Fantasy football managers are paying attention to one quarterback above all others this season, and the numbers explain why. Lamar Jackson has become the most coveted signal-caller this month, according to PFSN’s Trade Analyzer, with 499 trade acquisitions putting him fourth among all players and nearly doubling the trade frequency of any other quarterback.
Joe Burrow sits a distant second with 253 trades, highlighting just how aggressively managers are pursuing the Ravens’ star quarterback.
Lamar Jackson’s Elite Dual-Threat Production
Jackson’s trading surge stems from his unique ability to dominate through the air and on the ground.
This past season, he joined an exclusive club by throwing for over 3,500 yards while rushing for more than 800 yards. Only four quarterbacks in NFL history have achieved this feat: Kyler Murray in 2020, Jackson in 2023, Jayden Daniels in 2024, and Jackson in 2024. This dual-threat capability creates an incredibly high floor for fantasy production.
While other quarterbacks rely solely on passing statistics, Jackson consistently adds points through rushing yards and touchdowns. His 800-plus rushing yards last season came with the security of a veteran quarterback who has mastered reading defenses and protecting the football.
The combination makes Jackson particularly valuable in fantasy formats where consistency matters. Even in games where the passing attack struggles, his rushing ability provides a safety net that few other quarterbacks can match. This reliability explains why fantasy managers are willing to trade premium assets to acquire him.
The Todd Monken Effect
Much of Jackson’s dominance can be attributed to offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s arrival in Baltimore. The transformation has been remarkable: Jackson’s passer rating jumped from 88.9 in the two seasons before Monken to 111.3 over the past two years.
More impressively, his touchdown rate increased from 4.7% to 7%, indicating the type of improvement in terms of efficiency and accuracy that it takes to lead the position in production.
Monken’s system has maximized Jackson’s arm talent while maintaining his rushing prowess. The coordinator’s experience with explosive passing attacks has helped Jackson develop into a more complete pocket passer without sacrificing the mobility that makes him special.
The statistical improvement under Monken isn’t just about raw numbers. Jackson’s decision-making has become sharper, his pre-snap reads more decisive, and his ability to extend plays has reached new heights. These improvements suggest the performance is sustainable rather than a temporary spike.
Fantasy Championship Upside
Jackson’s proven dual-threat ability and continued development under Monken create an intriguing fantasy proposition. His historical rushing production provides a floor that few quarterbacks have ever been able match, while his improved passing efficiency under Monken offers a significant ceiling.
Fantasy managers recognize that Jackson represents more than just weekly production; he offers championship-winning upside. The combination of rushing yards, passing touchdowns, and explosive play potential creates weekly ceiling outcomes that can single-handedly win matchups.
The trade data suggests managers recognize this value and a rare opportunity to secure a game-changing quarterback, even above the price in whic the market has set. They’re not just acquiring Jackson for his past performance; they’re betting on continued improvement in Monken’s system.
Jackson’s evolution under Monken has elevated him to a reliable QB1 with explosive upside. As managers prepare for another season, the numbers make it clear: Jackson isn’t just a good fantasy quarterback; he’s appproaching a class of his own.
