Jalen Hurts vs Jayden Daniels

“Of the top-10 scorers overall in 2025, only Allen, Nix, and Jalen Hurts were selected as top-10 picks.”

“Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) One of the most severely underrated quarterbacks heading into the 2026 NFL season is Jalen Hurts.”

“For Hurts to be a midrange QB1 or better, he’ll have to put up big rushing numbers, and we saw his rushing numbers decline last year. After four straight years of double-digit TD runs, with an average of 13 rushing touchdowns a season over that stretch, Hurts had eight TD runs last year. The Eagles had faithfully used the “tush push” every time they got inside the opponent’s 2-yard line in recent years.”

“At his midrange QB1 price, Hurts has to deliver significant rushing value to give you a satisfying return on investment. Because let’s face it: Hurts has been a pretty average passer. Hurts has never had a 4,000-yard passing season.”

“Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) One analyst has been aggressively targeting Hurts this year, a name that generates little draft-day excitement, which is exactly what makes him appealing. He’s currently being drafted in the QB10-to-QB11 range in single-quarterback leagues, worse than his consensus QB6 ranking, with reports of him falling as far as QB9 or 15 spots past his listed ADP in real drafts.”

“It is reasonable to say that Hurts probably will not be a top-three guy moving forward with the decrease in rushing, but we are betting on his rushing TDs to come back up past double digits and put him in a position to score more fantasy points. Right now his ADP is fair, and you can be comfortable taking him in the sixth round.”

“Unfortunately, Hurts averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game last year, posting an average below 20.8 for the first time in his career as the full-time starter despite totaling a career-high 25 passing touchdowns. However, Hurts’ rushing production regressed, totaling single-digit rushing touchdowns for the first time since his rookie season.”

“Jalen Hurts lost A.J. Brown , but the upgrade at play-caller could be huge. Kevin Patullo was one of the worst offensive coordinators in recent memory.”

“The clearest path to a bounce back is rushing volume: Hurts topped 600 rushing yards in each of the two seasons before last year, then dropped to 421, and his rushing touchdown total fell to eight after previously reaching double digits.”

“Last season, Hurts finished as the QB8 with 299.1 fantasy points, a strong output that contradicts the offseason doubt. Hurts remains a dual-threat quarterback with weekly spike potential, and his rushing ability continues to drive his fantasy value.”

“After averaging at least 21 fantasy points per game from his first full season as a starter in 2021 to 2024, Jalen Hurts slipped to 19.1 fantasy points per game in 2025. A decrease in rushing production was largely to blame, as Hurts' 421 rushing yards last season marked a five-year low, and his streak of four straight seasons with double-digit rushing touchdowns was snapped, with only eight TD runs in 2025.”

“Philadelphia has the easiest schedules at every position, including quarterback. The rest of the year is filled with cakewalk matchups, making Hurts an attractive Round 2 target in startups.”

“Lamar Jackson , Jayden Daniels , Joe Burrow , Baker Mayfield , and Kyler Murray all were selected as top-12 players at the position and finished double-digit slots behind expectations in terms of points per game.”

“The rushing upside of Jayden Daniels tempted me, but the Bengals’ schedule should be excellent for Burrow and the passing attack.”

“After a sublime 2024 rookie season in which he threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, ran for 891 yards and six touchdowns, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels played only seven games in 2025 due to elbow, knee and ankle injuries. When he was healthy, Daniels was a far less efficient passer than he had been in 2024, averaging only 6.7 yards per pass attempt and completing 60.6% of his throws in 2025 (down from 7.4 YPA and a 69.0% completion rate as a rookie).”

“Von Miller spoke about choosing the Commanders, saying "with the Washington Commanders, I just felt like Jayden Daniels was poised for another great season. His rookie season went all the way to the NFC Championship, and last year, he got hit with injuries, not just at the quarterback position, but all over the place."”

“With Terry McLaurin limited to 10 games last season, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz were the top two target options in the offense. Neither has been re-signed, and both remain free agents. After last year's injuries and less proven talent around him, the risk far outweighs the reward of selecting Daniels at his current ADP.”

“When Daniels did play a complete game, he was still productive for fantasy. In those weeks, he posted 19.6 fantasy points per game, which would have been QB7 for the season. He scored at least 15 fantasy points in six of his seven appearances, showing he still has a high floor.”

“Assuming he can see time on the field in that same role with Jayden Daniels at quarterback, he will generate significant fantasy points with his efficiency.”

“Washington's fortunes revolve around the health of Jayden Daniels. The positive is that before injuries derailed his 2025 season, he still flashed franchise-quarterback traits, and the team was competitive.”

“Daniels struggled with knee, hamstring and elbow injuries last season, and his durability is going to be in question until he can stay healthy for 17 games across multiple seasons. However, as long as he's healthy, Daniels brings the kind of rushing upside that only a handful of quarterbacks can match.”

“Jayden Daniels was a disappointment even before he got hurt. His passing numbers were down, and he only averaged 39.7 rushing yards per game prior to his injury.”

“Jayden Daniels started only seven games. A healthier season at quarterback should allow them to close the turnover margin this season.”

“Even in the games Daniels played, it was clear that regression was going to hit. Finishing the season with a 2-5 record as the starter, he averaged 11 fewer rushing yards and 29 fewer passing yards per game compared to his rookie season.”