Make Ravens QB Lamar Jackson a priority in fantasy football drafts

Make Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson a priority in fantasy football drafts.

In fantasy football, I am a big believer in the late-round quarterback approach. Sure, guys like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers are fun to have on the roster, but in a standard one-quarterback league, it is extremely easy to find capable starters on a weekly basis.

Instead of reaching on someone like Mahomes or Rodgers early in your fantasy football drafts, load up on high volume running backs and wide receivers. Wait on the quarterback position and take a shot on some upside late. If your upside play works out, then you have a capable starter who you can count on every week. If your upside play busts, you can quickly adjust and stream the position based on weekly matchups.

This season, there are two high upside quarterbacks who I am specifically targeting. As long as the price is right, Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray is one of those guys. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the other. Today, we are going to focus on Jackson because he is likely to be the better value selection in most fantasy football drafts.

Jackson is entering his second year in the NFL and has taken over as the Ravens full-time starting quarterback. His rookie season with the Ravens was interesting, to say the least.

Jackson took over as Baltimore’s starting quarterback down the stretch last season, starting the last seven games of the regular season. In those seven games, Jackson led the Ravens to a 6-1 record, but his passing numbers (58% completion percentage, 1,114 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions) leave plenty to be desired.

As a rookie, Jackson was clearly limited as a passer, but his value as a rusher was consistently evident. In those seven games, Jackson rushed for 556 yards and four touchdowns. He is obviously a scrambling threat when the play breaks down, but the Ravens also consistently scheme rushing attempts for Jackson.

With his obvious value as a rusher, Jackson has a chance to break fantasy football this season. He is obviously not an elite NFL quarterback, but he has the upside to be an elite fantasy football quarterback.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh recently talked about Jackson’s value as a rusher and suggested that the Ravens are not going to hold him back in that department. NFL Network’s Brian Billick noted that Cam Newton‘s career-high is 139 rushing attempts and Harbaugh quickly responded with a statement that is music to the ears of any fantasy football owner.

"“I’d bet the over on that one. I’d bet the over for sure,” Harbaugh said without hesitation. “It’s going to be interesting. I don’t think we know the exact numbers or the math.”"

Simply put, Jackson’s ability as a rusher gives him elite fantasy football upside. He is never going to dominate with his arm, but he will get consistent carries in the Ravens offense, providing a safe floor and big upside on most weeks.

In a one quarterback league, waiting on the quarterback position and snagging Jackson late is a winning strategy.