If you haven’t drafted your fantasy football team yet, you still have time.
Regular season NFL action won’t kick off until Thursday, Sept. 7, when the upstart Detroit Lions travel to Missouri and face off with the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs (8:20 p.m., ABC). Patrick Mahomes now takes over the title of active GOAT, especially with Tom Brady retiring last year.
People have strategies – load up on starting running backs and worry about other positions, go heavy on wide receivers if you’re in a PPR league, or draft four quarterbacks if you’re in a two-QB league. You want two kickers in case you draft someone like Justin Tucker? Go right ahead.
If you’re looking to draft an under-the-radar quarterback this year, take a look at Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. The 2nd-year gunslinger, who holds 27 school records during his three years at UNC, is coming off his best NFL performance to date. Howell helped the Commanders snap the Baltimore Raven’s 24-game preseason winning streak last night, with a 19-for-25, 188 passing yard, 2-touchdown first half showing in a 29-28 victory.
Adam Levitan, co-host of fantasy football podcast Establish The Run, named Howell one of his fantasy sleepers in 2023.
Check out what Levitan had to say below:
“Howell is a primary target in 2-QB leagues. He has some rushing upside — he posted a 183-828-11 statline as a runner in his final season at North Carolina (2021). Howell started one game as a rookie for the Commanders last season and accumulated 5-35-1 rushing. On top of that, Howell can be dragged along as a passer by his weaponry. Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are a sneaky strong duo. Curtis Samuel is an excellent WR3, Antonio Gibson is an elite pass-catching back, and Logan Thomas/Cole Turner is fine at tight end.”
The consesus choices for first quarterback taken are likely between Mahomes, Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers. Dak Prescott is always a popular name, Trevor Lawrence is on the rise and DeShaun Watson is not too far removed from being one of the league’s best in Houston.
If you’re looking for a fringe starter or a solid fantasy backup, you might want to consider looking at Howell. He’ll look to thrive in his first full year as an NFL starting quarterback.
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