The perfect time to draft a quarterback in fantasy football depends on your league. But even though there's no position valued more differently depending on the people around you than signal caller, you can still enter your draft with a QB target in each tier.
If the first QB in the draft, likely Josh Allen, goes in the first or second round, well, you're probably going to be priced out of the position's top tier. If eight QBs fly off the board, you might need to reach for your guy. Just make sure you aren't caught flat footed and without a plan. That's an easy way to end up panic scrolling waivers in Week 4.
Here are the three best fantasy football quarterback picks you can make in 2026:
in 2026 drafts
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
While he's usually the second quarterback off the board this year, Jackson also usually goes a full round later than Josh Allen. So if you want to invest in the position, you can still wait for the Buffalo QB to go first before swooping in for Jackson, the 2024 overall QB1 who admittedly struggled last season. That's also why Jackson's cost of a third or fourth round pick is discounted, because otherwise it's wheels up.
The Ravens have a new 30-year-old offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, and an electric rookie wide receiver who is lighting up camp in Ja'Kobi Lane. Jackson also has an out in his contract at the end of this season and might have a little extra motivation to put up big numbers.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
There are a lot of reasons to like Lawrence - he finished as a high-end QB1 last year and the Jaguars could have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the NFL this year if Brian Thomas Jr. returns to form. While he's unlikely to rush for nine touchdowns again like in 2025, he could hit another level as a passer in year 2 of Liam Coen's offense. Even if he doesn't, Lawrence's price tag of the 10th to 12th QB taken is too low.
There's also an argument for Dak Prescott in this mid-tier range, though he might go a round or two earlier than Lawrence.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Look, you're not closing out a draft with Jacoby Brissett as your highlight. He's so under the radar that if you're feeling particularly risky this year, you could do something like draft a player on IR (Zach Charbonnet, for example), stash him, and then pick Brissett up on waivers for free.
He's not going to win you many weeks in the NFL, but Brissett showed us last year that he can win fantasy weeks. Arizona's defense is still going to give up a ton of points and the veteran QB is surrounded by dynamic playmakers. If you want to invest in other positions and wait on QB, Brissett is a smart bet. Other solid late round options include Malik Willis, Tyler Shough and Bo Nix.
Fantasy football quarterback rankings
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 best fantasy football quarterback picks you can make in 2026
