Lamar Jackson Vs. Jalen Hurts: Who To Draft For Fantasy?

Hey guys, fantasy football season is just around the corner, and you know what that means: tough decisions! One of the biggest debates this year is: Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts? Both quarterbacks are elite fantasy options, possessing the rare combination of passing prowess and rushing upside that can win you your league. But who should you prioritize in your draft? Let's break it down.

The Case for Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson. The name itself evokes images of highlight-reel runs and jaw-dropping throws. When healthy, Lamar is arguably the most dynamic quarterback in the NFL, and his fantasy production reflects that. From 2019 to 2021, he was a fantasy monster, averaging over 27 fantasy points per game and carrying many teams to championships. His rushing ability is truly unmatched at the quarterback position; he's basically a running back disguised as a QB. In his MVP season of 2019, Lamar rushed for an incredible 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns. That kind of production on the ground gives him a massive floor each week, even when his passing numbers aren't stellar.

However, there are some concerns with Lamar. He has missed significant time due to injury in each of the past two seasons, which is a major red flag for fantasy managers. Durability is key in fantasy football, and you can't win if your star quarterback is on the sidelines. Additionally, the Ravens have made significant changes to their offense this offseason, bringing in new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. While Monken's system is expected to be more pass-heavy, it remains to be seen how that will affect Lamar's rushing volume. If Lamar runs less, his fantasy value could take a hit.

Despite the concerns, Lamar's upside is undeniable. He possesses the highest ceiling of any quarterback in fantasy football, and if he stays healthy, he could easily be the overall QB1. The Ravens have also invested in their receiving corps, adding rookie Zay Flowers and veteran Odell Beckham Jr. to a group that already includes Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. With a revamped offense and a plethora of weapons, Lamar is poised for a huge season. Plus, with his contract situation now settled, he can focus solely on football. This peace of mind could translate to even better performance on the field. When you draft Lamar, you're not just drafting a quarterback; you're drafting a cheat code with the potential to single-handedly win you matchups.

The Case for Jalen Hurts

Now, let's talk about Jalen Hurts. After a somewhat rocky start to his career, Hurts has blossomed into a true dual-threat quarterback and a fantasy superstar. Last season, he finished as the overall QB1 in many fantasy leagues, thanks to his impressive passing numbers and his knack for finding the end zone with his legs. Hurts is a tough, physical runner who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder and pick up extra yards. He also has a great feel for the game and knows when to take off and run. This combination of skills makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a goldmine for fantasy managers.

One of the biggest reasons for Hurts' success is the amazing supporting cast he has in Philadelphia. The Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, which gives Hurts plenty of time to throw and opens up running lanes for him. He also has a fantastic group of receivers, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who are both capable of making big plays. With so many weapons at his disposal, Hurts is always a threat to put up huge fantasy numbers.

However, like Lamar, Hurts also carries some risk. He also has a physical style of play, which makes him susceptible to injury. He missed two games last season with a shoulder injury, which is a reminder that he's not invincible. Additionally, the Eagles' offense is likely to regress somewhat this season. They lost offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to the Colts, and it's unclear how new coordinator Brian Johnson will impact the offense. The schedule also looks tougher this year. Despite these concerns, Hurts is still a top-tier fantasy quarterback with a high floor and a significant ceiling. He has proven that he can produce at an elite level, and he has the talent and supporting cast to do it again. He’s a gamer who elevates the play of everyone around him. When you draft Hurts, you're drafting a leader and a winner who will give you everything he's got every single week.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Okay, so we've made the case for both Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. Now, let's compare them head-to-head in some key categories:

• Rushing Upside: This is where Lamar has the edge. While Hurts is a good runner, Lamar is on another level. His speed, agility, and elusiveness make him a constant threat to break off a long run. If you're looking for a quarterback who can give you RB1-type production on the ground, Lamar is your guy.
• Passing Ability: Hurts has improved significantly as a passer over the past two seasons, and he's now a legitimate threat through the air. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and a great connection with his receivers. However, Lamar is no slouch as a passer either. He has a cannon for an arm and can make all the throws. This category is close, but I'd give a slight edge to Hurts based on his recent performance.
• Supporting Cast: Hurts has a clear advantage in this category. The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines and receiving corps in the NFL, while the Ravens' supporting cast is more of a question mark. If you value a quarterback who has a strong supporting cast, Hurts is the better option.
• Durability: Both quarterbacks have had injury issues in the past, so this is a tough category to assess. However, Lamar's injuries have been more frequent and more severe than Hurts', so I'd give a slight edge to Hurts in this category.
• Consistency: Hurts has been more consistent than Lamar over the past two seasons. Lamar’s injuries have impacted his consistency and made it difficult to rely on him week to week. Hurts' consistency gives him a slight advantage.

The Verdict: Who Should You Draft?

So, who should you draft: Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts? Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and risk tolerance. If you're looking for the quarterback with the highest ceiling and are willing to take on some risk, Lamar is the guy for you. He has the potential to be the overall QB1 and win you your league. However, if you prefer a more consistent and reliable option with a strong supporting cast, Hurts is the better choice. He has proven that he can produce at an elite level, and he has a high floor that will keep you competitive every week.

Personally, I slightly prefer Hurts due to his consistency and stronger supporting cast. However, I wouldn't hesitate to draft Lamar if he falls to me in the right spot. Both quarterbacks are elite fantasy options, and you can't go wrong with either one. Ultimately, the best strategy is to target one of these guys in your draft and build your team around them. Whether you choose Lamar's explosive upside or Hurts' consistent production, you'll be well on your way to fantasy success!

No matter who you choose, remember to stay active on the waiver wire and make smart lineup decisions each week. Good luck this season, guys! May the best team win!