Last Updated on June 17, 2025 12:47 pm by André Lemos | Published: July 17, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football, predicting which quarterbacks will break out each season is both an art and a science. While early-round quarterbacks often come with a high floor, it’s the mid to late-round gems that can truly set your team apart. Every year, signal-callers taken in these rounds defy expectations, propelling fantasy squads to championship glory. Whether you’re someone who prioritizes drafting quarterbacks early or a “Zero QB” advocate who prefers to stockpile talent in other positions and snag value picks later, identifying these potential breakout players is crucial.

In this article, we delve into the quarterbacks poised to make the leap this season. We want you to stay ahead of the curve and consider these promising talents on draft day. Keep these names in mind, and you might just find yourself with a roster full of this year’s most surprising and impactful playmakers.

Here are some quarterbacks drafted outside the top 12 who made the leap last season and finished as a QB1 or high-end QB2 (Weeks 1-17):

• Jordan Love – ADP: QB26 | Finished as QB5 (19.5 fantasy points per game)
• Brock Purdy – ADP: QB19 | Finished as QB6 (19.2 fantasy points per game)
• Baker Mayfield – ADP QB31 | Finished as QB9 (17.4 fantasy points per game)
• C.J. Stroud – ADP: QB24 | Finished as QB13 (18.5 fantasy points per game)

QBs likely to finish Top Five

C.J. Stroud

• Last years ADP: QB24
• Last years finish: QB13
• Current ADP: QB5

Stroud was selected with the number two overall pick right after Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. There were many questions about Stroud and how he would translate to the NFL, but he quickly put those doubts to rest through the first three weeks of the season when he averaged 302 passing yards with four total touchdowns while completing 64.5% of his passes. The Ohio State product went on to play 15 games, totaling 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 63.9% of his passes on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. He single-handedly boosted the fantasy values of Nico Collins and rookie Tank Dell, giving them incredible redraft and dynasty value.

The Texans made some major offseason moves, highlighted by trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. Stroud didn’t need these two to take the next step, but their presence in the offense guarantees the former No. 2 overall pick makes the sophomore leap this season. He now boasts an elite group that includes Diggs, Mixon, newly paid Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, Dameon Pierce, and John Metchie.

If Stroud can add to the 11.1 rushing yards per game he averaged last season, he’s all but assured a top-five finish. Even if he doesn’t, he should have no issue moving the ball down the field with Houston’s revamped offense.

2024 Projections: 4,638 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 230 rushing yards and three touchdowns (QB4 finish)

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