No position garners more preseason worry that quarterback. QBs aren't only the highest scoring players in fantasy football, but their availabities also impact every other skill player on their teams, especially wide receivers. If a starting QB is banged-up, fantasy owners need to know -- even if they have no intention of drafting that QB. As we head into Week 3 of the preseason, Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Cam Newton are all dealing with various injuries and ailments, and their statuses will undoubtedly affect rankings and sleeper lists.
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DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2021 Cheat Sheet
Dak Prescott injury update
Over the weekend, Adam Schefter reported some troubling news centered around the Cowboys' QB1: “He’s not fully back; he may not be back all season long," Coming from a guy with every source possible in NFL front offices, it's a statement we have to take seriously. Prescott already carried concerns prior to the report, but this makes him feel even riskier in fantasy drafts. It's not apparent whether it's his shoulder or ankle injury keeping him from reaching 100 percent, but it's worth keeping a close eye on this situation as we head toward the Week 1 opener on Sep. 9.
Prescott is our No. 6 ranked QB, but he has the potential to move down given the injury concerns.
2021 PPR FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Carson Wentz injury update
When it first came out that Wentz was set to undergo foot surgery this preseason, many thought he was guaranteed to miss at least a few weeks of the regular season. However, he's seemingly progressed quickly and is expected to be ready for Week 1. Wentz returned to practice on Monday, along with All-Pro OL Quinten Nelson. Wentz's fantasy prospects have risen from the dead, but he's still not someone to comfortably rely on as your starter in single-QB leagues. However, he's now back in play as a backup and two-QB/superflex starter.
Wentz is currently our No. 32 ranked QB, but he'll rise as more positive updates come in.
2021 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Each team
Cam Newton injury update
Newton isn't injured, but he's going to miss time due to a misunderstanding of Covid-19 protocols. After traveling away from the team's facility to undergo testing, he will be required to stay away for five days. In his absence, Mac Jones will get all the first-team reps with the New England offense. This news shouldn't affect Newton at this time, but if Jones impresses during his time to shine, it could muddy up the QB1 battle for Newton.
2021 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Newton is our No. 30 ranked QB, though he'd be higher if we expected him to start all year. Because he's fully expected to be under center in Week 1, you can consider him a DFS sleeper and legit starter in two-QB/superflex leagues.