Fantasy football managers, get ready for one of the most intriguing draft debates of 2026: What should you do with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels?
On the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, experts Matt Harmon and Justin Boone dove deep into Daniels' potential, and the conversation is one every fantasy owner needs to hear. The young QB is shaping up to be the ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick this season.
Let's be honest—the 2025 campaign was a tough one for Daniels. Injuries limited him to just seven games, and his average of 16.7 fantasy points per game left him tied for QB18. That's not exactly the stuff of championship dreams.
But here's where the story gets exciting. Flash back to his rookie season in 2024, and you'll remember a league-winner who finished as the QB4 in total scoring. When Daniels is healthy and on his game, he has that rare ability to single-handedly win you a week—or a league.
During the mock draft breakdown, Boone snagged Daniels in the eighth round, though he admitted he considered pulling the trigger a round earlier. In a 1QB format, quarterbacks were sliding, but Boone had a clear strategy: stack Daniels with his top target, wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Boone placed Daniels in elite company, grouping him with Joe Burrow and Caleb Williams as signal-callers with top-five fantasy potential for 2026. Of course, that ceiling comes with plenty of risk—especially for a player with an aggressive, running-heavy style and an injury history.
But here's the smart play Boone highlighted: the depth at quarterback this year is incredible. If Daniels misses time, his backup Marcus Mariota proved he can hold his own, playing well for most of 2026. Even proven veterans like Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy were available past the 10th round in the mock. The message is clear—if you're worried, just grab some insurance.
As it stands, Boone has Daniels ranked fifth in his early 2026 fantasy quarterback rankings. Whether you see him as a steal or a gamble, one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels will be one of the most talked-about names on draft day.