What is a must-have player in fantasy football? Different analysts may have different definitions, so let me tell you how I view them.
A must-have fantasy football player is one who you feel so confident will succeed and exceed expectations that you look to acquire him at various points in every draft in which you participate.
Some caveats:
Obviously, you will bypass these players if you’ve already loaded up at the position or are barren at other positions.
Not every “must-have” player is a superstar. Some are depth pieces.
Fantasy football is a value-based game. Every owner — in redraft format — starts with the same number of draft picks. The owners who tend to succeed are the ones who convert lower-round picks into higher-round production.
Or, to put it another way: the ones who get the best value or return on investment.
That’s what these must-have players embody: the best ROI at their given ADP.
Let’s look at 7 quarterbacks who present that value and are must-have players at their current ADP.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Jackson’s dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner gives him an incredibly high floor and an even higher ceiling in fantasy football. With a stable offensive system under Todd Monken and a strong supporting cast, including Derrick Henry, Jackson is positioned to be a top fantasy quarterback once again. His rushing production, especially in the red zone, provides a massive weekly advantage that is difficult for other quarterbacks to match. Given his stability and explosiveness, he’s one of two quarterbacks I’m comfortable “reaching for” in early rounds.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Allen is the other quarterback I feel is stable and explosive enough to reach for early in drafts. He is a fantasy superstar due to his elite passing volume and prolific rushing production, particularly in the red zone. Despite some changes to the Bills’ receiving corps, his rushing upside provides a consistent and high-scoring floor that makes him a must-have. His history of being a top-tier fantasy QB makes him a reliable anchor for any fantasy team.
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): It was only two years ago that Love was a mid-QB1. And last year, after sustaining an injury in Week 1, he just never was the same. I think it’s more likely with the supporting cast around him — both players and coaches — that Love hits QB1 territory than remains a low-end QB2. While he may not be drafted among the top-tier quarterbacks, his potential for a high-volume passing attack and his own rushing ability make him a fantastic value pick at his ADP. If he can build on his successful seasons, he could easily outperform his draft position and become a weekly QB1.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans): Like Love, Stroud was solid in 2023 but struggled last year. And like Love, injuries were to blame (although not his own). The Texans have added weapons around him, and he has shown the ability to be a top fantasy quarterback. If he can bounce back and reach his rookie-year form, he could be a league-winning fantasy asset at his current draft price.
Drake Maye (New England Patriots): Maye enters his second season with a new head coach and an improved supporting cast, including the addition of Stefon Diggs. Maye showed promise in his rookie year, and his rushing ability combined with a better offensive environment gives him top-12 upside. He’s a great target for fantasy owners who have a backend starter and are looking for a high-upside complement.
J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings): I realize this isn’t the best measuring stick, but if Kevin O’Connell can make chicken salad out of the chicken-bleep that is Sam Darnold, he can surely make McCarthy a serviceable fantasy backup at worst, and a streaming fantasy starter at best. McCarthy is in one of the best situations a “first-year” quarterback could ask for, with elite pass-catchers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and a great offensive-minded coach in O’Connell. While he may not have the rushing upside of other quarterbacks, his surroundings and the system he plays in create a high floor.
Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers): Young looked like a lost cause just a few games into his second season. Then he sat on the bench for a few games and when he returned to the lineup, he looked like a brand new player. He even posted three Top 8 finishes and six Top 18 finishes in the final 8 games. Young is a great late-round option as he enters his third season. The Panthers drafted a great new addition at wide receiver in Tetairoa McMillan and have shown their commitment to a pass-heavy offense under their Dave Canales.
