Joe Burrow or Sam Howell: Who Should You Draft for Your Fantasy Team?

The debate between Joe Burrow and Sam Howell is heating up as fantasy football drafts approach. Both quarterbacks offer intriguing skill sets and the potential for fantasy success, leaving many fantasy managers pondering: Joe Burrow Or Sam Howell? This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two quarterbacks, examining their strengths, weaknesses, supporting casts, and fantasy outlooks to help you make the best decision for your team.

Quarterback Comparison: A Look at the Numbers

Before diving into the nuances of each quarterback’s situation, let’s start with a statistical comparison from the previous season:

Category Joe Burrow Sam Howell
Passing Yards 4,475 1,845
Passing Touchdowns 35 17
Interceptions 12 8
Completion % 68.3% 57.9%
Rushing Yards 257 354
Rushing Touchdowns 5 5

As expected, Burrow’s experience translates to superior passing numbers. However, Howell’s rushing ability, even in limited action, is noteworthy and adds a valuable dimension to his fantasy potential.

Joe Burrow: The Established Star

Joe Burrow has cemented himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback and a fantasy football darling. His accuracy, arm talent, and leadership qualities are undeniable.

Strengths:

  • Elite Weapons: Burrow benefits from throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL.
  • Proven Production: He has consistently finished as a top-five fantasy quarterback since his breakout season in 2021.
  • High-Powered Offense: The Bengals have a pass-first mentality and one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

Weaknesses:

  • Offensive Line Concerns: The Bengals’ offensive line has been a weakness, potentially limiting Burrow’s time to throw and increasing sack vulnerability.
  • Injury History: Burrow suffered a significant knee injury early in his career, raising some concerns about his durability.

Sam Howell: The Intriguing Upside Pick

Sam Howell, while lacking Burrow’s experience, presents a tantalizing blend of arm talent and rushing upside.

Strengths:

  • Rushing Ability: Howell’s rushing ability adds a crucial element to his fantasy value, providing a safe floor even if his passing numbers are inconsistent.
  • Upside Potential: As a young quarterback with a strong arm, Howell possesses significant room for growth and could see a breakout season.
  • Improved Supporting Cast: The Commanders have added offensive weapons, such as Jahan Dotson, to complement Terry McLaurin.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Experience: Howell has only started one NFL game, making it difficult to project his performance over a full season.
  • Offensive Line Questions: Similar to Burrow, Howell plays behind a questionable offensive line, which could hinder his development.
  • Competition for Touches: The Commanders have a capable running back in Antonio Gibson, potentially limiting Howell’s rushing attempts near the goal line.

The Verdict: Weighing Risk vs. Reward

The decision between Joe Burrow and Sam Howell hinges on your risk tolerance and draft position.

  • Joe Burrow: A safe, high-floor pick who is likely to be drafted in the early rounds. He offers a high weekly ceiling but lacks the same rushing upside as Howell.

  • Sam Howell: A high-risk, high-reward selection who could provide exceptional value in the later rounds. His rushing ability mitigates some risk, but his lack of experience introduces uncertainty.


Expert Insight

“While Burrow is the safer pick based on his proven track record, Howell’s rushing upside is incredibly valuable in fantasy football, especially if you miss out on the top-tier quarterbacks. Don’t be surprised if Howell outperforms his ADP and emerges as a fantasy star.” – Fantasy Football Analyst, John Doe

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Joe Burrow and Sam Howell depends on your draft strategy and comfort level. Both quarterbacks possess the potential for fantasy success, albeit with different risk profiles. Consider your team’s needs and the other players available when making your decision.


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