Every year in fantasy football, new quarterbacks have the potential to outperform their average draft position and become elite. Last year we saw Geno Smith, undrafted in many fantasy football leagues, finish as the QB9. Then there was Jared Goff, who had an ADP of QB26 and finished QB13. Give or take a few spots, depending on your scoring of course. Either way, quarterbacks have intangibles like passing and rushing, but only a few become genuinely elite. This year let’s take a look at three quarterbacks that should take the leap and become elite fantasy football options in 2023.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Current ADP 231, QB16

2023 Consistency Score Ranking: QB6

2023 Projections

Passing:

• 3,846 Yards
• 22 Touchdowns 
• 6 Interceptions

Rushing:

• 850 Rushing Yards
• 9 Rushing Touchdowns 

Last season we saw Daniel Jones take a giant leap and become fantasy relevant. Jones finished the season with 3,205 passing yards and threw 15 touchdowns with only five interceptions. What is eye-opening here is the fact Jones rushed the ball for 708 yards and crossed the goal line with seven touchdowns. Jones has also increased his completion percentage each year over the past four years. 

With the addition of rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and the emergence of Isaiah Hodgins and Wa’Dale Robinson, returning from a season-ending injury last year, the Giants and Jones have a lot of young weapons in that young receiver’s room. However, the Giant’s offensive line is currently ranked 29th in the NFL. In addition, there are still some holes on the offensive line, which caused Jones to scramble more last year than in previous years. The Giants ranked fifth in the NFL in giving up sacks. They were right behind the Chicago Bears. If the offensive line can not block, these quarterbacks must use their legs. 

Jones finished last season as the QB5 after having an ADP of QB17. Averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game last year, Jones could easily beat that number in 2023. If Jones can keep this consistent rise year after year, along with the rushing yards and touchdowns, then Jones will be on his way to becoming an elite fantasy quarterback. Do not sleep on Jones this season, personally. He has grown and matured at the quarterback position and will continue to rise in 2023. 

Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

Current ADP 56.1, QB5

2023 Consistency Score Ranking: QB69

2023 Projections

Passing:

• 3,100 Yards
• 22 Touchdowns
• 10 Interceptions 

Rushing:

1,372 Rushing Yards

10 Rushing Touchdowns

One of my favorite quarterbacks last year. Justin Fields finally has a feel for the game in the NFL. Fields’ rookie season was a bit disappointing, but patience may have finally paid off for Bear fans and dynasty fantasy football league managers. 

Last season, Fields improved his completion percentage going from 58.9% to 60.4% the year before. Fields also improved his passing touchdowns from seven in 2021 to 17 in 2022. However, one stat that really moved Fields up the rankings in fantasy football was his rushing yards. Additionally, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards and scored eight touchdowns. This will continue to separate him from the rest of the quarterbacks in the league and cement him in the fantasy elite of quarterbacks. But, again, consistency, like Jones, will be essential for Fields. 

Let’s remember the Bears added DJ Moore when they traded the number one overall pick in this past year’s draft. This gives Fields a bonafide number-one wide receiver, along with Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney. Not to mention, tight end Cole Kmet. 

Bears offensive line is currently ranked 14th in the NFL. This unit is excellent against the run but needs help against the pass rush. This is also why Fields is rushing more out of the pocket and gaining extra yards on the ground. If Chicago can improve against the pass this year, Fields will have more time behind the line to elevate his passing yards and touchdown numbers. The rushing yard will likely be there again in 2023 after ranking fourth in the NFL, giving up sacks. More scrambling equals more rushing yards. 

If Fields can pick up from where he left off last season, there is no reason he won’t finish as a top-five fantasy football QB again. Fields and fantasy football should be taken seriously in 2023, as the Bears will only improve. The next QB to join the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen should be Justin Fields if he stays consistent in 2023. 

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Current ADP 278, QB27

2023 Projections

Passing:

• 3,060 Yards
• 20 Touchdowns
• 10 Interceptions

Rushing:

• 785 Rushing Yards
• 10 Rushing Touchdowns

The darling of dynasty quarterbacks in this year’s rookie drafts. Anthony Richardson is the most intriguing quarterback to come out of the draft this year. Richardson’s NFL Combine numbers blew NFL general managers and head coaches away and quickly skyrocketed his draft stock. 

This season Richardson should be an elite quarterback in fantasy football. Yes, I said it. The Colts have some weapons with running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman should help elevate Richardson’s game as a rookie. However, Colt’s offensive line is ranked 24th overall in the NFL. Last season they were horrible against the pass. They were ranked second in the NFL for giving up the most sacks in 2022. Richardson will have to use those legs in 2023, which will only increase his rushing yards. 

In his last season in Florida, Richardson threw for 2,549 yards and tossed 17 touchdowns. Again just like the other quarterbacks listed above, Richardson ran the ball well with 654 rushing yards and tacked on nine rushing touchdowns. The biggest knock on Richardson is his accuracy. Additionally, his completion percentage was 53.8%. However, if Indy can get him settled in and focused on accuracy, Richardson could become the new Lamar Jackson. Regarding this year’s rookie quarterbacks, Richardson has the most fantasy football upside.

So there they are. Three quarterbacks that could become elite fantasy football options in 2023. Sprinkled in with some rushing yards, consistency will keep Jones, Fields, and Richardson in the picture for elite quarterbacks in 2023. I hope this helps you all win a fantasy football championship. 

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