The quarterback position in fantasy football is often the subject of much debate. Do you snag an elite option early, hoping for a significant advantage? Or do you wait, trusting that the depth at the position will provide you with a serviceable player at a later round? The answer, as with most things in fantasy football, is: it depends. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the factors to consider when deciding how many quarterbacks to draft and when to draft them.
Understanding Your League’s Scoring and Roster Settings
Before diving into strategy, you need to understand the rules of your league. Different scoring systems and roster settings drastically impact the value of quarterbacks.
Scoring System: The Foundation of QB Value
Standard scoring leagues, typically awarding 4 points per passing touchdown, diminish the advantage of elite quarterbacks. In these formats, the difference between the QB5 and QB15 might not be significant enough to justify spending a premium draft pick.
Superflex (or 2QB) leagues completely change the game. In these formats, you can start two quarterbacks each week. The demand for quarterbacks skyrockets, and their value increases exponentially.
Pay close attention to other scoring nuances. Do you get points for passing yards over 300? Are there negative points for interceptions or sacks? These small details can subtly influence the value of different quarterbacks. Knowing these nuances is crucial for making informed draft decisions.
Roster Size and Bench Spots: Depth Matters
The number of roster spots and bench spots directly affects your ability to stash backup quarterbacks or stream the position. Deeper leagues with larger benches allow you to carry an extra quarterback without sacrificing other valuable positions.
In shallower leagues, you might only want to carry one quarterback, as the opportunity cost of using a roster spot on a backup is too high. Evaluate the trade-off between quarterback depth and depth at other positions.
Drafting Strategy: Early, Late, or Middle Round?
Once you understand your league’s rules, you can formulate a draft strategy. There are three main approaches to drafting quarterbacks: early, late, and middle round.
The Early QB Approach: Locking Down an Elite Option
Drafting a quarterback in the early rounds (rounds 1-3 in 1QB leagues, rounds 1-2 in Superflex leagues) means you’re targeting an elite player with a high ceiling and a relatively safe floor. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts often fall into this category.
The advantage of this approach is positional scarcity. You guarantee yourself a top-tier quarterback who can consistently provide a significant weekly advantage over your opponents. This can be especially valuable in leagues where starting quarterbacks score substantially more points than other positions.
However, the downside is that you’re sacrificing valuable picks that could be used to acquire top running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends. Assess whether the potential advantage at quarterback outweighs the opportunity cost at other positions. This strategy is generally more viable in Superflex leagues where quarterback value is inherently higher.
The Late QB Approach: Value and Streaming Potential
The late-round quarterback strategy involves waiting until the later rounds (rounds 8 or later in 1QB leagues) to draft a quarterback. This approach assumes that the drop-off in production between the QB10 and the QB20 isn’t significant enough to justify spending an earlier pick.
The advantage of this strategy is that you can load up on talent at other positions. By prioritizing running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, you can build a strong foundation for your team.
This strategy also allows for streaming quarterbacks. Streaming involves picking up and starting different quarterbacks each week based on favorable matchups. Streaming can be a viable strategy if you’re adept at identifying quarterbacks with high upside matchups.
However, the risk is that you might miss out on a true difference-maker at the position. You also need to be diligent about monitoring the waiver wire and making timely additions. Late-round quarterback is a valid strategy, but requires constant attention and shrewd decision-making.
The Middle-Round QB Approach: Balancing Risk and Reward
The middle-round quarterback strategy involves drafting a quarterback in the mid-rounds (rounds 4-7 in 1QB leagues). This approach aims to strike a balance between securing a solid quarterback and addressing other positional needs.
The advantage is that you can potentially land a quarterback with upside without sacrificing too much talent at other positions. You might target a quarterback with a proven track record who’s slightly undervalued or a young quarterback with breakout potential.
However, the risk is that you might end up with a quarterback who’s neither elite nor a true value pick. You might be stuck with a quarterback who provides consistent, but unspectacular, production. This strategy requires careful evaluation of the quarterback landscape and identifying players with the potential to outperform their draft position.
How Many Quarterbacks to Draft: A League-Specific Approach
The ideal number of quarterbacks to draft depends on your league’s specific settings and your overall draft strategy.
In Standard 1QB Leagues
In standard 1QB leagues, most managers will only draft one quarterback. Given the relative depth at the position and the limited positional advantage, carrying a backup quarterback is often considered a luxury.
