NY Jets: Complete 2021 fantasy football preview

Is NY Jets quarterback Zach Wilson worthy of a roster spot?

In dynasty leagues, the answer is yes. The real question is, can Zach Wilson exceed early expectations as a rookie and be worthy of a roster spot in traditional fantasy football leagues?

Some fantasy football players took the gamble on Justin Herbert a year ago, and he rewarded them handsomely with not only a record-breaking rookie season (4,336 passing yards and 32 touchdowns) but as bonafide weekly QB1. 

However, the truth is that last summer, Herbert wasn't even the Chargers starter at quarterback. Tyrod Taylor was, and it took a medical misadventure for Herbert to ascend to prominence. 

Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert was undrafted and an early-season waiver wire pickup in standard fantasy league formats last year.

Other prominent rookie quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts showed promise and had their moments as well, but they obviously couldn't achieve what Herbert accomplished in 2020.

Jets fans are praying that their rookie QB, Zach Wilson, comes close to matching what Justin Herbert did last season.

The reality is that even though Wilson is virtually guaranteed to be a starter come Week 1, the likelihood is that he won't be drafted in the majority of fantasy leagues that roster two quarterbacks at the most.

Zach Wilson is a QB3 until further notice. On the outside of fantasy leagues looking in, a promising early season start could vault him to the top of waiver wire wish lists, but based on the Jets' reputation and history on offense, fantasy football owners will largely ignore Wilson. 

Should they?

The Jets offense in 2021 is going to be better than it was last season. The team has stocked up nicely on the offensive line, at running back, but particularly at wide receiver. Mike LaFleur's offense, which figures to be a hybrid of the Shanahan system, is quarterback-friendly. 

The Verdict

I wouldn't bet the fantasy farm on Zach Wilson in 2021, but I would keep him on your radar. A forgotten element of Wilson's game is his running ability.

It's nowhere near the level of some of the game's most productive runners at quarterback, but Wilson will produce additional numbers on the ground and in the red zone in particular. He rushed for 10 touchdowns last season with BYU.