Lamar Jackson Injury: Best Fantasy Football QBs to Target on the Waiver Wire

Lamar Jackson Injury: Best Fantasy QB Replacements in Summary

• Kirk Cousins (LV): The top overall streamer regardless of the Jackson situation
• C.J. Stroud (HOU): Bounced back with a 347-yard, 2-TD performance in Week 4
• Deshaun Watson (CLE): Genuinely underrated, real rushing upside
• Aaron Rodgers (PIT): Back-to-back 20-plus-point weeks
• Tyler Huntley (BAL): The direct inside-the-building replacement if Jackson sits

Lamar Jackson left Sunday's win over the Titans with a left ankle injury, was seen in a walking boot afterward, and is undergoing an MRI today. Head coach Jesse Minter said he doesn't expect it to be a long-term issue, but couldn't confirm whether Jackson will be ready for Sunday night's game against the Falcons. The team has called him day-to-day, though some reports have used "week-to-week" language pending the MRI results. Fantasy managers should be preparing a Plan B now rather than waiting on official word.

Best QB Streamers to Target

Kirk Cousins (Las Vegas Raiders)

The clear top option on the wire right now, full stop, regardless of the Jackson situation. Cousins has thrown multiple touchdowns in all four games this season and just posted a season-high 365 yards and two scores against the Chiefs. He's rostered in roughly 78% of Yahoo leagues already, so act fast if he's still available in yours.

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)

Stroud finally looked like himself in Week 4, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns once Nico Collins got back on the field. If Houston's offense stays healthy, Stroud profiles as a borderline QB1 the rest of the way.

Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)

A genuinely underrated streamer right now. Watson is averaging 213.8 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and just two interceptions, and he's added real rushing value (31.8 yards per game) even without a rushing score yet this season. Cleveland's 3-1 start and a deep receiving corps — Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Harold Fannin Jr., and Quinshon Judkins — make this offense legitimately worth trusting.

Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Back-to-back 20-plus-point weeks, including 299 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland. He's playing like he's got something left in the tank for what he's said will be his final season.

Tyler Huntley (Baltimore Ravens)

The direct, inside-the-building replacement if Jackson does sit. Huntley's fantasy ceiling is real but limited — think 190 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns on a great week — so he's more of an add-if-you're-desperate play than someone you'd want starting over any of the names above.

The Verdict

If you're searching purely to replace Jackson for a week or two, Huntley is the direct plug-in. But the smarter move for most managers is bypassing the direct replacement altogether and grabbing Cousins or Stroud instead — both are performing like real, standalone fantasy starters independent of what happens with Jackson's ankle. Watson and Rodgers round out the next tier if those two are already gone in your league.