It’s hard to go wrong with bonafide dual threat quarterbacks Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts. When looking past Patrick Mahomes, it can be argued these two are right at the top for fantasy quarterbacks.
Both quarterbacks seem to have something to prove. Jackson with a new-look offense and Hurts just coming short of a Super Bowl win. Who makes the most sense from a fantasy perspective for an entire season?
Lamar Jackson vs Jalen Hurts: Who Should You Draft?
https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1691585561876947064
Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts Are Leading Playoff Contenders
It’s no question that the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles are among the top teams in the NFL. The expected push for a strong playoff position puts Jackson and Hurts in line for another elite season.
Hurts arguably surrounds himself with the best all-around team in the NFL. However, the Eagles coaching staff took a major change losing both their offensive and defensive coordinator after the Super Bowl. Despite the losses, it’s no question Hurts was one of the most reliable fantasy quarterbacks. Hurts finished third highest among quarterbacks in standard PPR leagues.
Jackson has had to carry the Ravens with one of the weakest wide receiver cores in the NFL. On top of that, Jackson has struggled to remain on the field. Jackson finished as QB14 in 2022 after missing the final five regular season games.
Now entering his sixth season, Jackson gets to be a part of a revived Ravens offense under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. On top of that, the Ravens have the best pass-catching core since Jackson arrived in Baltimore, led by Odell Beckham Jr., Mark Andrews, and Zay Flowers.
My SportsCenter segment this afternoon on Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. pic.twitter.com/62trqakN2R
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 15, 2023
How To Compare The Young Superstars
Both Jackson and Hurts are expected to be top fantasy picks, so what exactly is there to look for? Last season, Hurts finished with 426.04 points (28.4 points per game)
During Jackson’s unanimous MVP season, Jackson finished as the No. 1 quarterback with 467.68 points (31.2 per game). It’s been a long time since Jackson has played at this consistent caliber all season long, but it’s been done.
Jackson and Hurts both signed record-breaking contracts during the offseason. The only goal for them both is to now win a Super Bowl.
The Eagles are prepared to play a first-place schedule. They are currently projected to have the sixth toughest schedule. The Ravens will be playing a second-place schedule and sit at the 21st hardest strength of schedule.
Most notably, the Eagles have one of the toughest fantasy schedules to close out the season. From Week 11 on, they play the Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Giants twice. The only saving grace is the Eagles play the Cardinals in Week 17, a week for many league championships.
The Ravens tough schedule starts right at the beginning of the season. After Week 5, the Ravens will have completed three divisional matchups. More importantly, the Ravens fantasy playoff schedule does not seem forgiving. The Ravens will have to face the Jaguars, 49ers and Dolphins.
https://twitter.com/NFLFilms/status/1688723079818817536
The Final Verdict
Both of these guys have the potential to send fantasy owners to the championship. However, something to keep an eye on is the Eagles Super Bowl hangover and change of personnel. Teams may have locked in on the Eagles, while Jackson and Ravens are Super Bowl or bust. With new weapons and a new offensive coordinator, a huge year is ahead for Jackson.
Jackson’s injury is now in the past and his new contract provides enough incentive to play all season long. As always, Jackson propels the Ravens to be legit playoff contenders. Hurts had a great year, but can he pull it off again? Many will believe he can, but the same can be argued that Jackson has the bigger chip on his shoulder.
Main Photo: Brent Skeen – USA Today Sports
