Andy Dalton or Jimmy Garoppolo: Who is the better fantasy pick?

If you are choosing between Jimmy Garoppolo and Andy Dalton for your fantasy team, there is a lot to consider. In fantasy, who can score you the most points this week is the most important thing, but you must also consider who is a reliable long-term option.

On the surface, there isn't a huge difference between Dalton and Garoppolo, but there's a lot behind the scenes that should determine your choice. Both these quarterbacks started the 2022 season as backups and both are set to start in Week 8. So who should you start in Week 8 and who should you hitch your wagon to for the rest of the season?

We recommend that you start Jimmy Garoppolo rather than Andy Dalton for Week 8 and for the remainder of the campaign.

Why Jimmy Garoppolo is a better fantasy pick than Andy Dalton

Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers

The crux of the matter is that Garoppolo is going to be the starter for the rest of the 2022 season, whereas Dalton looks to be on borrowed time. For Week 8, Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. It's a huge game by all accounts, and yes, the Rams defense is scary. Dalton and the New Orleans Saints play the Las Vegas Raiders.

On the surface, this looks like an Andy Dalton week. However, the Saints QB threw three interceptions last week against the Arizona Cardinals (including two pick-sixes) and there are some concerns regarding his ball security. Yes, Garoppolo threw an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he is more composed than Dalton at present.

Dalton is starting for New Orleans, but he is unlikely to be their starter for the rest of the season. Jameis Winston is just about healthy and though the Saints are rolling with Dalton, he has to perform to remain the starter and is therefore under pressure.

Garoppolo's consistency under center for the 49ers and the offensive weapons at his disposal should give you confidence in starting him. He throws the ball to names like Deebo Samuels and now has Christian McCaffrey, while the Saints are riddled with injuries and question marks.

Garoppolo is playing for a Super Bowl contender in San Francisco, so you can be sure he's going to put up numbers as long as he's fit. Dalton, on the other hand, is playing for a struggling team. New Orleans are unlikely to make the playoffs this season and relying on their offense is a risky bet.

Andy Dalton and Jimmy Garoppolo's performances in recent seasons

New Orleans Saints v Arizona Cardinals

Andy Dalton has been around the league for quite some time, and he has the accolades to prove it. Don't let recency bias fool you, there was a time when he was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, he hasn't been the same since the Bengals released him in 2020 following four losing seasons.

Dalton acted as Dak Prescott's backup for the Dallas Cowboys for the 2020 season. He alternated as a starter and backup for the Chicago Bears last campaign, before signing with the New Orleans Saints for the 2022 season. Last season, he passed for 1,512 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions across eight games.

Jimmy Garoppolo gets so much unfair criticism that it occasionally feels ludicrous. He started his career as Tom Brady's backup on the all-conquering New England Patriots. He was in New England from 2014 until he was traded to the 49ers in 2017. He has remained there since, leading the franchise to numerous winning records and a Super Bowl appearance in 2019.

He took the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in 2021 and was close to leading the franchise to another Super Bowl appearance. Alas, he fell short and the Rams went on to win it all. Last season, Garoppolo passed for 3,810 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions across 15 games.

How have Andy Dalton and Jimmy Garoppolo performed this season?

Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers

Andy Dalton has performed admirably in New Orleans this season. He has passed for 946 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions in four games. Jimmy Garoppolo came in to steady the ship in San Francisco following an injury to second-year quarterback Trey Lance. Garoppolo has passed for 1,456 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions in six games.