The NFL season is nearly upon us, which means it's time to take a look at the top 15 fantasy football quarterbacks in 2021. There are plenty of worthy quarterbacks to be had. So much so, it'd be a smart strategy to wait until later in your fantasy draft to select one. Having elite running backs and wide receivers is much more important for a successful fantasy season.

An elite quarterback on your team doesn't hurt either. Especially if he's a dual-threat who provides rushing stats as well. The best fantasy football quarterbacks are capable of producing points through the air and ground. Anyone who can serve as an extra running back is a must-have this year. With that said, here are the top 15 fantasy football quarterbacks for the 2021 season.

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15. Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons might not be the best team in the league this year, but they should be very active in the passing game. Matt Ryan has Calvin Ridley and rookie Kyle Pitts to throw the ball to, which should be the main force of the offense. Matt Ryan is routinely overlooked, but he is a viable option in fantasy football. Atlanta might have to play from behind often, forcing Ryan to air it out throughout the year. Select him later in your draft after stacking the rest of your lineup.

14. Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence is the only rookie quarterback within the top 15. He's viewed as a prodigy prospect and many believe he's going to take the league by storm. Many might avoid him in fantasy football though, as the Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been the best team recently. However, Trevor Lawrence has some solid skill position players around him and he's a favorite to win Rookie of the Year. There is risk in selecting Lawrence, as he's apparently in a position battle with Gardner Minshew. Even so, the reward is having an electrifying quarterback on your fantasy team.

13. Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow would likely be higher up on this list if he didn't suffer a knee injury last year. The Cincinnati Bengals are hopeful for his return though as the franchise hopes to continue improving. He has an insane wide receiver group at his disposal, making Burrow a high-risk high-reward option. That reason alone places Joe Burrow amongst the best fantasy football quarterbacks.

12. Matthew Stafford

After being traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford enters the 2021 season on the best team of his career. The Rams typically provide valuable fantasy output, but with Stafford under center, LA's offense could be elevated to a new level. He doesn't provide much scoring in the run game, but Matthew Stafford's willingness to sling the ball puts him within the top 15 fantasy football quarterbacks this year.

11. Tom Brady

Tom Brady might be the best ever, but he's just outside of the top 10 in the fantasy football quarterback rankings. He's not a threat to run the ball, as he's an old-school pocket passer. His age is concerning, but the ageless wonder looks as good as ever. Tom Brady also has a brilliant wide receiver core to work with, giving him the potential to finish amongst the top of the league once again.

10. Ryan Tannehill

The Tennessee Titans aim for a Super Bowl run after acquiring Julio Jones via trade. Their offense is stacked with talent, making Ryan Tannehill's job very easy. He has the best running back and best wide receiver duo at his disposal, making Ryan Tannehill a safe option for fantasy football. Additionally, Tannehill has the legs to run the ball as well, which means he'll earn some extra fantasy points that way too.

9. Jalen Hurts

He doesn't have much experience, but Jalen Hurts has to be considered amongst the top fantasy football quarterbacks this year. He's set to be the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, giving him an opportunity to shine. Philadelphia doesn't have the best team, so they'll likely be playing from behind often. Combine that with his ability to run the ball, Jalen Hurts has the potential to be an elite fantasy football quarterback.

8. Justin Herbert

After breaking rookie records and winning Rookie of the Year, Justin Herbert looks to improve his production in 2021. The Los Angeles Chargers have a fantastic offense and spent the offseason bulking up the offensive line. This team could be a playoff contender this year, and with Justin Herbert's gunslinging abilities, the Chargers will be in most games. Similar to Hurts, Herbert has the potential to be an elite fantasy football quarterback this year.

7. Aaron Rodgers

After winning the MVP, Aaron Rodgers looks to be at the top of his game once again. The Green Bay Packers had to mend the relationship, but Rodgers seems focused and ready for 2021. He's easily one of the best fantasy football quarterbacks, as he's been a consistent option throughout his career. Draft Rodgers knowing you have a weekly starter for the entire season, except on the Packers bye week of course.

6. Russell Wilson

Otherwise known as Mr. Unlimited, Russell Wilson hopes to lead the Seattle Seahawks to another Super Bowl run. He started out hot last year but cooled off in the second half of the season. For this reason, some people might fade Wilson altogether. However, he has DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as his main two passing options. Plus, Wilson is a dual-threat quarterback who can provide fantasy production with his legs. He's a safe bet as one of the best fantasy football quarterbacks.

5. Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott was lighting the league on fire last year before suffering a season-ending injury. He seems healthy and ready to get back to business, as the Dallas Cowboys hope to make the postseason. Prescott has numerous pass options and isn't afraid to take shots down the field. Although he's coming back from an injury, Prescott has to be within the top five of fantasy football quarterback rankings.

4. Lamar Jackson

The ultimate dual-threat quarterback, Lamar Jackson should be an elite option this year. After spending time to acquire help in the passing game, the Baltimore Ravens hope Jackson can improve his presence in the pocket. Jackson is a good enough runner where provides solid rushing production as well. Look for the Ravens to be one of the best teams in the league this year with Lamar Jackson leading the way.

3. Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills just gave Josh Allen a massive contract, making him their franchise quarterback. Allen is also a dual-threat quarterback who served as the best rusher on his team last year. The Bills have an elite offense and Allen is an elite quarterback, especially for fantasy football. He was in contention for the MVP last season and could repeat that performance in 2021.

2. Kyler Murray

He might not be at the same level as Josh Allen in real life, but Kyler Murray is arguably the best fantasy football quarterback in the league. Some actually have Murray at the top of the list of their fantasy football quarterback rankings. He provides points on the ground similar to Lamar Jackson but gets the job done through the air as well. Look for Murray to have a big year, as he has the potential to be an MVP candidate in 2021.

1. Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes has to be number one, as he's the most consistent quarterback in the NFL right now. He provides points through the air at a high rate, while also scoring with his legs periodically. Everything about Mahomes is elite and he'll be exactly that in fantasy as well. He is easily the best option amongst the top 15 fantasy football quarterbacks.