Rising Arms: The 2026 Quarterback Landscape
The 2025 fantasy season offered a glimpse of what could become a watershed year for NFL quarterbacks, as emerging talents began to outshine established stars. Drake Maye, the former first‑round pick, showed a dramatic turnaround, averaging fewer than 14 points as a rookie before exploding to 20.7 points per game in 2025, ranking second only to Josh Allen in total points scored.
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears’ dynamic playmaker, finished the season fifth among quarterbacks in fantasy points, underscoring his rapid ascent and the optimism surrounding his development.
Analysts now point to five quarterbacks who could either become breakout candidates or represent draft bargains in the 2026 cycle: Jaxson Dart, Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray, Tyler Shough, and Daniel Jones. Each brings a distinct profile that could reshape fantasy lineups.
Jaxson Dart, who averaged more than 17 points in his 14‑game rookie stint, also contributed 487 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, highlighting a dual‑threat skill set that could translate into even greater efficiency next year.
Brock Purdy, despite being ranked 23rd among quarterbacks, managed a solid 19.7 points per game, suggesting that his situation in San Francisco may be primed for a bounce‑back under a more supportive offensive scheme.
Kyler Murray has been a top‑10 fantasy quarterback in four of his five full seasons, consistently delivering high‑volume production that makes him a reliable anchor for any roster.
Tyler Shough’s late‑season surge placed him eighth among quarterbacks over the final five weeks, indicating that he could be a sleeper pick as teams tighten up their playoff pushes.
Daniel Jones averaged 18.8 points in his 12 full games before injury and subsequently signed a two‑year, $88 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts, a move that could stabilize his production and elevate his fantasy value.
The confluence of these storylines suggests that the 2026 quarterback class may not only deepen the talent pool but also create new strategic opportunities for fantasy managers seeking both upside and value.