Focus on maximizing value at other positions and streaming if necessary. If your starting quarterback gets injured or struggles, you can usually find a viable replacement on the waiver wire.
However, if you’re particularly risk-averse or if you’re targeting a high-upside backup with significant potential, you might consider drafting two quarterbacks. Having a solid backup can provide peace of mind and a potential trade asset.
In Superflex/2QB Leagues
In Superflex/2QB leagues, drafting at least two starting-caliber quarterbacks is essential. Given the scarcity of the position and the ability to start two quarterbacks each week, you can’t afford to be caught short.
Most managers will draft two quarterbacks in the first two rounds, if not earlier. The demand for quarterbacks is so high that even mediocre starters are valuable.
Some managers even advocate for drafting three quarterbacks, especially in deeper leagues. This provides insurance against injuries and bye weeks and gives you a potential trade chip. The more quarterbacks you have, the better positioned you are in a Superflex league.
Deep Leagues and Bench Considerations
In deeper leagues with larger benches, you have more flexibility to carry multiple quarterbacks. You might draft three quarterbacks in a standard league or even four quarterbacks in a Superflex league.
The key is to balance quarterback depth with depth at other positions. You don’t want to sacrifice valuable roster spots on quarterbacks at the expense of running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends.
Consider the potential trade value of your backup quarterbacks. If you have a quarterback who’s performing well but isn’t starting for you, you might be able to trade him to a team that needs help at the position.
Factors Influencing Your Decision
Beyond league settings and draft strategy, several other factors can influence your decision on how many quarterbacks to draft.
ADP (Average Draft Position) and Value
ADP is a useful tool for gauging the relative value of different players. If a quarterback you like is falling below his ADP, it might be worth drafting him, even if you weren’t planning on taking a quarterback at that point.
Don’t be afraid to deviate from your pre-draft plan if you see a player falling significantly below his ADP. Sometimes, the best way to win your league is to be flexible and take advantage of opportunities.
Team Needs and Roster Construction
Your overall team needs and roster construction should also factor into your decision. If you’re strong at running back and wide receiver, you might be more willing to spend an earlier pick on a quarterback.
Conversely, if you’re weak at other positions, you might want to prioritize addressing those needs before drafting a quarterback.
Risk Tolerance and Upside Potential
Your risk tolerance and appetite for upside should also play a role. If you’re risk-averse, you might prefer to draft a safe, reliable quarterback early.
If you’re more willing to take risks, you might target a high-upside quarterback later in the draft.
Waiver Wire Activity and Streaming Potential
Consider the potential for streaming quarterbacks and the quality of the waiver wire in your league. If you have a competitive waiver wire and you’re confident in your ability to identify streaming options, you might be comfortable waiting on a quarterback.
However, if you have a less active waiver wire, you might want to secure a solid starting quarterback in the draft.
The Importance of Bye Weeks and Injury Concerns
Always be mindful of bye weeks and potential injury risks when drafting quarterbacks.
Avoid drafting two quarterbacks with the same bye week. This will force you to either drop one of them or find a replacement on the waiver wire for that week.
Consider the injury history of the quarterbacks you’re targeting. Quarterbacks who have a history of injuries are riskier picks than quarterbacks who have been consistently healthy.
Conclusion: The Art of QB Drafting
Deciding how many quarterbacks to draft in fantasy football is an art, not a science. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By understanding your league’s scoring and roster settings, formulating a draft strategy, and considering various influencing factors, you can make informed decisions that give you the best chance of success. Remember to be flexible, adapt to the flow of the draft, and trust your instincts. Good luck!
How does league scoring affect the number of quarterbacks I should draft?
The scoring system in your fantasy football league is a crucial factor in determining how many quarterbacks to draft. If your league uses standard scoring with minimal points for passing yards and touchdowns, quarterbacks are generally less valuable. This means you can often wait until later rounds to draft a QB and focus on building depth at more valuable positions like running back and wide receiver. In standard leagues, drafting only one quarterback is a viable strategy, especially if you snag a consistent performer.
However, in Superflex leagues or leagues that heavily reward passing statistics (like 6 points per passing touchdown or bonus points for 300+ yard games), quarterbacks become significantly more valuable. In these formats, having multiple reliable quarterbacks is essential for maximizing your weekly scoring potential. Consider drafting two, or even three, quarterbacks in Superflex leagues, prioritizing high-upside players who can consistently deliver strong performances.
