Fantasy football drafts are happening now and one of the most popular quarterbacks on the board is Justin Fields.

The Chicago Bears' quarterback came onto the scene in 2022 with the use of his legs. Heading into 2023, there may be no player that is more popular than Fields for people passing on the elite tier of quarterbacks.

Here's a look at Fields' fantasy football projections and outlook for what could be an electrifying season.

Justin Fields Fantasy Football Projection

(Projections via numberFire)

2023 Projected Points: 319.02 points
numberFire Positional Projection: QB7
2023 Projected Stats:

• 2,858.2 passing yards
• 21.8 passing TDs
• 12.5 INTs
• 1,048.9 rushing yards
• 8.4 rushing TDs

Justin Fields Fantasy Football Outlook

Dynamic Rushing Numbers Make Him a Star

Through the first five weeks of the 2022 NFL regular season, Fields was barely tracking as a streaming option -- let alone a weekly starter.

The highest total he had was 17 fantasy points with two weeks under 10. It wasn't until Week 6 that the Bears (and Fields) finally figured out how to use him to the best of his abilities.

Fields ran for 88 yards and threw for 190 and a touchdown, finishing with a respectable 18.4 points. It was in New England where he really took off. He finished with 23.4 points, beginning a stretch of elite performances. His fantasy-point totals from there on out were 26.0, 42.7, 39.4, 22.6, 19.3, 23.6, 9.9, and 16.2.

The weeks of 42.7 and 39.4 were powered by 178 and 147 yards rushing.

There were still some rough totals in there, but overall, he showed the flash that could eventually become a complete elite season if he were able to turn his passing numbers around, which is expected this season.

After all, Fields was working behind a patchwork offensive line and his top weapon -- Darnell Mooney -- was injured for much of the season.

The Bears went out of their way to get their franchise quarterback help in the offseason, and based on early results, it's everything Fields needs to make the next step.

An Improved Supporting Cast

Justin Fields threw for over 200 yards twice in his sophomore campaign. Twice. He threw for under 100 yards just as many times. That's not great, but help is on the way.

The Bears had the first pick overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and decided to trade back with the Carolina Panthers, citing belief in their young quarterback by also getting him help in the process. They'd acquire wide receiver D.J. Moore in the deal, giving Fields a legit number-one option for the first time and, in many ways, giving the Bears a top receiving option for the first time since the days of Alshon Jeffery. It's been a while.

Moore had a down year in 2022 dealing with the carousel of quarterbacks that the Panthers rolled out there, but prior to that, he finished with three straight seasons over 1,100 yards. He's a player who can make things happen in space, and based on the first preseason game for the Bears this season, Moore is exactly what the Bears offense needed.

A screen pass that went 62 yards to the house. That'll do.

But the help goes beyond Moore. The Bears revamped their offensive line. With the first pick they acquired from the Panthers then moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, they drafted offensive tackle Darnell Wright out of Tennessee. Pro Football Focus gave Wright an overall grade of 71. They also signed guard Nate Davis, giving them a new look line that is going to only allow Fields more time in the pocket.

The improved supporting cast gives Fields a chance to do more than just run for his life. It should protect him and bolster his overall work as a passer. And if that's the case, he's going to be a fantasy superstar.

Final Verdict: Fantasy's Next Elite Option at QB

There's a good reason why so many fantasy players are so excited about the prospects of Fields, and preseason start number one was why.

We've reached a point with Justin Fields where only a few things need to go right from him to make a leap from top-10 fantasy option to bonafide star.

An upped passing game with Moore now in the mix should open up everything. There will be better rushing opportunities for Fields -- which became a problem towards the end of the year -- and an overall better floor for Fields' fantasy prospects.

A higher floor is what will launch him into that elite tier. He finished as the QB6 in 2022 without being an option that could fully be trusted the whole season. He has another level or two in him that we're already seeing through two series in the preseason. Don't overreact to that data -- but don't ignore it either. The Bears' offense is a different beast this year. A second year under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is another key aspect that should benefit Fields' growth as a player.

numberFire's projections have Fields putting up elite numbers. He's ranked as the seventh overall quarterback just behind Justin Herbert. Fields ranks as the QB6 on FantasyPros and has an average draft position (ADP) of 45.3. In FanDuel's best-ball leagues, Fields is going as the seventh QB off the board with an ADP of 42.2.

If you're looking for upside in the draft and want to avoid the premium of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts, then Fields could be the guy who makes the jump to that level. All signs point to it happening.

Make sure you're apart of it.

While you wait for Week 1's daily fantasy football slates to lock, you can get in on some best-ball fantasy football drafts on FanDuel, as well. Just draft your team and watch the points pile up throughout the season.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.