MATTHEW STAFFORD
Stafford's first season in Los Angeles resulted in a Lombardi Trophy and he was rewarded with an offseason contract extension. It also resulted in the sixth-most fantasy points at the position, as Stafford finished no lower than eighth in pass attempts, completions, yards, TDs and yards per attempt. There's some survival bias baked into Stafford's sixth-place finish -- he was 11th in fantasy PPG -- and it can't be ignored that he's a nonfactor as a rusher (his last rushing TD came in 2016). That said, Stafford operates in Sean McVay's pass-heavy scheme and has a good supporting cast led by Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson II. Stafford has had an elbow issue, but they seem to have that under control now.
In a recent draft of mine Stafford went in the 15th round. If you choose to wait on the QB position until the later rounds Stafford could be a perfect fit for you. If you draft either Kupp or Robinson II Stafford would make a great late round QB1.
Fantasy Spin: Stafford had great draft value with top 10 QB1 upside.
DEREK CARR
Carr posted career-high marks in pass attempts, completions and yards last season, finishing top five in all three categories. And yet he still failed to post his first ever top-10 fantasy campaign. The primary culprit: A lack of rushing production. Carr has never cleared 140 rush yards in a single season and has six rushing TDs in eight campaigns. That will continue to limit Carr's fantasy output, but the good news is that he enters 2022 with the best supporting cast of his career after Las Vegas acquired Davante Adams as a running mate for Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs.
Carr now has all the components in place to finally be a top10 fantasy QB1. His touchdown production should increase incredibly and Josh McDaniels scheme should really help with that improvement.
Iv'e seen Carr drafted in the 15th round or not drafted at all.
Fantasy Spin: Carr should be considered a high end QB2 with Top 10 QB1 upside and a great late round value.
RUSSELL WILSON
Wilson was traded to Denver after 10 seasons in Seattle. The move comes after a down fantasy year for Wilson, as a three-game injury absence ended a streak of eight straight top-10 fantasy campaigns. Wilson still played pretty well when active, though, finishing as a top-10 fantasy QB in 50% of his appearances (ninth highest). Wilson's rushing output was way down last season (career-low 43 carries and 183 yards), but he brings an aggressive game to Denver, having finished no lower than seventh in average depth of throw four of the last five seasons. Wilson is still in his prime at age 33 and he has a pretty good supporting cast led by Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Javonte Williams.
In a recent draft of mine Wilson was drafted in the 12th round.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson is still a QB1 and is an excellent late round pick with great draft value. He's a fine mid-range QB1 target.
KIRK COUSINS
Cousins has proven to be the ultimate QB2 in recent years, having failed to post a top-10 fantasy campaign since 2017, but having also delivered six top-12 campaigns over the last seven seasons. Cousins does his damage with his arm, having finished no lower than ninth in passing TDs each of the last five seasons. He's also been top 10 in passing yards six of the last seven seasons. The Minnesota offense will look different with new coach Kevin O'Connell calling the shots, but that may actually lead to more passing volume for Cousins. The 34-year-old doesn't offer much with his legs (career high of 179 rush yards), but he's been playing at a high level for years and has Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook in his arsenal. Cousins is a strong QB2.
Recently Cousins is either not drafted or drafted in rounds 15-16. With Kevin O'Connell's offense look for Cousins to excel and finally break into the top 10.
Fantasy Spin: Cousins is a great late round value pick with tremendous upside and perfect for bye weeks or as a low end QB1 if you choose to wait until the very late rounds for a QB.
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