Despite being drafted three years apart, Alex Smith and Joe Flacco are less than a year apart in age, which is something that is constantly overlooked. Both quarterbacks are quickly approaching 30 and have never really been fantasy studs. Headed into 2013, which quarterback will be a better option for you? Is either a viable QB1? Let’s find out.
Alex Smith - Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
I’ve already covered Smith and his fantasy outlook here, but let me give you the cliff notes quickly. When surrounded by talent and teamed with a good head coach, Smith is a talented and solid quarterback. Smith will excell in Reid’s West Coast offense, and has a very talented offensive line to protect him; as well as numerous weapons in Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster and Travis Kelce. We should see a career resurgence like the one he was on last year with San Francisco before being edged out due to injury.
2013 Stat Projections: 3,400 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a 93.8 quarterback rating.
Joe Flacco - Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco had a career year last season, finishing in the top 10 in passing yards and touchdowns en route to a magical postseason run and Super Bowl Victory. But it’s hard to argue that Flacco wasn’t inconsistent, as always, along the way. After briefly being the highest-paid quarterback ever, there is a lot of pressure now on Flacco headed into 2013. The loss of Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers really hurts Flacco, as he’ll have to rely on the inconsistent Torrey Smith as his No. 1 receiver now.
In the end, Flacco will still put up good numbers as part of a solid team, and will finish the season in the middle of the fantasy pack, as usual.
2013 Stat Projections: 3,700 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 86.4 quarterback rating.
In Comparison
In the end, these two are going to finish 2013 neck-and-neck in the fantasy standings. If you subscribe to the Late Round QB strategy, either one would be a solid QB1 option. If you don’t follow that particular strategy, you should have already drafted your QB1 by the time you get to Flacco or Smith, but both would make a great QB2 option for you incase your starter goes down, or to sub in for your starter’s bye week. In terms of dynasty, Flacco is the better option, solely based on the fact that he’s played for three less years than Smith so he has less miles on his body and is just slightly younger.