Dual-threat quarterbacks are all the rage in the NFL these days. Sure, you don’t need to be a dual-threat quarterback to be an elite passer. However, dual-threat quarterbacks rule fantasy football.
Josh Allen became an elite fantasy quarterback in 2019. Jalen Hurts was the latest example in 2022. There are others, too. In some cases, there are some fantasy quarterbacks more valuable in fantasy football than on the field.
Could fantasy football have a new breakout dual-threat quarterback in 2023?
The Washington Commanders named Sam Howell the starting quarterback last week. It was a move that was expected all offseason, but it’s now official, and fantasy owners can prepare accordingly.
Adam Levitan of Establish the Run recently named his favorite fliers and sleepers for 2023. Howell was one of eight players to make the list and the only quarterback.
From Levitan:
Howell is a primary target in 2-QB leagues. He has some rushing upside — he posted 183-828-11 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 fantasy football community has certainly gotten better at understanding the floor that a rushing QB brings. But we still got things like Round 6/7 Jalen Hurts and Round 11/12 Daniel Jones last season. And this year we get free Howell, plus a later-round Anthony Richardson, and a still-too-cheap Jones.
Howell doesn’t receive enough credit for his running ability. While he may not look fast, Howell has good speed and runs with power. The Commanders, under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, will feature a lot of the RPO stuff Howell did in college.
Howell is certainly a fantasy QB to watch for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Someone emerges in Week 1 every year and becomes the most-claimed player on waivers. Will that be Howell in 2023? Or will fantasy players wait out Howell for a few weeks?