What is the Superflex strategy, and how does it influence QB drafting?
The Superflex position in fantasy football allows you to start a quarterback in your flex spot, in addition to your standard quarterback position. This fundamentally changes the value of quarterbacks, as you now have the potential to start two each week. Because of this increased demand and potential for double points, quarterbacks become more scarce and more valuable in Superflex leagues.
In a Superflex league, it is generally recommended to prioritize quarterbacks much earlier in the draft than you would in a traditional single-quarterback league. Many fantasy experts advocate for drafting at least two quarterbacks in the first three rounds. Waiting too long to address the quarterback position in Superflex can leave you scrambling for scraps and facing a significant disadvantage against teams with strong quarterback play.
How important is QB streaming in a single-QB league?
QB streaming, the practice of starting a different quarterback each week based on favorable matchups, can be a viable strategy in single-QB leagues. The success of this strategy depends heavily on your ability to accurately predict which quarterbacks will have strong performances against weaker defenses. By carefully analyzing matchups and identifying quarterbacks with high potential for yardage and touchdowns, you can often find valuable point production from players who are available on the waiver wire.
However, QB streaming also comes with risks. It requires constant monitoring of the waiver wire and careful evaluation of weekly matchups. You are essentially relying on short-term projections rather than consistent, established performance. While successful streaming can yield strong results, it can also lead to inconsistent scoring and potential frustration if your chosen quarterbacks underperform. Weigh the potential rewards against the inherent risks before fully committing to this approach.
How does roster size affect my QB drafting strategy?
Roster size significantly impacts the number of quarterbacks you should draft. In leagues with smaller rosters, the value of having backup quarterbacks diminishes. You have fewer bench spots, and those spots are better allocated to other positions with potentially higher upside, such as running backs and wide receivers who could emerge as valuable contributors. In smaller roster leagues, drafting only one quarterback might be sufficient.
Conversely, in leagues with deeper rosters, stashing a backup quarterback becomes more appealing. With more bench spots available, you can afford to roster a quarterback who might not start every week but offers a high ceiling or serves as insurance against injury to your starter. Deeper rosters also increase the value of speculative adds and waiver wire pickups, making a second quarterback a reasonable investment for potential trade value or emergency starts.
What should I do if I miss out on the top-tier quarterbacks?
Missing out on the top-tier quarterbacks doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for your fantasy season. While having a consistent, elite quarterback can provide a significant advantage, there are alternative strategies you can employ to remain competitive. One option is to target quarterbacks with high ceilings in the mid-to-late rounds. These players might be unproven or have some question marks, but they possess the potential to significantly outperform their draft position.
Another viable approach is to embrace the streaming strategy. By carefully analyzing matchups and identifying quarterbacks with favorable matchups each week, you can piece together solid production from players who are readily available on the waiver wire. Remember to prioritize consistency and ceiling when evaluating streaming options, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a formula that works for your team.
How do bye weeks and potential injuries influence my QB drafting decisions?
Bye weeks and potential injuries are crucial considerations when determining how many quarterbacks to draft. Every quarterback will have a bye week, during which they will not score any points for your team. Having a backup quarterback ensures that you have a viable option to fill the void during your starter’s bye week, preventing a zero score at the quarterback position.
Furthermore, injuries are an inherent risk in football, and quarterbacks are not immune. If your starting quarterback suffers an injury, having a reliable backup becomes even more critical. Without a backup, you’ll be forced to scour the waiver wire for a replacement, potentially settling for a significantly less desirable option. Drafting at least one backup quarterback, especially one with starter potential, provides essential insurance against these unforeseen circumstances.
What is a late-round QB strategy, and when is it appropriate?
A late-round QB strategy involves waiting until the later rounds of your draft to select a quarterback. This approach is typically employed in standard scoring leagues where quarterbacks are not as highly valued compared to other positions like running back and wide receiver. The rationale behind this strategy is to prioritize building a strong foundation at running back and wide receiver early in the draft and then targeting quarterbacks with upside in the later rounds.
The late-round QB strategy is most appropriate when you believe that the difference in production between the top quarterbacks and the mid-tier quarterbacks is not significant enough to justify spending an early-round pick on the position. It’s crucial to identify quarterbacks with potential value in the later rounds, whether it’s rookies with promising potential or veterans in favorable situations. This strategy requires careful research and a willingness to gamble on potential breakout performers.