In the realm of fantasy football, the 2025 season was a testament to the power of late-round quarterback (QB) strategy. The likes of Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye, drafted in the mid-to-late rounds, not only dominated the field but also the MVP voting, with Stafford finishing 1st and Maye 2nd. This success translated directly into fantasy football, with both players finishing in the top three for QB scoring. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between these late-round picks and the early-round selections that often dominate fantasy discussions. Historically, the top-10 quarterbacks have been the ones to watch, but the 2025 season defied this trend, with four quarterbacks drafted outside the top 10 finishing in the top five in PPR scoring. This raises a deeper question: Is the traditional approach to drafting quarterbacks outdated? From my perspective, the 2025 season was a wake-up call, highlighting the potential of late-round QBs to provide QB1 value. This is not a one-off occurrence; in fact, over the past 10 years, at least half of the quarterbacks who provided QB1 production were drafted in backup QB territory or lower. This trend is further supported by the success of young quarterbacks in new offensive systems, such as Maye and Williams, who took significant steps forward in their second seasons. What many people don't realize is that the success of these late-round QBs is not just a fluke. It's a result of a combination of factors, including the development of young quarterbacks, the impact of new offensive coordinators, and the ability of these players to outperform their preseason ADP. In my opinion, this trend will continue in 2026, with quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Tyler Shough, and Jaxson Dart offering great value in the mid-to-late rounds. These players, along with others like Kyler Murray, have the potential to provide QB1 value, even if they are not drafted in the early rounds. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of identifying QB2s with the most potential. In PPR leagues, where running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends score closer to quarterbacks, the value of late-round QBs becomes even more apparent. Additionally, in leagues with 12 or more teams, depth can make a major difference, further emphasizing the importance of late-round QB strategy. What this really suggests is that fantasy managers should consider drafting a QB2 with QB1 potential, even if it means passing on a high-end quarterback in the early rounds. This strategy allows managers to focus on finding surplus value at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, while still having the potential for high trade value or the luxury of injury insurance. In conclusion, the 2025 fantasy season was a reminder that anarchy can reign at the quarterback position, but it was also a testament to the power of late-round strategy. By identifying QB2s with the most potential and focusing on finding surplus value at other positions, fantasy managers can increase their chances of winning a championship. Personally, I think this trend will continue in 2026, and I'm excited to see which quarterbacks will rise to the top in the mid-to-late rounds.
