Inputting the Konami Code: Late Round QBs with Rushing Upside

*Special Guest Article from Rob Mattox

Another season, another batch of potential new video game-level quarterbacks. Every season we try to identify which signal-callers have the most rushing potential, as those are “cheat code” fantasy points. This season brings some intriguing new names into play. Like last year, when identifying this year’s likely Konami code quarterbacks, we are going to skip the predictable and fast-forward to some names that might not be as recognizable. Besides, if you have to be told to draft Josh Allen, maybe fantasy football isn’t for you.

The importance of the dual-threat quarterback cannot be overstated, as he has an easier path to fantasy points. In most leagues, if you rely on a dropback passer, you are probably destined for fifth place. The game has changed, both in real football and fake football. If you don’t change with it, you are simply donating your time and money, and what fun is that? 

For 2023, you should wait on drafting your quarterback and focus on these lesser-known players that could have sneaky rushing upside.  [Editor’s note: In last year’s Draft Kit, Rob accurately identified Justin Fields and Daniel Jones as late-round QB targets with rushing upside. Fields and Jones finished QB7 and QB9, respectively, though both were being drafted outside the top 12.]

Sam Howell - Washington Commanders 

I have to admit, this feels a little gross. Howell is mostly an unknown asset being thrust into an unenviable position. The Commanders don’t lack for talent, as they have Scary Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel at receiver, and a decent stable of running backs, but it may be tough sledding for Howell until he gets comfortable running the offense. So, why is he listed here? Because during his last year at North Carolina, he rumbled for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 attempts. That’s pretty good, kids. You could do worse than a very late round quarterback with this kind of sneaky rushing upside. 

Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers 

The temptation was to leave Young off of this list, but why? No, he wasn’t a rushing quarterback in college, logging only 139 attempts and 162 career yards at Alabama, but the undersized Young is about to find himself running more out of necessity in the NFL. The undersized signal-caller ran a respectable 4.5 forty in college, and considering the skill players in Carolina, he might be forced to go on the lam more than ever simply to stay alive. He is going to be a project, but the potential is there to unlock his rushing ability and provide decent value on the ground. 

Anthony Richardson - Indianapolis Colts 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your next legit Konami code quarterback. Richardson only started one year at Florida, and as a passer, he is as raw as gas station sushi, and might make your stomach cramp just as badly. However, as a physical specimen, he may be the most gifted quarterback in years. Richardson stands a towering 6’4 and is a thick, muscled 240 pounds, yet he blazed a 4.43 40 time at the combine. That, folks, is fast. In fact, it is the third-fastest quarterback time ever behind guys named Vick and RG3. The Colts actually have a decent line, running game, and serviceable receivers, even if Richardson might not be able to hit them. What he will do is pull it down and run, and the results could be league-winning for fantasy. Snag this dude and be patient, as Gardner Minshew will likely start the first couple of games, but when the reins get turned over, enjoy the show. And your winnings.