The Value of Waiting on Quarterbacks in Fantasy Football

In the world of fantasy football, quarterbacks hold a different weight than in the NFL. While real-life teams may rely heavily on elite signal-callers, fantasy formats generally offer just a single starting quarterback position, making it less critical to draft a top-tier QB early in the draft. Instead, fantasy managers often focus on building strength in their running back and wide receiver slots, typically waiting until late in the second or early third round to consider a quarterback.

If you find yourself missing out on marquee names like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, don't worry. There are still plenty of viable options available later in your draft. Here’s a look at five late-round quarterbacks worth targeting in the 2025 fantasy football draft.

1. Dak Prescott - QB12 / No. 103 Overall

Dak Prescott is shaping up to be one of the best value picks this season. Despite questions surrounding the Cowboys under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott’s past performance speaks volumes—he has never finished below QB11 in any healthy season. Although his 2024 season was marred by injury, returning to the QB3 ranking in 2023 indicates he can still produce big numbers. With new weapon George Pickens joining the squad and a likely pass-heavy offense, Prescott is a solid pick with top-10 upside.

2. Justin Fields - QB13 / No. 116 Overall

As the Jets embark on a new era with Justin Fields, expectations are high for his return as a fantasy starter. Known for his rushing ability, Fields set the single-game rushing record for quarterbacks and averaged over 50 rushing yards per game throughout his career. Despite a couple of rocky seasons, his performance in 2024 displayed marked improvements. With the Jets’ commitment and a chance to thrive, Fields could revert to his previous form and become one of the most sought-after late-round quarterbacks.

3. Drake Maye - QB16 / No. 125 Overall

The New England Patriots may have finally found their successor to Tom Brady in rookie Drake Maye. After a promising start to his career, Maye’s solid progression during a challenging 2024 season puts him on the radar for a breakout in 2025. Now partnered with Stefon Diggs and boosted by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, Maye has everything he needs to succeed. With an easier schedule and a returning Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, fantasy managers should be optimistic about his potential.

4. JJ McCarthy - QB19 / No. 133 Overall

After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, JJ McCarthy is ready to take the reins of the Vikings’ offense. O’Connell’s history shows that Vikings quarterbacks can succeed, with both Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold achieving top-10 finishes under his guidance. With a supportive offensive line and talented pass-catchers like Justin Jefferson, the stage is set for McCarthy to shine as he makes his debut. He’s a great late-round option who could quickly become a waiver-wire darling.

5. Michael Penix Jr. - QB24 / No. 160 Overall

The Falcons showcased Michael Penix Jr. late in the 2024 season, and the results were promising enough to make him the starting quarterback in 2025. After demonstrating impressive potential in crucial moments, Penix could be poised for a breakout year surrounded by offensive talent. With elite receivers and a solid running game, the Washington product could easily outperform his current ranking and provide great value for those who select him late in the draft.

As fantasy managers finalize their strategies for the upcoming season, considering these late-round quarterback picks could maximize your roster's overall strength, allowing for better performance in key positions throughout the season.