In this piece, I highlight quarterbacks who stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change as the projections change. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer, like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Finally, make sure to check out all the projections available for purchase (Chris Raybon’s come included with a FantasyLabs subscription) within the FantasyLabs Models. Subscribers now have the option to purchase Derek Carty’s THE BLITZ from our Marketplace. Projections from One Week Season and Establish the Run are available if you’re a subscriber to those specific sites (our optimizer is a separate add-on feature).
You can also combine them to create your own aggregate projections:
Top NFL DFS Quarterback Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two quarterbacks near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Kyler Murray
- Brock Purdy
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other quarterbacks.
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Top Model NFL DFS Quarterback Picks
Kyler Murray ($6,100 DraftKings, $7,600 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (+5) at Houston Texans (48.5 total)
I wasn’t sure what to expect in Kyler Murray‘s first game since tearing his ACL, but he looked about as healthy as could be. He ran six times for 33 yards and a touchdown and was extending plays with his legs consistently. His passing numbers left some to be desired, completing just under 60% of his passes for 249 yards and an interception.
However, we can’t be too harsh, as Atlanta is a solid defense, and the big win is just seeing Murray healthy. He now faces a Houston defense that has quietly allowed solid production recently.
The Texans have allowed the eighth-highest yards per attempt and DraftKings points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Murray checks in as the top quarterback in Chris Raybon’s Pro Model and is tied for third in Points/Salary at the position.
Brock Purdy ($5,800 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel): San Francisco 49ers (-12) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41.5 total)
Brock Purdy is quietly heating up, with 24.3 and 23.84 DraftKings points in back-to-back games. He now gets a matchup where San Francisco may be more inclined to lean on the pass. Tampa Bay has yet to allow a rushing touchdown to a running back and is allowing merely 3.75 yards per carry.
Since Week 5, Tampa Bay has allowed the second-highest yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks and has been unable to generate pressure. Purdy leads the position in Points/Salary and Projected Plus/Minus this week. It’s hard to poke holes in Purdy’s outlook this week. They are favored by almost two touchdowns, so if Tampa Bay can’t keep up, then than 49ers may take their foot off the gas pedal.
However, for them to get up big, it’ll likely come on the back of Purdy and the passing game. Due to his cheap salary and ideal matchup, Purdy is the top option in our Cash Game and Tournament Model, as well as Sean Koerner’s Pro Model.
Other Notable NFL DFS Quarterback Picks
Tua Tagovailoa ($7,700 DraftKings, $8,400 FanDuel): Miami Dolphins (-13.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (46.5 total)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense couldn’t get much going in Germany against the Chiefs. Tagovailoa completed 62% of his passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. It was his second-lowest outcome of the season at just 12.42 DraftKings points.
The biggest kryptonite to this offense is getting pressure on Tagovailoa, and Las Vegas boasts an average pressure rate. They’ve also faced a mediocre slate of quarterbacks, and we saw Josh Allen light them up early in the season. Four of their last five games have come against Zach Wilson, Tommy DeVito, Tyson Bagent, and Mac Jones. Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are a whole other animal. Miami should have a lot of success on Sunday.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Quarterback Leverage Pick(s)
C.J. Stroud ($7,000 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel): Houston Texans (-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (48.5 total)
C.J. Stroud has been slinging it this year, playing like one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He posted 25.04 DraftKings points last week with three turnovers, including one on the Cincinnati 30-yard line and one inside the 10. It could’ve been a far better game for Stroud, but even with the bad breaks he had a solid score.
Arizona has allowed the 12th-most DraftKings points to opposing quarterbacks and pressure the quarterback at the fifth-lowest rate in the league. When he isn’t pressured, Stroud has the second-highest yards per attempt in the league.
I’m expecting both offenses to move the ball this weekend, making this game a prime one to attack. Stroud is one of my favorite options on the weekend.
Justin Fields ($6,900 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel): Chicago Bears (+7.5) at Detroit Lions (48 total)
It looks like Justin Fields will return to the field this weekend, and I’m ready to follow him into battle. Detroit has gobbled up subpar quarterbacks but gotten lit up by the elite ones. Fields probably falls in the first category, and Detroit ranks fourth in pressure rate, which is his kryptonite.
However, the Chicago offensive line is quietly solid, and Fields was starting to get it going before he got hurt. He was having a tough game against Minnesota, but he was coming off of back-to-back 30+ DraftKings point performances.
Fields and DJ Moore started to connect on the deep ball prior to Fields’ injury. This Detroit secondary is very beatable, so if the Bears’ offensive line can keep Fields upright, he may be able to capitalize. I like him a lot at minimal ownership in tournaments.
