With the calendar now reaching late July and training camps around the NFL preparing to open it means one thing; Fantasy Football season is upon us. Managers are preparing their draft boards and gearing up to put together the best teams possible to take down leagues against their friends, family and co-workers.
One of the positions that have helped transform Fantasy Football in recent years is quarterback. With the introduction of Superflex and 2QB leagues, the most important position on the field for NFL teams has also become that, in some regards, for managers as well.
But, not every quarterback will present a Fantasy Football manager with good value. While there are some ready to ascend the rankings in 2023, just as many could start slipping down the rankings.
Who could those players be? Here are three quarterbacks that are set to face regression in 2023 in the world of Fantasy Football.
3. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
The New York Jets made a huge splash this offseason when they acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. He is a big upgrade over what the team was receiving from the quarterback position the last few seasons from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White.
However, his impact will likely be felt by them more than it will be for Fantasy Football managers. After winning back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, Rodgers saw a major regression in his production in 2022.
Losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling definitely played a part in that, as did nagging injuries. But, going on 40 years old in December, can we expect him to turn the clock back that much, especially with a new team?
Rodgers is reportedly reinvigorated by being with the Jets and is the happiest he has been in a long time. But, for Fantasy Football managers, there are higher-upside players at the position worth taking a shot at.
2. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
The 2022 season was an utter disaster for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. His offseason elbow procedure kept him from practicing with his teammates or even throwing a ball for months and it set everything back. It led to him having arguably the least productive season of his career and there aren’t many signals pointing to him turning it around in 2023.
The Rams, while they don’t want to admit it, are in a rebuild. After years of trading away draft capital to make a run at a Super Bowl, which they did succeed in winning, they are now feeling the effects of their decisions.
The Rams could be losing a lot again this season, which could lead to some boom games for Stafford as he throws to keep the team in the game. But overall, Stafford is someone that you should let the other managers in your Fantasy Football league stress over.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa being picked No. 1 here isn’t an indictment against his skill set. He proved during the 2022 season that he can put up big numbers when surrounded by elite talent, which he has in wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
But, some of that success was a bit fluky as big plays reigned supreme in Miami. Projecting those big plays to occur again is risky. While Hill and Waddle will certainly have their explosive moments, it could lead to a bit of a regression for Tagovailoa in 2023.
Also, the team’s game plan should be adjusted by head coach Mike McDaniel. Given the scary documented head injuries that Tagovailoa suffered last season, this team should be relying more on the running game in 2023. With improvements defensively, they should have Super Bowl aspirations, which they can only achieve with Tagovailoa healthy and under center.
While this offense will provide plenty of value to Fantasy Football managers throughout the season, a slight regression to the mean could very well occur. Tagovailoa is a viable Fantasy Football option, but will probably be closer to 15th than top-10.
