prepared to tackle your drafts and maximize your chances for success in the upcoming fantasy football season.