3 Breakout Candidates at Quarterback for 2022 Fantasy Football Season

Most managers will head into 2022 fantasy football drafts looking to nab one of the top-tier quarterbacks. While there's nothing wrong with that, savvy drafters will identify potential breakout candidates they can target later on in order to prioritize premium skill-position talent. If these dark horses pan out, it can have league-changing implications.

With that in mind, here are three breakout candidates to consider in fantasy drafts this year.

Breakout QBs 2022

3. Tua Tagovailoa (ADP: QB 16)

Tua Tagovailoa heads into the 2022 season set up for success in a revamped Miami Dolphins offense. This paltry offensive line got two huge upgrades in tackle Terron Armstead and guard Connor Williams, which should immediately help keep Tagovailoa upright after injuries limited him the past two seasons. Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is also now in town, giving Tagovailoa an All-Pro-level No. 1 option to go along with Jaylen Waddle. Those two, along with tight end Mike Gesicki and Cedrick Wilson Jr. as the WR3, give the third-year pro his best pass-catchings corps ever. Though Tagovailoa doesn't present much rushing upside, his passing numbers should take a huge leap forward after finishing as QB25 in fantasy scoring last season. Currently owning an average draft position (ADP) of QB16 and 120 overall, he's not even being selected as a starter. It'd be no surprise to see him end up being a value if he progresses as expected in 2022.

2. Trey Lance (ADP: QB13)

Trey Lance is primed to break out after taking over as the starter in high-powered San Francisco offense. Lance flashed his tantalizing fantasy potential in two starts for the 49ers last season, recording 14.58 and 19.06 fantasy points. He also racked up 20.38 points in just the second half of Week 4. That average of 18.0 FPPG would've placed him as QB13 as a rookie, and now he's got a full offseason of preparation behind him. Lance is surrounded by playmaking pass-catchers in this offense, with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle providing two go-to targets, along with promising wideout Brandon Aiyuk. What makes Lance so intriguing as a fantasy option is his dual-threat abilities after he posted 1,100 yards in his last full collegiate season. He kept that going in limited time last year, recording a combined 161 yards over his 2.5 starts, including 89 alone in Week 5. If that rushing production translates over a 17-game season, Lance has a golden opportunity to crack the top 10 QBs in fantasy scoring even if his passing success takes some time to develop.

1. Jalen Hurts (ADP: QB 7)

Jalen Hurts already broke out last season, but he should take another leap in 2021. Despite ranking No. 21 in passing yards (3,144) and No. 23 in TDs (23), Hurts still finished as QB9 last season thanks to prolific numbers on the ground. The Philadelphia Eagles gunslinger finished No. 1 at his position in both rushing yards (784) and TDs (10), which helped propel him to the top 10. There's no reason for his rushing skills to drop off, but there's massive room for improvement as a passer that could take him to the next level. Philadelphia traded for star wide receiver AJ Brown this offseason, giving Hurts a true No. 1 option he lacked last season. It not only helps Hurts to play with a perennial 1,000-yard wideout, as Brown's arrival should make things easier for the likes of DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. This addition sets the stage for Hurts to make major strides in the passing game, in addition to his already strong rushing production. With an overall ADP of just 65, Hurts could turn out to be a huge value in the middle rounds if he contends for the QB1 crown.

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Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.