8 QBs Who Changed My Mind

Jason Wood's 8 QBs Who Changed My Mind Jason Wood Published 09/03/2022

Links to other positions in this series:


It’s hard to believe the NFL regular season is here, but Week 1 gets underway on Thursday. If you're like me, you still have several key drafts to complete in the next few days. After spending more than four months focusing on every bit of minutiae, every tidbit, every coach’s quote, and adjusting our rankings and projections, a lot can change from our original expectations.

Quarterbacks Who Changed My Mind

Lamar Jackson (BAL) is back in business

Last year’s Ravens offense shook me, and I was far below consensus on Jackson earlier in the summer. He lost his best receiver in Marquise Brown, was unhappy with his contract, and looked absolutely lost a year ago when the team opened up the passing attack. But then cooler heads prevailed. Jackson is healthy, seems in good spirits about his contract negotiations, and it’s become apparent the Ravens are going to get back to the 2019-2020 plan of leading the league in rushing attempts. Jackson’s legs give him a top-10 floor, and if he can be closer to the 30 touchdown threshold than the 20 touchdowns, he’ll be back as one of the best at the position.

Matthew Stafford (LAR) worries me a little

Credit to my colleagues Matt Waldman and Sigmund Bloom, who turned me onto Matthew Stafford’s elbow issues a few months ago. I initially discounted the worry, but as someone who’s spent years playing fantasy baseball, too, I believe that elbow issues rarely get better without surgery. It seems like the Rams have a plan to minimize the risk, and I’m not totally off drafting Stafford or the Rams receivers. But when push comes to shove, I’ve been passing on Stafford for other signal callers in his tier.

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) makes the cut

In traditional (start 1 QB) leagues, I always have a cutoff of quarterbacks I want to come away with, which usually runs 14 or 15 deep. My initial projections had Tagovailoa below the threshold, but I’ve warmed to him in recent months. He’s healthy, has a positive attitude, and had a strong camp. I’m not ready to anoint him as a must-start passer, but I would now be comfortable taking him as my Week 1 starter if I prioritize other positions early.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

Featured Articles

More by Jason Wood

 

What to Expect from the New Play-Callers

Jason Wood

A deep dive into the 12 new NFL play-callers

07/11/25 Read More
 

15 Make Or Break Wide Receiver Situations in 2025

Jason Wood

These receiver situations will define whether you dominate your draft.

06/05/25 Read More
 

11 Running Back Situations You Must Get Right in 2025

Jason Wood

These running back situations are the ones most likely to make or break your draft.

06/04/25 Read More
 

10 Quarterback Situations That Will Define Your Draft in 2025

Jason Wood

We look at the 10 QB situations that will most impact your fantasy success or failure

06/02/25 Read More
 

6 Tight End Situations You Must Get Right in 2025

Jason Wood

Tight end predictions can be difficult. These situations are the ones most likely to make or break your draft.

06/01/25 Read More
 

Evan Engram: Sean Payton's New Joker

Jason Wood

A detailed look at why Evan Engram is the key to unlocking the Bronco's offense in 2025

05/30/25 Read More