Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts took a step back as both a passer and a fantasy asset last season. While still excellent, Hurts wasn’t quite the unstoppable force he was the year prior. Does that make Hurts a value in fantasy football Best Ball drafts?
Jalen Hurts’ 2024 Fantasy Outlook
It speaks volumes about Hurts’ talent that we look at his 21.9 fantasy points per game from last season as a disappointment. He finished as the overall QB2, his second straight year inside the top two, and averaged 21+ fantasy points for the third consecutive year. Yet, it felt like he should’ve been better.
Chris Simms calls #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts the most overrated player in the league. 😳 #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Vz04iJW4Se
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 19, 2024
Hurts certainly regressed a bit in 2023. His yards per attempt dropped from 8.0 to 7.2, despite his air yards per attempt increasing from 8.2 to 8.7. Hurts was taking shots downfield, but they weren’t connecting.
The Eagles’ QB was also nowhere near the runner he previously had been. Hurts’ 3.9 yards per carry were the lowest of his career, by far. Had it not been for his 15 rushing touchdowns, he may not have even gotten to 20 points per game.
So while Hurts was still elite in 2023, it’s very easy to paint a picture where he’s not quite as good in 2024.
Should You Draft Hurts in 2024 Best Ball Leagues?
There was clearly an issue with the Eagles’ offense last season. They lost six of their final seven games, including Wild Card Weekend. This forced some internal changes, specifically within the coaching staff.
Head coach Nick Sirianni is very clearly entering a make-or-break year. If the Eagles underperform again, he’s going to be looking elsewhere for employment. Fantasy managers have reason to expect a more dynamic offense in 2024.
Plus, even in a “bad year,” Hurts still managed to score 20+ fantasy points in all but three games, one of which was Week 18 when the Eagles pulled starters at halftime.
KEEP READING: Fantasy Football Best Ball Strategy
Hurts still deserves to be drafted right behind Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. While it appears there’s a fair bit of distance between him and the unquestioned overall QB1, Hurts finished as the overall QB1 just two years ago. We have no reason to believe he can’t do it again.
In modern fantasy football, I’m far more apt to pay up for an elite QB. The security and upside they provide make a difference. I just don’t like doing it in the first two rounds.
If Hurts’ ADP remains in the third round, he’ll be someone fantasy managers should eye in Best Ball drafts, as well as managed leagues when the time comes.
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