Three quarterbacks to avoid in fantasy football

With the 2023 NFL preseason officially in the books, fantasy football drafts are in full swing. Here are three quarterbacks you should think twice about selecting in 12-team ESPN PPR leagues. 

Dak Prescott, Cowboys (ADP: 98.9)

Throughout his career, Prescott has proven to be a serviceable fantasy starter with elite upside, as was the case in 2019 when he finished as the QB2 overall. However, last season, Prescott, who led the league in interceptions (15), was the QB18. 

Despite adding a reliable pass-catcher in Brandin Cooks, it seems unlikely that Dallas' signal-caller will live up to this season's QB11 price tag.

Prescott vowed he'd cut down on his interception totals this season, which could happen, but largely because his passing volume might decline. After parting ways with OC Kellen Moore this offseason, HC Mike McCarthy is assuming play-calling duties and he has made it clear that he plans on implementing a run-centric approach on offense. 

Based on ADP, Prescott is drafted ahead of Tua Tagovailoa, Daniel Jones and Geno Smith, who each finished inside the top 12 in points per game last season and have the potential to produce greater results in 2023. 

Yet perhaps the scariest part about selecting Prescott is his potential to flop early on, which could ruin your season. In the Cowboys' first five games, they'll face the Jets, Patriots and 49ers, all top seven fantasy defenses last season. 

Aaron Rodgers, Jets (ADP: 101.7)

While it's easy to get excited about Rodgers and the Jets' outlook this season, when it comes to fantasy football, the future Hall of Famer isn't the sure-fire weekly starter he once was. A broken thumb coupled with the loss of star receiver Davante Adams can't be overlooked when evaluating Rodgers' disappointing performance last season.

Even so, Rodgers' 14.8 points per game last season trailed Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz, Mike White and Sam Darnold, just to name a few. Although Rodgers should rebound in the passing game and cut down on his uncharacteristic 12 interceptions, New York's imposing defense will limit his fantasy ceiling.

With a top-ranked defensive unit, the Jets are less likely to get into shootouts even with the high-powered offenses around the AFC East and instead focus on controlling the clock late in games. He'll have his spike weeks, but unless you're pairing him with a dual threat such as Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson, Rodgers isn't an exciting option to roster.

Russell Wilson, Broncos (ADP: 143.7)

Denver's acquisition of a competent, offensive-minded head coach in Sean Payton doesn't guarantee Wilson is going to miraculously turn things around after his disastrous 2022 season. Wilson recorded career lows in multiple passing categories last season, including completion rate (60.5%), touchdowns (16) and QBR (36.7) en route to a QB16 finish. 

Even if one believed the team's on-field results would improve this season, Denver has already seen its receiving corps take major hits, which will leave a lasting impact. Tim Patrick will miss the entire season with a torn Achilles, and Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos' leading receiver in 2022, is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury. 

Considering these factors, it's impossible to feel confident about Wilson going into Week 1 with Courtland Sutton, the WR44 and WR43 in the last two seasons, respectively, as his top target. 

Per ESPN's live draft trends, Wilson is ranked as the QB17, equivalent to a fringe streaming option. Chances are you won't be drafting Wilson as a full-time starter, though there are still several intriguing options being selected behind him that could provide more value. 

If you're addressing the quarterback position last or intend to stream weekly, names like Jared Goff, Brock Purdy and Jordan Love definitely have higher ceilings.