Fantasy Football Sleepers 2016: Top 5 Undervalued QBs

Marcus Mariota-Tennessee Titans

In the “Winston vs Mariota” argument, I’ve always gone with whoever you can get cheaper.  Both players had relatively successful rookie seasons, but I like Mariota to take the bigger leap in year two thanks to a successful offseason for the Titans.

Tennessee gave their young QB some intriguing new options by adding free-agent Richard Matthews from the Dolphins and using a fifth round pick on Tajae Sharp a receiver out of Mass. Sharpe has gotten plenty of buzz (nice post from NFL Spin Zone here) and could end up starting if he can hold off Dorial Green-Beckham, Harry Douglas, and the newly-signed Andre Johnson.  Mariota will also have tight end Melanie Walker and slot receiver Kendall Wright to work the middle of the field when the Titans throw the ball.

The biggest upgrades to Tennessee’s offense, though, are two new runnings backs.  Tennessee picked up DeMarco Murray and drafted Derrick Henry to bolster their rushing attack and also added some good young talent on the offensive line.

Mariota added some bulk this offseason to hopefully cut down on the injuries he struggled with last season, but reportedly he hasn’t sacrificed any of his speed.  His running ability could be a huge asset and lead to big plays if teams are forced to focus on Murray and Henry in the backfield.

Mariota isn’t someone I’d draft as my QB1 outside of super-deep leagues, but he definitely has the potential to jump into the top 15 if he can evolve with his new offensive weapons and turn into a nice dual-threat QB facing a schedule that’s pretty favorable overall.

Next: It definitely took him long enough