Quarterbacks are the highest scoring players in fantasy football, but they are not always targeted in drafts because the lower end of the Top 10 at QB is more comparable to the elites than is the case at running back or wide receiver.
In leagues where passing touchdowns count for four points, this can be especially true. Bargains can be snapped up later on where running QBs become more valuable thanks to rushing touchdowns counting for an extra two points.
Here are the top five running quarterbacks in 2015, along with their average draft position (ADP).
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (ADP: 36)
Wilson blew away the field in terms of running last season. He ran 118 times for 849 yards and six touchdowns. He took off on foot 7.4 times per game, and chewed up 7.2 yards per carry. He was a top 5 quarterback even though no team threw fewer passes than the Seahawks in 2014.
Unlike other players on this list, Wilson’s usage in the running game is on the rise and he’s getting more and more effective too. Wilson is ideal for both designed runs and off-the-cuff scrambles and he’s consistent. His numbers are not blown up by one or two ridiculous games; in fact, he only had three games with fewer than 20 rushing yards. He’s absolutely worth being the fourth QB off the board.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 63)
Before last season Newton was a yearly lock for a Top 5 finish among QBs and it was mostly because of his rushing. However, last season was Newton’s least productive season overall, and while he did battle injuries from Week 1, his rushing has slightly decreased every year since a rookie campaign that featured 14 rushing touchdowns.
The offensive line is nondescript in Carolina, and his primary running back is Jonathan Stewart, so don’t expect a transition into pure pocket passing to happen in 2015. But Newton’s becoming more of a passer, and he’s conscious of the pounding he takes. He shouldn’t score less than six touchdowns, and he has the upside of double-digit rushing TDs, but the yardage is going to continue to slip. He’s easily the No. 2 rushing QB for fantasy, but firmly behind Wilson now in that regard.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 133)
Now we’re getting into real potential bargain territory. Kaepernick’s passing was subpar, which was to be expected, but he disappointed owners with weak rushing numbers. The thing is, he ran 104 times and racked up 639 yards on the ground which isn’t bad. Most years owners will gladly take 6.1 yards per carry from their quarterback, but when it comes with one rushing touchdown that’s just annoying.
Kaepernick scored five touchdowns in 2012 and four in 2013, so hitting paydirt once last year was probably a fluke. He will be a total steal in 2-QB leagues, and if you are playing in a deep 12-team league, say with three WRs and a FLEX, loading up at other positions and waiting on Kaep might be the way to go.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins (ADP: 179)
The hate has definitely gone way too far. RGIII should not be the No. 28 QB in drafts. Right now he’s behind the likes of Andy Dalton, Alex Smith and Joe Flacco, which is crazy because those players have nowhere near Griffin’s upside on the ground.
As a rookie Griffin rushed for 815 yards and seven scores as a rookie. Since then he has been injury-prone, and a mess when he’s throwing the ball, but provided he stays healthy he’s still the fastest quarterback in the league, with explosive threats around him to keep defenses honest.
If he puts up rushing numbers approaching that rookie season and you got him near the end of your draft, the possibilities are endless. You can trade the QB you picked ahead of him to upgrade elsewhere. Maybe you’re in a 2-QB league where he’s providing insane value. It’s scary to take a speed-based player with knee injuries and off-field baggage, but where’s the risk at No. 179?
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (ADP: 147)
Mariota obviously has no NFL track record, but he was prolific running the ball at Oregon. He profiles as a Russell Wilson type, someone who looks to throw but can absolutely torch a defense with his legs, and at times will take off on designed runs.
The Titans won’t have household names at WR, but their weapons should keep defenses honest and the running game looks bleak. Mariota may very well be their most potent rushing option, so fantasy owners should target him as a high-upside backup for now.
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