Best Fantasy Bye Week QBs to Target
Finding the best fantasy bye-week quarterbacks is an underrated art. While snatching top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson can help keep a team afloat, every signal-caller has a bye week. When that dreaded time comes, it’s crucial to have a serviceable backup who can fill the slot and still give your squad a chance to win. While other teams look to “survive” in those weeks, these great-value options can help you thrive in the face of controversy.
Trevor Lawrence, QB17
Say what you will about whether or not a prospect with the phrase “generational talent” stamped on him has since lived up to the hype. This is what we do know: Trevor Lawrence has shown he can be an adequate fantasy QB. Averaging just under 17 fantasy points per game between his sophomore and junior seasons, Lawrence is a healthy field general who can rip the ball down the field. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick is working on the heels of back-to-back 4,000-yard campaigns, and his yards per attempt mark has improved from 6.0 to 7.1 in just two years.
Look around him, and you’ll find a receiving corps with loads of talent. Christian Kirk, the Jaguars’ projected WR1 this year, has nearly 1,900 in the last two years despite being sidelined for five games in 2023. While Jacksonville lost Zay Jones and Calvin Ridley, they picked up a vertical threat in Gabe Davis, who has averaged 16.7 yards per reception in his career. He joins Evan Engram, who heads into his third season in the Jags’ offense after setting career-highs in receptions (114), targets (143) and receiving yards (963).
Kirk Cousins, QB20
While new Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is heading into a new environment, his reputation speaks for itself. Soon to be a 13-year NFL veteran, Cousins is a certified volume passer. The Michigan St. alum put up eight 4,000-yard seasons in nine tries between 2015-22, and he has eclipsed 15 fantasy points per game (standard format) in each of the last nine years.
Cousins’ consistency shines through in multiple dimensions, as he also had 25+ passing touchdowns in eight straight seasons before suffering an Achilles tear to end his run in 2023. While the 35-year-old doesn’t have 3x Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson at his disposal anymore, that doesn’t mean he can’t hit his past marks. In 2016, Cousins tallied a career-high 4,917 passing yards while giving out 1,000-yard seasons to Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson.
Atlanta also added some depth to their wide receiver room. Darnell Mooney, who just signed a 3-year deal with Atlanta, hit the 1,000-yard mark just three seasons ago. Rondale Moore also enters the party with an average of just over three receptions per game. Drake London has flirted with the 1,000-yard milestone through each of his first two years, and let’s not forget the 6-foot-6 freak of an athlete in Kyle Pitts.
Jayden Daniels, QB15
Jayden Daniels is the riskiest play on this list by far, but if he pans out well, he could be the steal of this year’s draft (for a backup’s price). Currently being taken as the 15th QB off the board, Daniels presents an immense amount of rushing upside. The No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft accumulated 3,307 rushing yards over five years (including 1,134 in his final season) in college. Checking in with a career-best 8.4 yards per carry in year five, Daniels has shown the ability to take over a game with his legs.
While the LSU alum didn’t run a 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, there are reports that he logged a 4.5 during his early years at Arizona State. The only element that could hinder Daniels’ rushing volume is the fact that he resides on a team with a projected win total of 6.5. If Daniels works from behind a lot, he will have no choice but to opt for a pass-heavy scheme to play catch-up.
Don’t Ignore Your QB2
Whether it be taking someone with a great passing environment, a decade’s worth of quality play or a rookie with rushing upside, any option is better than ignoring the bye-week backup altogether. Don’t let the game where your starting QB is resting turn into an automatic loss. Strategize, find someone who can make some noise, and steal a win away from your opponent.
BYE WEEKS
Week 5
- Detroit Lions
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Tennessee Titans
Week 6
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
Week 7
- Chicago Bears
- Dallas Cowboys
Week 9
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
Week 10
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Seattle Seahawks
Week 11
- Arizona Cardinals
- Carolina Panthers
- New York Giants
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 12
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
Week 14
- Baltimore Ravens
- Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
- Washington Commanders
