After weeks and weeks of speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles finally made a change at QB. On Tuesday, head coach Doug Peterson announced that rookie QB Jalen Hurts would take over as the starter, replacing Carson Wentz.

Eagles’ HC Doug Pederson is naming Jalen Hurts his new starting quarterback and the rookie will start Sunday vs. the New Orleans Saints, sources tell @mortreport and me. Carson Wentz now will backup Hurts.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2020

After throwing for 81 touchdowns and 21 interceptions from 2017-2019, Wentz has seen his success drop mightily. His 16 passing touchdowns this season would match his career-low, and his league-leading 15 interceptions would be a career-high. Obviously, something needed to change in Philadelphia. Enter Jalen Hurts.

Will Hurts lead Philadelphia to more success? Maybe. But they have more problems than just QB. Their offensive line is struggling, and they don’t have a wide receiver with over 500 yards. So how can Hurts be a fantasy star down the stretch? One word. Rushing.

Rushing Is King for QBs in Fantasy

Running QBs are a cheat code when it comes to fantasy. Look at guys like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray. Murray is currently the second QB in fantasy despite the fact that he is 16th in passing yards and tied for 11th in passing touchdowns. Jackson had a historic 2019 season, but he finished 22nd in passing yards.

Hurts was a duel threat QB at both Alabama and Oklahoma. He rushed for over 800 yards and eight-plus touchdowns in his three seasons as the starter. He showed that ability to run last week against the Packers. Hurts rushed five times for 29 yards. With the Eagles offensive line struggling, his mobility will be key in their success. It will allow him to pick up more rushing yards or keep the play alive to find the open receiver. He did take three sacks in that game against the Packers but he will learn as he gets more playing time to avoid the blitz.

Hurts showed can be an effective passer as well. He had two great deep balls in the fourth quarter of that Packers game. His first career touchdown pass came on a play where he moved out of the pocket and made a great throw on the run for a 34-yard touchdown to Greg Ward Jr.

JALEN HURTS’ FIRST NFL TD! 👏

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/XulcSoswXU

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 6, 2020

Playoff Schedule Starts Tough but Gets Easier

Hurts’ first matchup against the Saints will be tough. The Saints are the 6th best defense against opposing QBs. They have two of the best defensive ends this season in Trey Hendrickson and Cameron Jordan. Hurts will have to make quick throws to avoid the sack.

A pair of road matchups against the Cardinals and Cowboys could be where Hurts makes his mark. Arizona’s pass defense has been struggling as of late, allowing 20+ fantasy points five of their last six games. Dallas has had all sorts of problems on defense, and just allowed Lamar Jackson to rush for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Expectations for Hurts?

Realistically, I think Hurts can throw for around 200 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 60-70 rushing yards. That would put him into the 22-23 point range, just above Tom Brady and Ryan Tannehill. If Hurts can avoid the turnovers, he can be a top 10 QB down the stretch and lead you to a fantasy championship.

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