Hurts Faces Fantasy Value Questions Before 2027 Return

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faces questions about his long-term fantasy football value after a blood clot in his lungs ended his season, with a full recovery expected before his anticipated 2027 return. According to Yahoo Sports, his declining rushing production could complicate expectations for dynasty fantasy managers even if he returns healthy.

Hurts has ranked among the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks in each of the past five years, but his recent rushing statistics suggest that maintaining that level of production may require a return to his previous workload on the ground.

Hurts is under contract through the 2028 season. According to the Yahoo Sports analysis, he should continue to play alongside running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, with rising prospect Makai Lemon and potentially tight end Dallas Goedert also contributing to Philadelphia's offensive group.

The Eagles also face a challenging schedule that includes every team in the NFC North and AFC West. Those divisions feature several difficult defensive matchups that could affect the team's offensive production.

Hurts' rushing output is a central factor in his fantasy value because his ability to gain yards and score touchdowns with his legs increases his potential to deliver high fantasy totals. However, his recent numbers show a substantial reduction in rushing volume.

During his second full season as a starter in 2024, Hurts averaged 10.0 rushing attempts per game and finished with 630 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Last season, his production fell to 421 rushing yards on an average of 6.6 carries per game.

His workload declined further across five starts this season, when he averaged 4.6 carries per game. Based on that rate over a 17-game schedule, he was projected to finish with 364 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Yahoo Sports contrasted those figures with Marcus Mariota's rushing production in eight starts last season. Mariota recorded 256 rushing yards and one touchdown, a pace equivalent to 544 rushing yards and two touchdowns over 17 games.

The comparison highlights the difference between rushing volume and overall fantasy expectations. Although Hurts has established himself as a productive dual-threat quarterback, his recent carry totals have reduced the rushing contribution that has helped define his fantasy performance.

For dynasty managers evaluating Hurts as a long-term asset, the Yahoo Sports analysis cautions against assuming that medical recovery alone will restore his previous top-10 fantasy production. His future value will also depend on whether his rushing involvement returns to the level that supported his earlier results.