Lamar Jackson Vs. Josh Allen: Fantasy Football Draft Showdown

by Jhon Lennon 62 views

Hey guys, fantasy football season is almost here, and you know what that means – it's draft season! One of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing your quarterback. This year, two names are consistently near the top of the QB rankings: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both have the potential to win you your league, but who should you pick? Let's break down their strengths, weaknesses, and fantasy potential to help you make the right call.

The Case for Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson burst onto the scene in 2019, putting up one of the greatest fantasy football seasons ever by a quarterback. His rushing ability makes him a cheat code. A quarterback who can consistently run for 700-1000 yards is a massive advantage, essentially giving you a top-tier running back in your quarterback slot. When considering drafting Jackson, it's important to factor in several key strengths that make him a consistent fantasy football performer and a player who can truly elevate your team to championship contention. Jackson's unparalleled rushing ability sets him apart from the vast majority of quarterbacks in the league. Unlike pocket-passing quarterbacks who primarily rely on their arm to generate yards and score points, Jackson's legs provide an additional dimension to his game that consistently translates into significant fantasy production. A quarterback who can consistently run for 700 to 1,000 yards is a massive advantage, effectively giving you a top-tier running back in your quarterback slot. This dual-threat capability forces opposing defenses to account for Jackson's running ability on every single play, which in turn opens up opportunities for his receivers downfield. He is a dynamic playmaker who can turn broken plays into positive gains with his elusiveness and speed. His unique skill set makes him incredibly difficult to defend, as he possesses the agility to evade pass rushers and the speed to outrun defensive backs in the open field. This leads to frequent scrambles for first downs and touchdowns, providing a substantial boost to his fantasy score. Beyond his rushing prowess, Jackson has also demonstrated the ability to make impactful throws downfield. While he may not possess the pure passing volume of some other quarterbacks, his efficiency and accuracy when targeting his receivers can be just as valuable for fantasy purposes. He has shown flashes of brilliance as a passer, capable of delivering pinpoint throws into tight windows and connecting on deep bombs to stretch the field. As he continues to develop as a passer, Jackson's potential for explosive plays through the air further solidifies his status as a top-tier fantasy quarterback. This potential for growth, combined with his established rushing dominance, makes him a compelling option for fantasy managers looking to secure a high-upside quarterback in their drafts. In summary, Lamar Jackson's fantasy appeal lies in his exceptional rushing ability, dynamic playmaking, and potential for growth as a passer. These factors combine to make him a consistent fantasy football performer and a player who can truly elevate your team to championship contention.

Pros:

  • Rushing upside is unmatched.
  • High floor due to rushing production.
  • Proven elite fantasy performer.

Cons:

  • Passing volume can be inconsistent.
  • Durability concerns with his running style.
  • Offensive scheme changes could impact his production.

The Case for Josh Allen

Josh Allen has become a fantasy football monster over the past few seasons. He's got the arm talent to sling it all over the field and the size and strength to pick up yards on the ground. Allen's emergence as a top-tier fantasy quarterback has been fueled by a combination of factors, including his exceptional arm talent, his willingness to take risks, and his supporting cast of skilled offensive players. Allen possesses a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making that allows him to make throws that other quarterbacks simply cannot. He is capable of launching deep bombs downfield, threading the needle on intermediate routes, and delivering pinpoint throws in the red zone. His arm talent, combined with his willingness to take risks and his supporting cast of skilled offensive players, has made him a fantasy football monster over the past few seasons. The Buffalo Bills offense is designed to maximize Allen's strengths, with a focus on spreading the field and creating opportunities for him to make plays both through the air and on the ground. The Bills have consistently ranked among the league's top offenses in recent years, due in large part to Allen's ability to generate explosive plays and sustain drives. This offensive system provides Allen with a high floor for fantasy production, as he is consistently put in positions to succeed. Whether it's throwing to his talented wide receivers or scrambling for first downs, Allen is always a threat to score points. In addition to his arm talent, Allen is also a surprisingly effective runner. While he may not possess the same raw speed as Lamar Jackson, Allen's size and strength make him a difficult player to bring down in the open field. He is willing to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards, and he has a knack for finding the end zone near the goal line. This rushing ability adds another dimension to Allen's fantasy value, as he can consistently contribute points with his legs in addition to his arm. His size and strength make him a difficult player to bring down in the open field, and he has a knack for finding the end zone near the goal line. This rushing ability adds another dimension to Allen's fantasy value. Overall, Josh Allen's combination of arm talent, rushing ability, and offensive system makes him a highly desirable fantasy quarterback. He has the potential to be the overall QB1 in any given season, and his consistency and high floor make him a reliable option for fantasy managers looking to secure a top-tier quarterback in their drafts. Whether you're looking for a player to build your team around or simply seeking an edge over your opponents, Allen is a quarterback who should be high on your draft board.

Pros:

  • Elite passing volume in a pass-heavy offense.
  • Good rushing ability for a quarterback.
  • High ceiling and consistent performer.

Cons:

  • Can be turnover-prone at times.
  • Rushing workload could decrease with age.
  • Slightly less rushing upside than Jackson.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Let's take a closer look at how these two quarterbacks stack up in some key areas:

  • Rushing: Jackson has the clear edge in rushing upside. His ability to break off long runs and score touchdowns with his legs gives him a higher ceiling in this category.
  • Passing: Allen likely has the edge in passing volume and potential touchdowns. He's in a pass-heavy offense and has a strong rapport with his receivers.
  • Consistency: Both quarterbacks have been consistent fantasy performers in recent years. However, Allen's higher passing volume might give him a slight edge in terms of week-to-week consistency.
  • Risk: Jackson's running style makes him more susceptible to injury. Allen is also a runner, but he tends to take fewer hits.

Fantasy Football Outlook

When it comes to fantasy football, both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are elite options with the potential to be the overall QB1. The best choice for your team ultimately depends on your personal preferences and draft strategy. If you value rushing upside and are willing to accept some risk, Jackson might be the better choice. If you prefer a quarterback with a high passing volume and a more consistent floor, Allen could be the way to go.

2024 Season Expectations

Lamar Jackson: Expect Jackson to continue to be a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, leading the Ravens' offense with his arm and legs. The Ravens have invested in their receiving corps, which should help Jackson improve his passing numbers. However, his rushing attempts may decrease slightly as the team tries to keep him healthy for the long haul.

Josh Allen: Allen should remain one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the league, leading the Bills' high-powered offense. He's expected to continue throwing for a ton of yards and touchdowns, and his rushing ability will still be a valuable asset. However, the Bills may look to reduce his rushing workload to keep him healthy.

Final Recommendation

Alright guys, so who should you draft? It's a tough call! Both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are fantastic options. Here's a simple guide:

  • If you're risk-averse: Go with Josh Allen. He's got a safer floor due to his passing volume.
  • If you want the ultimate upside: Lamar Jackson is your guy. His rushing can win you weeks.

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either of these quarterbacks. Draft the one you believe in and enjoy the ride!

Good luck with your drafts, and may the best team win!