As we head into the stretch run of the 2025 fantasy football season, one thing is clear — your team’s draft-day decision at quarterback has made all the difference. Back in September, every manager had a plan: grab an elite passer early, chase upside in the middle rounds, or roll the dice late on a breakout candidate.

Now, with ten weeks behind us, we can look back at those opening-week QBs and see who hit big… and who’s left searching the waiver wire.

The Big Guns – Worth Every Draft Pick

Patrick Mahomes (Two Dogs) and Josh Allen (Funky Monks)
ð Likely Drafted: Rounds 2–3
ð" Result: Still elite, still reliable.

Both Mahomes and Allen were drafted early, and both continue to anchor playoff-caliber teams. Allen remains the ultimate dual-threat fantasy weapon, while Mahomes — even with some uneven real-life performances — still provides the steady hand every contender needs.

Verdict: The price was steep, but you can’t put a value on weekly QB security.

The Smart Spenders – Mid-Round Magic

Jalen Hurts (Cobra Kai) and Dak Prescott (Mt. Vernon Maulers)
ð Likely Drafted: Rounds 5–7
ð" Result: Value, stability, and surging performance.

Hurts continues to be a fantasy cheat code — part quarterback, part goal-line back. Meanwhile, Prescott’s second-half resurgence has been one of the best storylines of the season, turning the Maulers into a quiet threat.

Verdict: Smart drafting paid off — both QBs are returning premium value without premium cost.

The Value Pick – Quiet Confidence

Lamar Jackson (Mr. Swift’s Fantasy Experience)
ð Likely Drafted: Rounds 4–6
ð" Result: Steady dual-threat production, even when the box score doesn’t pop.

Jackson remains one of fantasy’s safest bets — his floor is high, his ceiling always in reach. He might not be leading the scoring race, but he’s leading his team toward a playoff push.

Verdict: Drafted at the right time, producing right on cue.

The Late-Round Bets – Some Hits, Some Headaches

Jordan Love (Manklinkoes), Baker Mayfield (Amaraqs), Joe Burrow (Brooklyn Bombers)
ð Likely Drafted: Rounds 9–11
ð" Result: Love has flashed, Mayfield has fought, Burrow never got going.

Love’s growth in Green Bay has translated into solid fantasy production — a true late-round gem. Mayfield’s grit has kept him playable in spots, though volatility remains. Burrow, meanwhile, was a tough blow for the Bombers, who banked on a bounce-back that never quite materialized.

Verdict: Love looks like a keeper. Burrow burned early believers.

The Rookie Roll – Betting on the Future

Jayden Daniels (50 Shades of Great) and Bo Nix (Spanky Rookies)
ð Likely Drafted: Rounds 11–13
ð" Result: Rookie rollercoasters — flashes of brilliance, fantasy inconsistency.

Both Daniels and Nix came into the league dripping with potential, and each has shown glimpses of what’s to come. Daniels’ athleticism makes him a fantasy wild card, while Nix’s poise has earned him streamer respectability.

Verdict: Great long-term bets — just not weekly locks yet.

Quarterback MVP: Dak Prescott (Mt. Vernon Maulers)

From mid-round afterthought to top-tier fantasy starter, Prescott has been one of 2025’s best draft values. His recent hot streak has the Maulers climbing and could define the playoff picture down the stretch.

Takeaway: Draft Timing Still Rules the Day

• Elite QBs (Mahomes, Allen) give you peace of mind — and a playoff anchor.

• Mid-round veterans (Hurts, Prescott, Jackson) are delivering elite output at discount prices.

• Late-round fliers (Love, Nix, Daniels) offer excitement but come with volatility.

As we look toward 2026, the lesson holds: the draft board may tempt you early, but patience — and a bit of faith — often wins in the end.