Dak Prescott Can Be This Year's QB1

Photo: Kirby Lee, USA Today Sports

The Spotlight Series

A Footballguys Spotlight is an in-depth look at a player. His plusses and minuses are examined, and we give you our bottom-line stance on his 2022 prospects. If a player listed below doesn't yet have a link, don't worry. It's coming soon.

Dak Prescott can finish the 2022 season as the overall QB1 but comes at a much cheaper cost. That’s a recipe for fantasy success. Consider:

• He’s already performed at that level
• 2021 was better than most remember
• The supporting cast has changed but remains compelling

He's Already Done It

Prescott has produced at an elite level for years. Let’s not forget that he was the clear-cut No. 1 fantasy quarterback in 2020 before suffering a season-ending injury.

His total passing numbers were unquestionably impressive when he suited up for 16 games in 2019 and 2021.

Aside from top-tier passing totals, Prescott is usually a threat on the ground, which is often the fantasy cheat code for quarterbacks. Last season was an anomaly considering he scored 24 rushing touchdowns from 2016 to 2020.

2021 Was Better Than We Remember

If those 2021 passing numbers surprised you, you're not alone. Prescott seemingly put together an up-and-down roller-coaster season, which ended with a disappointing playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, putting a bad taste in our mouths. However, some context is needed. Prescott suffered a compound fracture and a dislocated right ankle in 2020. Before he could even begin his comeback campaign, he dealt with a unique shoulder injury before week 1 of the 2021 season. Then, during the season, Prescott played through a calf injury that hindered him for weeks. Despite the litany of injuries, he finished as the No. 6 quarterback in total fantasy points and on a per-game basis.