RELATED: See 4 ADP Steals at QB
In fantasy football, "onesie" positions like quarterback and tight end can be less of a priority. Oftentimes, there are better options available later in drafts at these positions than at running back and wide receiver, which dry up quickly. As a result, it's imperative not to miss out on potential league-winners at those positions by drafting a risky quarterback in the early rounds. Here are a few best ball traps to avoid at the quarterback position for the 2026 season.
Jayden Daniels (Underdog ADP: QB3, 62.5 overall)
After an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, Jayden Daniels should be a post-hype sleeper, only he's not. Even after a down year, fantasy football managers apparently still feel comfortable drafting him at QB3 behind only Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
Let's put aside the injury concerns for a moment. Prior to his elbow dislocation in Week 9, Daniels wasn't producing at an elite level in fantasy, as he was just the QB13 in fantasy points per game (PPG) up to that point. Even before his first injury of the year, a knee sprain in Week 2, Daniels was the QB13 in fantasy PPG. While two games is definitely a small sample size, there isn't meaningful evidence to think that his 2026 projections fare much better considering Washington's current group of pass-catchers.
Although Deebo Samuel Sr. and Zach Ertz were both already on the decline last season, both veterans were still impactful contributors on offense over Washington's current depth options. Now, the Commanders are left with a soon-to-be 31-year-old Terry McLaurin and no one proven behind him. Yes, the No. 7 overall pick could yield help in the form of a top wide receiver or an offensive weapon like Jeremiyah Love. But that's not guaranteed, as Washington has been linked to top defensive players as well at that pick.
Even in his phenomenal rookie campaign, Daniels averaged 22.5 fantasy PPG, which would've been good for the QB3 last year. Daniels is quite literally being drafted at his fantasy ceiling, making him one of the biggest best-ball traps at the quarterback position.
Finally, circling back to the elephant in the room: Daniels' current ADP doesn't properly weigh his injury risk, which is a significant factor to consider. One of the knocks on Daniels' profile entering the NFL Draft two years ago was his slim build, which could affect his durability and availability at the next level. While his rookie season raised no issues, Daniels suffered three major injuries last year: a knee sprain, a hamstring strain, and, eventually, a season-ending elbow dislocation. There are quite a few mobile, young quarterbacks to consider multiple rounds later, with similar upside to Daniels but far lower risk at ADP.
