Late-Round QBs to Target in Dynasty and Redraft

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, it’s time to start preparing for fantasy football drafts, either redraft or dynasty formats. With superflex leagues gaining popularity, finding a late-round quarterback who can reliably contribute becomes increasingly important. Every year, players like Sam Howell, Geno Smith or Jared Goff emerge as unexpected fantasy studs, playing key roles in championship-winning teams.

Below, let’s delve into a few players worth targeting in the late rounds of your drafts for both dynasty and redraft formats.

Late-Round Redraft Quarterback Targets

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield’s current ADP of QB22 (per FantasyPros) seems surprisingly low considering his impressive performance in 2023. He threw for 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, both career highs, resulting in his best fantasy finish to date, QB10 with 284.1 points. One significant factor in this ADP movement for Mayfield is the loss of Dave Canales, who has a track record of maximizing journeyman quarterbacks. Without him there is a lingering concern that Mayfield will regress to his norm in 2024.

However, there are reasons for optimism. Mayfield showed significant improvement in 2023, and in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin he continues to have arguably the best receiving duo he has ever had.

With the addition of rookie Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers now potentially have a strong trio in place. There is continuity in the backfield with Rachaad White’s return and the addition of rookie Bucky Irving provide depth and more playmakers to aid Mayfield, and the first-round selection of center Graham Barton aims to bolster the offensive line.

Considering these factors, there’s a strong case for Mayfield to exceed expectations. While a repeat of his QB10 finish is unlikely, finishing inside the top 15 is well within reach.

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

It has been a turbulent few seasons for Deshaun Watson, with only 12 games played over the last three years. He’s been with the Browns the last two years, and his limited play has also resulted in underwhelming stats, with 7 touchdowns and just over 1,100 yards each year. The fantasy numbers were a little better, especially if you exclude Week 7, when he played only 12 snaps. For the season, Watson was QB27 in fantasy points per game at 15.1, but that improves to QB13 (18.3) without that lost game.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Browns bolstered their receiving corps with Jerry Jeudy joining Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. Pairing this trio with breakout tight end David Njoku gives Watson a plethora of options in the passing attack that should allow him to flirt with 3,000 passing yards. To further support his case, we can lean toward his rushing ability — for his career, Watson averages just over 30 yards per game rushing, and he has been close to that the past two seasons. A bit of rushing work added to the mix gives him a few bonus points each week.

With all of the additions, a healthy Watson and a team that may be playing in a few more negative gamescripts in 2024, it’s easy to see where Watson can become a weekly top fantasy option. While his injury history adds risk, no quarterback drafted outside the top 15 currently offers a higher upside than Watson.

Late-Round Dynasty Quarterback Targets