Fantasy Football Playoff Implications: QB Changes You Need to Know

As the NFL season heads into its final stretch, quarterback changes are shaking up the landscape. These shifts have significant consequences, especially for Fantasy Football owners making a push for the playoffs. Whether it’s a new face behind center or a veteran benched in favor of a rookie, quarterback changes can impact the performance of key fantasy weapons, including wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Here’s a breakdown of the recent QB changes and how they could affect your fantasy playoff hopes.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. Takes Over

After a disappointing stretch from Kirk O’Chainz, the Atlanta Falcons have turned to Michael Penix Jr. to lead their offense. While Cousin’s struggles were evident, with his erratic play costing fantasy owners, Penix’s arrival raises intriguing possibilities. But can you trust his weapons as we head into the fantasy playoffs?

Fantasy Implications:

Drake London: London has been one of the few bright spots in Atlanta’s passing game, but his production was inconsistent under Ridder. With Penix now under center, there’s potential for an uptick in passing volume. Given Penix’s solid college production, London could see more consistent targets. Start London with confidence, especially against a weaker Giants defense.
Kyle Pitts: The tale of Kyle Pitts in fantasy football has been a frustrating one. A high-ceiling, low-floor option, Pitts has underperformed largely due to inconsistent quarterback play. Penix might provide the spark Pitts needs, but given his volatility, Pitts is a high-risk, high-reward play. If you’re projected to lose and need upside, starting Pitts makes sense, but temper your expectations.
Bijan Robinson: Bijan has been a steady fantasy contributor all season and will continue to be a must-start, regardless of the QB change. Expect his role in the offense to remain unchanged.
Darnell Mooney: Mooney has flashed some value, but with Kirk Cousins benched, his outlook is murkier. He’s unlikely to be a trustworthy option this week, especially against a strong defense like the Commanders.

Verdict: Penix’s arrival could revamp the Falcons’ offense, with Drake London being the biggest beneficiary. Kyle Pitts is a boom-or-bust option, and Bijan remains a locked-in starter.

2. Cleveland Browns: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) Steps In

In Cleveland, it’s not just the QB change that’s notable—it’s the broader chaos surrounding the Browns’ offense, especially with the injury to Nick Chubb and the uncertainty at QB. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) is stepping in for the struggling Jameis Winston. While the Browns’ offense has been dysfunctional, DTR has the potential to offer some fantasy upside—especially with the possibility of a rushing touchdown or two.

Fantasy Implications:

Jerome Ford: With Nick Chubb out, Jerome Ford has taken on a significant workload in the backfield. His value doesn’t change much with DTR under center, as the Browns are likely to continue feeding Ford the ball in both the run and pass game. Ford remains a solid RB2/flex option in the fantasy playoffs.
Jerry Jeudy: Jeudy has seen more volume lately, and with DTR at QB, he could continue to get targets, especially if Cedric Tillman and David Njoku miss time. DTR will likely rely on short, quick passes to keep the offense moving, which bodes well for Judy’s role. Judy is a flex play with a good chance for volume, especially in PPR formats.
Tight End Situation: If Njoku is out, DTR could look to the tight end position for short passes. However, the uncertainty around DTR’s ability to push the ball downfield means Njoku is a risky start unless he’s fully healthy.

Verdict: The Browns’ offense may not be the most explosive under DTR, but there’s still value in Ford and Jerry Judy, particularly in deeper leagues. If you’re desperate, DTR might be a streaming option, but don’t expect him to deliver huge numbers.

3. Tennessee Titans: Mason Rudolph Takes Over

The Tennessee Titans have made yet another QB change, with Mason Rudolph now stepping in as the starter. Though Rudolph has been inconsistent when given the opportunity in the past, he could stabilize the Titans’ offense. His arrival has immediate consequences for the Titans’ skill players, particularly wide receiver Calvin Ridley and the backfield duo of Tony Pollard and Spears.

Fantasy Implications:

Calvin Ridley: With Rudolph at QB, Ridley should see a decent target share. Despite the inconsistency at QB, Ridley remains the top receiving option for the Titans. Start Ridley as a WR2/flex play, as he should still see enough volume to provide solid fantasy value.
Tony Pollard and Spears: The Titans’ running backs could benefit most from Rudolph’s presence. With Rudolph at QB, the Titans may rely more heavily on their ground game to take pressure off their signal-caller. Pollard and Spears are both viable starts, with Pollard continuing to be the lead back. Spears could be a sneaky flex play if you’re in need of depth.

Verdict: While Rudolph isn’t a world-beater, his presence could stabilize the offense enough to keep Ridley and the running backs relevant. Ridley is still a solid flex option, and the running back duo is in play for deeper leagues.

4. New York Giants: Quarterback Turmoil

The New York Giants have also been dealing with QB uncertainty, and with Daniel Jones gone, they’ve been rotating through various quarterbacks. This instability makes it difficult to trust any of their fantasy weapons, though there are a few who might still offer value.

Fantasy Implications:

Malik Nabers: Nabers has shown some promise, but the QB situation in New York is a mess. You can likely start him if you have to, but his upside is limited, and he might be better suited as a flex play at best.
Tyrone Tracy Jr: Tracy remains the focal point of the offense, and that’s not likely to change no matter who’s under center. Tracy is a must-start regardless of the QB situation.

Verdict: The Giants’ passing game is shaky at best. Stick with Tracy as your bell cow, and be cautious with any pass-catchers.

5. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler Steps In for Derek Carr

With Derek Carr sidelined, Spencer Rattler now has the reins for the Saints. This is a significant downgrade for the offense, especially with the team facing off against a tough Green Bay defense this week.

Fantasy Implications:

Alvin Kamara: Kamara’s value likely increases with Rattler, as he will be leaned on heavily in both the running and passing game. Kamara remains a strong RB1, but the rest of the Saints’ offense is shaky.
Wide Receivers: The receiving corps is a complete mess. Chris Olave out and other pass catchers have struggled with consistency, and now with a new QB in place, there’s little reason to trust any of the Saints’ wideouts, unless you’re in a deep league and need to roll the dice. Avoid starting them unless absolutely necessary.

Verdict: Alvin Kamara is the only Saint you should confidently start in fantasy, and that’s mainly due to his pass-catching ability. The rest of the Saints’ offensive weapons are too risky in the playoffs.

Conclusion: Trust the Stars, Monitor the Replacements

As the fantasy playoffs heat up, it’s crucial to monitor these quarterback changes and how they influence the rest of the offense. Drake London and Alvin Kamara are among the few players whose value remains solid despite the QB shifts. However, many of the other players discussed, such as Kyle Pitts, Jerome Ford, and Jerry Jeudy, carry significant risk and should be treated with caution.

With the fantasy playoffs on the line, make sure you’re starting the players who have a track record of consistency, while keeping a close eye on these quarterback changes to make sure you’re not putting your hopes in a volatile situation.

Good luck as you navigate these playoff decisions, and may your fantasy team ride high to the championship!