Fantasy Gold in 2026 – QAI Reveals Value Plays Beyond ADP 

Applying the QAI to the 2026 fantasy landscape (post-Rodgers-to-PIT update, Wilson out) highlights where throw quality diverges from market pricing (early 1QB ADPs). ocregister.com

High-QAI QBs from 2025 (Maye’s elite CPOE, Stafford’s PFF dominance) project to maintain advantages in 2026 due to stickiness. Aaron Rodgers benefits from the Steelers context in late ADP projections.

ADP vs. Projected QAI: Where the Value Lies

Top Value Insights:

• Drake Maye (NE): Elite projected QAI leader. Rising ADP (QB4–5 range) is justified but offers strong upside if 2025 accuracy sticks.

• Matthew Stafford (LAR): High QAI at a discount—strong mid/late QB2 or streamer value.

• Aaron Rodgers (PIT): Boosted projection; potential late-round steal on accuracy metrics in Superflex-only QB 2 or 3 type.

• Overvalued by Name: Some athletic QBs carry premiums despite less elite pure throw profiles in recent data.

• Sleepers/Values: Look for mid-tier QAI risers or veterans like Prescott in favorable spots.

Fantasy Strategy Takeaway: In 1QB leagues, the QAI helps identify “throw-first” value away from early athletic premiums. 

Prioritize high-QAI names like Maye and Stafford for floor/ceiling, or target Rodgers late Superflex. Monitor the preseason for scheme/injury shifts—the index provides a strong, data-driven baseline. 

These 2 articles synthesize the full research pipeline: metric fundamentals → statistical validation (stickiness, ANOVA/Tukey, PCA) → practical fantasy application. 

SciOff readers get actionable, evidence-based insights rather than hot takes.

Figure Legend / Notes:

• X-Axis: Current early-offseason ADP (overall pick in 1QB leagues).

• Y-Axis: Projected QAI score (higher = better accuracy skill projected from 2025 CPOE/PFF + stickiness models).

• Dashed Line: League-average QAI (0).

• Colors trend from low (cool) to high (warm) QAI.

• Top-right cluster (e.g., Maye, Stafford, Allen) = high accuracy value.

• Bottom-right = lower projected throw quality at later ADP (potential fades or depth options).