Fantasy football has become an integral part of the NFL experience for fans, offering them a chance to engage with the sport in a new and exciting way. It combines sports knowledge, strategy, and a little bit of luck, which is why so many fans participate in it each year.

For newcomers, though, it can be a bit overwhelming, as they soon realize that simply picking the biggest names from the league does not guarantee success. This reality hit home for NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum when he participated in fantasy football for the first time.

On the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by the Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, Tatum opened up about his rookie fantasy football experience, shedding light on some key lessons learned along the way.

While his primary focus is on basketball, his foray into fantasy football revealed the nuanced strategy behind building a successful team and why some players, such as Lamar Jackson, are so valuable in fantasy leagues.

Jayson Tatum’s Fantasy Football Rookie Season

Entering his first fantasy football season, Tatum made the mistake that many first-timers do: he focused on star power.

His strategy was simple—draft the most famous and well-known players. He explained on the podcast: “I had two leagues. So in one league, I had Pat [Mahomes]. I didn’t understand all about fantasy football… Let me go get the best player in the league. Let me go get Pat.”

This approach seems logical at first glance, especially when it comes to a player of Patrick Mahomes’ caliber. However, as Tatum soon discovered, being a star in real life does not always translate into fantasy success.

Despite Mahomes being one of the league’s top quarterbacks, Tatum’s fantasy results weren’t quite as spectacular as expected. “And nothing but respect for you [Travis] and Pat, but it’s like—it didn’t work out. It didn’t work out,” he admitted.

Tatum’s experience with Mahomes shows that fantasy football success often comes down to more than just the marquee names.

There’s a deeper layer of strategy involved, such as considering how well a player’s style of play translates into fantasy scoring systems. This is where Jackson truly shines.

Lamar Jackson’s Dual-Threat Skill Set: A Game Changer for Fantasy Football

Jason Kelce, who is no stranger to the ups and downs of fantasy football, took the opportunity to give Tatum some advice. Kelce explained that mobile quarterbacks often hold more value in fantasy leagues due to their ability to accumulate rushing yards and touchdowns—something traditional pocket passers can’t always achieve.

He emphasized that players like Jalen Hurts are especially valuable because of their ability to contribute on the ground, not just through the air.

“You gotta get either the running quarterbacks or the—like, you gotta get Jalen [Hurts],” Jason said. “He’s a great one because he’s gonna get—you know, like 15 tush pushes into the end zone.”

This advice resonates because mobile quarterbacks have a unique advantage in fantasy football. Their rushing yards and touchdowns provide additional points, making them even more attractive picks than their purely passing counterparts.

Lamar is the perfect example of this type of player. His dual-threat ability, both as a passer and a rusher, makes him a fantasy football superstar.

When Tatum shared that his second fantasy league went much better, it was thanks to Lamar‘s extraordinary skills.

“Lamar’s a great one,” Tatum said. “I had Lamar in my other league. He’s—Lamar’s unbelievable, obviously, in the real game, but in fantasy football too.”

Indeed, Jackson’s unique blend of skills has made him a dominant force in both real-life football and fantasy football.

As one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, Jackson regularly posts impressive rushing stats, further boosting his value in formats that reward rushing yards and touchdowns. The Kelce brothers both agreed that Jackson is perfectly suited for fantasy football.

As Jason Kelce succinctly put it: “He’s perfect for fantasy. I mean, he’s perfect. He’s pretty perfect for regular football as well, but fantasy?”

Travis Kelce echoed his brother’s sentiment, adding: “He’s got it all covered.” In short, Lamar Jackson offers everything a fantasy player needs—consistent passing production, an explosive rushing game, and the ability to score in multiple ways.

These traits make him an invaluable asset on any fantasy football team.

The Fantasy Football Value of Mobile Quarterbacks

The significance of Lamar Jackson’s impact on fantasy football is part of a larger trend: the increasing value of mobile quarterbacks in the game.

In recent years, quarterbacks who can both throw and run have become highly sought after in fantasy leagues. Players like Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Josh Allen have all transformed the way fantasy managers approach quarterback selection.

Mobile quarterbacks offer more ways to score points. For instance, Jackson’s rushing ability not only adds yards but often leads to rushing touchdowns, which are highly valued in fantasy scoring systems.

This is a stark contrast to traditional quarterbacks, who rely mainly on passing yards and touchdowns to rack up points. In some scoring systems, rushing touchdowns are worth more than passing touchdowns, making a mobile quarterback like Jackson even more valuable.

When selecting a quarterback for a fantasy team, it’s crucial to weigh factors like rushing ability, consistency, and scoring potential.

While pocket passers like Patrick Mahomes are undoubtedly talented, they don’t always provide the same level of fantasy production as dual-threat quarterbacks. This is why many fantasy managers are shifting their focus toward mobile quarterbacks in recent seasons.

Lamar Jackson’s Real-Life Football Dominance

Of course, it’s not just in fantasy football where Lamar Jackson excels. In real-life NFL games, Jackson’s performance has made him one of the league’s most electrifying players.

As the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson has consistently proven his ability to change the game with his legs as well as his arms.

His MVP-winning season in 2019 is a testament to his extraordinary skills, and he continues to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL.

Jackson’s success in both fantasy and real-life football highlights the convergence of the two worlds. Fantasy football managers and NFL fans alike recognize the unique value that Jackson brings to the table.

He has reshaped the expectations of what a quarterback can do, setting new benchmarks for fantasy football and NFL play alike.

Fantasy Football Strategies and Lessons Learned

Tatum’s experience with fantasy football serves as a valuable reminder of the lessons every rookie needs to learn: don’t simply draft based on star power. While it’s tempting to pick the biggest names, such as Patrick Mahomes, doing so without understanding the nuances of fantasy football scoring systems may lead to disappointment.

Instead, fantasy players should consider players who provide consistent production, like mobile quarterbacks, and who have the potential to score in multiple ways.

Ultimately, Lamar Jackson‘s combination of rushing and passing abilities makes him an ideal fantasy football choice.

His success is not an accident—it’s a result of his unique skill set and how well that skill set translates into fantasy football scoring systems. For those new to fantasy football, as Tatum learned, understanding this dynamic can make all the difference.

Expert Editorial Comment

Lamar Jackson is a game-changer in both real-life NFL football and fantasy football. His ability to run, pass, and score in a variety of ways makes him a top pick for any fantasy football team.

As Jayson Tatum learned the hard way, fantasy football is about more than just picking the biggest names—it’s about finding players who can consistently deliver results. And in that regard, Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly a standout.

Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy football player or a newcomer like Tatum, the key takeaway is clear: Mobile quarterbacks are where the fantasy football value lies.

Lamar Jackson’s all-around game makes him an ideal fantasy asset, and for many players, his presence on their roster can be the difference between success and failure.