The quarterback position is a constant fantasy football dilemma; with so much week-to-week variance, finding a competitive edge is a headache. Even Patrick Mahomes isn’t safe for managers; the consensus QB1 sputtered against a terrible Broncos defense on Sunday (5.64 fantasy points).
Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury, Daniel Jones’ neck injury, and Deshaun Watson’s mystery injury have all created a void at the position. With just over half the regular season to go, time is running out to find a quality QB. Here are three low-cost options, via trade or waivers, that could save your season.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
A string of bad games and a shoulder injury has many feeling Derek Carr’s days as an above-average quarterback were over. Although the former Raider has seen his play slip this season, he’s rebounded from a nightmarish 127-yard outing in Week 4 against Tampa Bay with four straight weeks over 15 points. That might not sound exciting, but a safe floor has plenty of value.
Despite his improved play, Carr’s appeal is mainly due to his opponents. Only two of the Saints’ next eight opponents rank within the top 20 in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Somehow, despite all the turmoil, Carr has a real shot at finishing the season as a QB1.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray has probably been rostered in most twelve-team leagues by now, but it shouldn’t be difficult to convince another manager to part with him. Yet to play a game this season, Kyler’s status for Sunday’s matchup in Cleveland is up in the air. Even if he is able to suit up, Murray isn’t set up for success against a stout Browns defense.
Whether he returns this week or not, Murray has a track record of fantasy success; he’s averaged over 20 points per game since 2021. A more dependable quarterback should still be rostered, but Kyler is a high-ceiling option that can win managers plenty of weeks down the stretch.
Josh Dobbs, Minnesota Vikings
Dobbs did an admirable job as Murray’s replacement in Arizona, throwing for eight touchdowns and rushing for three. Still, the Cardinals had little use for Dobbs with their star quarterback set to return, trading him to the Vikings on Tuesday for a late-round draft pick swap. The move signals that Minnesota is, on some level, still trying to compete for a playoff spot in a wide-open NFC. That bodes well for Dobbs’ chances at maintaining fantasy relevance in deep leagues.
Dobbs’ move to the Vikings is a clear talent upgrade compared to Arizona, even if Justin Jefferson doesn’t return from injury. Dobbs, who threw to his tight ends frequently, will now have an elite target in T.J. Hockenson, as well as first-round wideout Jordan Addison. Dobbs is the current QB12; he should be able to maintain or surpass that level of production with the Vikings.
