The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move in the 2023 NFL offseason by signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This move sparked excitement among fantasy football enthusiasts. The passionate crowd is eagerly awaiting Garoppolo’s performance with his new team in the upcoming season. With that being said, what are No. 10’s prospects with regard to fantasy football? That’s a separate conversation we’re going to have.
Let us delve into Jimmy G’s fantasy football outlook for the 2023 NFL season, analyze his 2022 performance, compare him to other players in the same position, and see if he will be an asset to fantasy football teams in 2023.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s 2022 NFL Season Review
Garoppolo’s performance in 2022 was marked by impressive feats, even while dealing with some injury setbacks. Throughout the year, the veteran signal-caller played in just 11 games. He only regained the QB1 role after a season-ending injury to the team’s Week 1 starter, Trey Lance.
Jimmy G showcased his prowess on the field as he sat atop the depth chart. He completed an impressive 67.2 percent of his passes, amassing 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. These statistics placed him among the league’s more dangerous quarterbacks.
Notably, his 7.9 yards per pass attempt ranked among the best among all active quarterbacks, underscoring his ability to move the ball effectively down the field. His passer rating of 103.0 also ranked fourth in the league, reflecting his remarkable efficiency and decision-making skills.
Under Garoppolo’s leadership, the 49ers attained a commendable 7-3 record before his injury, demonstrating his capability to steer the team to success. As fantasy football managers look ahead to the 2023 NFL season, the new Raiders starting quarterback emerges as a promising asset. His efficiency and knack for advancing the ball translate into valuable fantasy points, making him a dependable option for consistent production.
Moreover, now that he’s in Las Vegas, his familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system and position provide a sense of stability for fantasy football managers. Nevertheless, the Raiders’ decision to choose a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft could heighten the pressure on Garoppolo to deliver outstanding performances.
Overall, his impressive 2022 season sets a solid foundation for an optimistic fantasy football outlook in the upcoming season.
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Comparing Garoppolo to Other QBs
When evaluating a player’s fantasy football outlook, comparing them to other players in the same position is essential. In the case of Garoppolo, he stands out as a promising option for managers. His experience within the McDaniels system gives him an advantage. Additionally, Garoppolo’s efficiency, as evidenced by his yards per pass attempt, places him in the company of elite quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, particular injury concerns have placed Jimmy G outside many top 10 or even top 20 lists in 2023 fantasy football draft rankings. Other quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Ryan Tannehill often rank ahead of the now tenth-year veteran.
Garoppolo’s average draft position in standard Yahoo/CBS/ESPN leagues is 197th overall. His peak is 161st overall, with a low of 337th. At this value, he is a late-round flier at most drafts while being available as a free agent in 15 percent of Yahoo leagues. In short, in a single-quarterback league, Garoppolo cannot be your QB1.
2023 Fantasy Football Outlook for the Raiders
Garoppolo is still on track to be Josh McDaniels’ replacement for Derek Carr in Las Vegas this year. Off-season foot surgery has left Garoppolo’s health in doubt. Note that the veteran has played an entire season only once in his career. In addition, he’s played double-digit games just three times.
We won’t advise drafting him in one-QB leagues, even if he’s 100 percent in the preseason. However, you can’t consider him a two-QB starter until he proves rustiness won’t follow him to the regular season. If the Raiders add another veteran passer in training camp, you can take that as a sign things may not be going well in Garoppolo’s recovery. After all, some veteran quarterbacks are still on the free agency market, like Carson Wentz, for example.
Jimmy G’s fantasy expectations in the new-look Raiders offense could look something like this. A stat line of 3,978 passing yards on 340 completions and 24 touchdowns is realistic for Garoppolo in 2023. That’s 13.4 fantasy points per game. Compared to Carr last year, it’s a slight upgrade overall. But not enough to justify an early-round selection.
Is Garoppolo Worth Drafting in Fantasy?
Jimmy Garoppolo’s fantasy football outlook for the 2023 NFL season is clouded by considerable uncertainty. If his injury history persists, we don’t see him playing much. On the other hand, if he’s healthy, we’re not sure he’s elite, either.
That said, his impressive performance in 2022 and his efficiency and familiarity with the offensive system positions him as an intriguing asset for fantasy football teams. Managers should consider a lot of factors before drafting Garoppolo. He could provide steady play to the real-life Raiders, but that likely will not carry over to fantasy success.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
