Quarterback is arguably the deepest position in fantasy football leagues, and it’s also the highest scoring. However, it’s not always easy to craft a QB snake-draft strategy because there are so many viable starters and you never want to overdraft someone. There's a similar vibe in auction leagues, as you don’t want to overpay, but it’s easier to search through the "cheap" starter tier because circumstances (budgets, when players are nominated) can vary wildly. Either way, you need a reliable set of 2023 QB auction values on your cheat sheet so you can devise a plan ahead of time.
For starters, Trevor Lawrence is being viewed as a potential top-10 fantasy quarterback in 2023 after his performance last season under Doug Pederson and the addition of veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was reinstated this offseason. However, Lawrence is still one of the better value picks, according to FantasyPros. The former Clemson standout has the same projected dollar value as Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins. Lawrence seems to have a higher ceiling and offers more bang for your buck. If fantasy owners are looking for other cheap, high-floor, high-ceiling options, they could take a look at Geno Smith ($8), Jared Goff ($5), and Tua Tagovailoa ($5). Those three quarterbacks could put up solid numbers and outplay their value in offenses that feature top-tier wide receivers.
Some quarterbacks will go for more than their projections; others will go for less. It all depends on when they’re nominated and if other owners in your auction actively want them. However, their ranges give you an idea of what you’ll spend if you don’t want to pay up for a top-tier guy like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts. Of course, you also don’t want to go super cheap either. If you take the latter route, you could get inconsistent production despite spending most of your budget on the top RBs, WRs, and TEs. You will likely win some weeks, but there will be others where your QB pick will cost you the matchup.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2023 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Lastly, we can't forget the young quarterbacks, who are in the cheap range but can outplay their value, as we saw last season. Lawrence and Justin Fields were valued at $1 in 2022 but are now at $9 and $16, respectively. Can Kenny Pickett or Brock Purdy take that leap in 2023 after average statistical rookie seasons?
2023 AUCTION VALUES (Standard & PPR):
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Ks | Overall
It’s not out of the question for Purdy, who is valued at $0 but can still be considered a sleeper. The former seventh-round pick played outstanding late last season for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo and had the 49ers on the cusp of making the Super Bowl. However, Purdy suffered a torn UCL injury in his right elbow in the NFC Championship game, possibly setting him back for this upcoming season. If Purdy is healthy and can build off what he did last season with San Francisco, the sky's the limit. He has an excellent set of pass catchers (Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey) who get yards after the catch and are a quarterback’s best friend. Pickett is in a similar spot with George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson II, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris.
2023 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Ks | Top 200 | S-Flex | IDP
In addition to those second-year signal callers, owners should watch out for rookies Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. Richardson has the highest value ($1) and is one of our sleeper QBs this season based on his rushing ability in Shane Steichen’s offense. Richardson will struggle at times as a rookie, but his upside as a plus-one in the running game could put him on the same trajectory as Fields.
2023 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Ks | Top 200 | S-Flex | IDP
Regardless of which QB (or tier of QB) you target in your auction, the key is not overpaying. Even as the highest-priced QB, Mahomes can still be a value if you get him at the right number. However, at a certain point, even a productive quarterback isn’t worth the opportunity (and actual) cost.
2023 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Each Team
You’ll probably have an easier time building a winner if you spend down at quarterback, but as long as you’re looking for value throughout the auction and you’re ready to capitalize when someone is about to go for too cheap, you’ll be fine.
2023 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST
We’ll continue to update the QB auction values ahead of Week 1, so check back for updates.
To get customized dollar values tailored to your league settings, check out FantasyPros' premium Auction Calculator. For customized mock auctions that you can do in minutes, check out FantasyPros' premium Salary Cap Simulator.
Fantasy Football QB Auction Values 2023: Quarterback dollar projections
Dollar values courtesy of FantasyPros and based on 12-team leagues with $200 budgets.
Scoring based on four-point passing TD formats
All players not listed are valued at $0
Rank Player Proj. Value
1 Patrick Mahomes II, KC $30
2 Josh Allen, BUF $29
3 Jalen Hurts, PHI $28
4 Lamar Jackson, BAL $22
5 Joe Burrow, CIN $20
6 Justin Fields, CHI $15
7 Justin Herbert, LAC $14
8 Deshaun Watson, CLE $11
9 Dak Prescott, DAL $8
10 Trevor Lawrence, JAC $8
11 Kirk Cousins, MIN $8
12 Daniel Jones, NYG $7
13 Geno Smith, SEA $7
14 Aaron Rodgers, NYJ $4
15 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA $4
16 Russell Wilson, DEN $4
17 Jared Goff, DET $3
18 Anthony Richardson, IND $2
19 Derek Carr, NO $1
For full standard QB rankings, click here.
