Joey’s Labor Day ADP Values, Sleepers, and Busts: Quarterbacks

The final round of my Labor Day special series! To wrap things up we turn to the quarterback position. The quarterback position is deeper this year than any year in the past, so let’s dive into some values, sleepers, and busts at the quarterback position for PPR redraft leagues.

Value

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Technically, you could put Big Ben in the sleepers section as well, but this will suffice. Yes, he’s coming back from a season-ending elbow injury, but all reports have been positive and he’s stated that he’s had no setbacks. He’s also said that he doesn’t plan on hanging it up after this year and wants to win multiple Lombardi Trophies. If I’m believing that his elbow is healthy, and I am, the Steelers offense is going to be a whole lot better. In 2018, Big Ben finished as QB3 and led the league in passing yards. Yes, he threw for more yards than Patrick Mahomes! Before last year, he finished top 10 in fantasy points per game each year since 2014. The ADP does not match his production, he is not the QB16 as it suggests.

Honorable Mention: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Sleeper

Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Minshew mania struck last season, following an injury to Nick Foles. While I don’t believe the Jacksonville Jaguars have what it takes to compete this season, they will have to throw the ball an immense amount. The defense projects as awful. Believe it or not, today, I placed a +5,000 odds bet on Minshew to lead the NFL in passing yards this season. The touchdowns might not be there, but he also offers some rushing upside. He ranked fifth in rushing yards for quarterbacks last season, and he played in at least one fewer game than each of the four above him in that category. He should be a solid value, as he’s not even listed on fantasy football calculator’s top 175 ADP board.

Honorable Mention: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Bust

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

With Watson it’s simple, this is less about his talent and more about his situation. David Johnson has had an up and down career. DeAndre Hopkins is out the door, while the receivers he’s been saddled with have a history of getting injured. I think he’ll be fine, overall, but maybe not at his current 64.5 ADP. With so many good quarterback options at a much cheaper ADP, Watson would have to play at his ceiling to get a positive return on at his ADP.