Using PlayerProfiler‘s advanced stats, metrics, and analytics – and fantasy QB rankings, we’ve unearthed a few QBs projected for a tier jump next season. Check out the RB edition, WR edition and TE edition as well.
Justin Herbert
Prior to last season, Justin Herbert finished as fantasy football’s QB2 on a per-game basis and QB7, respectively, the past two seasons. Enter newly-hired OC Kellen Moore. He guided Dak Prescott to 38.8 (No. 13), 39.9 (No. 4), 38.1 (No. 4) and 32.8 (No. 19) team pass plays per game, respectively, in four seasons in Dallas. Backed by four straight top four Pace Of Play finishes, as well, Prescott’s opportunity parlayed into a QB3 finish (21.7 Fantasy Points Per Game) in 2019. 27.9 Fantasy Points Per Game in five games in ’20.
A QB9 finish (20.7 points PPG) in ’21 and a QB13 finish (17.8 PPG) last season. If anything, Herbert is a bet to reenter the top 12 at the position in fantasy. After totaling 17.1 (No. 15) fantasy points per game last season. Backed by Hebert’s 18.67 (No. 8) Expected Fantasy Points Per Game clip. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are presumably healthy entering next season as well. While there’s a chance, if Austin Ekeler departs, at more touchdown passes. Ekeler potentially vacates the sixth-most green zone carries. The opportunity parlayed into 10 touchdowns.
Therefore, there is value in targeting Justin Herbert in both Dynasty and Re-Draft leagues. Not only is Herbert a value, but all those players tied to him provide fantasy gamers with some sneaky value. Especially considering many of these players are older, some Dynasty gamers may be looking to trade them away for a reasonable price.
Action: Target Hebert as mid-to-late round QB with top five upside.
Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder is jumping tiers based on sheer volume. Like with Jonnu Smith, this blurb can be wiped away with one transaction by the Atlanta Falcons. Ridder, though, totaled 708 yards and a 2:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in four starts last season. Saving his best for last, Ridder totaled 15.9 fantasy points per game (No. 11) in the season finale.
The Falcons added the aforementioned Smith and Mack Hollins in the new league year thus far. If there’s not a QB the team likes at No. 8 in the NFL draft, it benefits Ridder twofold. Obviously, it strengthens the chance of him starting. But it strengthens the chance of the Falcons drafting a WR in the second and/or third round to help him. Ridder totaled a 16.15 (No. 20) Expected Fantasy Points Per Game clip as well.
Additionally, Ridder’s weapons with the additions of Jonnu Smith and Mack Hollins to go along with Drake London and Kyle Pitts are arguably the best corps of skill players no one is currently talking about. There is some optimism when looking at Ridder’s profile. His best comparable player on PlayerProfiler is Alex Smith, and this feels right. He has some mobility and will likely be able to buy time in the pocket to allow those skill players time to get open. This combined with Atlanta’s running game should make for a good combination entering the 2023 NFL season.
Action: Ridder is a 2QB/Super Flex league target with upside.
