Over the next few weeks, we will ask our staff a single question on a variety of topics ranging from a huge news event to a tough fantasy decision or player evaluation.
Last time, we looked at Anthony Richardson.
If you like this format, come back for another Question of the Day. Today, we focus on last year's new entry into the group of elite quarterbacks.
Here's the question we asked our staff. It's a simple question. But it can be answered in a variety of ways.
What do you expect from Jalen Hurts this year?
Sam Wagman: Hurts is currently my QB1 and projects as a very high-ceiling play with his surrounding cast. Last season, despite not playing in the barn-burner Week 16 game against the Cowboys where over 70 points were scored, Hurts finished as the QB1 in fantasy points per game with 25.6, 0.4 points ahead of Patrick Mahomes II. His rushing ability helps set him ahead because, at the goal line, he's a frequent quarterback sneak threat. In addition to this, the Eagles' schedule this year should ensure that they don't need to take their foot off the gas in the second half of games like they did last year, so we could see Hurts have to throw the ball more, something he keeps getting better and better at.
Kevin Coleman: He finished as QB1 in fantasy points per game and, more importantly, improved as a passer in almost every statistical category. If we see improvement in his passing numbers and rushing upside, he could easily finish as QB1 on the season. He ran for thirteen touchdowns last season and averages just over fifty rushing yards per game. He has some of the league's best weapons around him in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, to go along with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. If this offense still utilizes Hurts the same way, we could be looking at another top quarterback finish.
Gary Davenport: What do I expect? Fantasy points. Lots and lots of fantasy points. I don’t necessarily think he’ll be the No. 1 fantasy quarterback in 2023 (Patrick Mahomes II of the Chiefs sits atop my rankings), but Hurts led the league in fantasy points per game at the position last year and is a running quarterback on a loaded offense playing behind maybe the best offensive line in the league. Barring an injury, he’s going to be in the overall QB1 conversation, and he’s earned a spot in the top tier with Mahomes and Josh Allen of the Bills. Last season was no fluke.
Phil Alexander: I expect Hurts to finish as a top-three quarterback and as high as QB1. He answered every question about his ability as a passer in 2022 and might have won the MVP award had he not injured his shoulder late in the season. Hurts' shoulder injury, by the way, is a reason Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes II are safer bets if you're targeting an elite quarterback early in your draft. It's not to say his injury will linger, but the Eagles extended Hurts in April for $110 million guaranteed. Perhaps they'll be less willing to force-feed their pricy investment another 19 carries from inside their opponent's five-yard line, a number topped by only Jamaal Williams in 2022.
Jeff Haseley: I am confident that Jalen Hurts will meet his high expectations in 2023, despite his breakout performance last season drawing attention to his talent and abilities. However, it's worth noting that the Eagles have lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators and face one of the toughest schedules in the league. Nevertheless, Hurts has already proven himself as a top-performing quarterback in the NFL, and it's unlikely that he will underperform. The team has also added new pieces on offense and defense, which could help offset any potential challenges from working with a new staff. Overall, I believe Hurts will continue to play at a high level and remain one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the league.
Daniel Harms: Jalen Hurts will be a top-four fantasy quarterback this year. In 2022, their offense was aided by an excellent run game, offensive line health, and wide receivers turning 50/50 balls into 70/30 balls. With the loss of their offensive coordinator, a few offensive linemen getting older still, and the possibility that a few contested or tough catches go the other way this season, I think his floor is slightly lowered. Hurts is locked in to score tons of fantasy points; his ability to finish at the top of fantasy quarterbacks is a question for me.
Andy Hicks: Jalen Hurts is one of the three leading contenders to finish as the number one fantasy quarterback this season. He falls behind the other two due to durability concerns that I do not have with Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes II. If all three play every game, then Hurts has a good chance of being the number one guy. His style of play comes with risk but also phenomenal upside. Double-digit rushing touchdowns as a baseline projection are mind-boggling.
Ryan Weisse: My expectations are that Jalen Hurts is again a top-three fantasy quarterback in 2023. In a 4-point passing touchdown league, his and Josh Allen's rushing upside will give him some advantage over Patrick Mahomes II, but that rushing has also kept Hurts from ever playing a full season. When it comes to durability, I'm more confident I'm getting 16 or 17 games from Mahomes or Allen. Thus, when I rank my quarterbacks, Hurts is third. However, season-long ranking matter little during the season. From a points-per-game perspective, I won't be surprised if Hurts is the most valuable fantasy quarterback of 2023, a repeat of his 2022 season.
Nick Whalen: My expectation for Jalen Hurts is for him to be a top-six fantasy quarterback in 2023. Hurts and the Eagles are due for some regression from last year's numbers. The 2022 Eagles were 9th in passing yards despite being 23rd in pass attempts. They were very healthy, with only one offensive starter missing three or more games. The offseason saw their offensive coordinator and a top-10 guard leave. The good news for Hurts is the sneak push is still legal, which will boost goal-line attempts. The Eagles had the third-most rushing attempts in the NFL in 2022, and that number will likely decrease with the defense taking a small step back in 2023. Hurts will still be efficient rushing, and his overall passing volume should increase, but passing efficiency should decrease in 2023.
