In fantasy football, deciding how many quarterbacks to draft is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your team’s success. Generally, you should aim to draft one elite or high-end starting quarterback, and potentially a reliable backup if you are in a very deep league or have a specific strategy in mind.
The quarterback position in fantasy football often presents a unique balancing act. While it’s the most important position for scoring points, the talent drop-off after the top tier can be significant, leading to the concept of QB scarcity fantasy football. This means you need a solid plan for acquiring your quarterback, whether through early drafting or streaming quarterbacks fantasy leagues. This guide will delve into various aspects of quarterback drafting strategy, helping you navigate the complexities of fantasy football QB depth and determine the optimal number of QBs for your roster.
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Deciphering Your QB Draft Approach
The question of how many QBs to draft isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It hinges on your league’s format, scoring rules, and your overall draft strategy by position. However, a common and effective approach is to secure a strong starting quarterback and then reassess your quarterback needs based on the draft’s flow and the availability of talent.
The Case for a Top-Tier QB
Drafting one of the elite quarterbacks early is a popular quarterback drafting strategy. These players consistently deliver high-end fantasy points and provide a significant advantage over the rest of the league. When you can identify these players within their QB tiers fantasy football, you know you’re investing in a weekly difference-maker.
When to Draft a QB
The timing of your quarterback selection is critical. In most leagues, quarterbacks are highly valued, and the top options can disappear quickly.
- Early Rounds (Rounds 1-4): If you are in a league where quarterbacks are heavily drafted and you have the opportunity to select one of the top 4-6 signal-callers, it’s often wise to do so. This secures you a weekly advantage. However, this often means sacrificing a top-tier running back or wide receiver.
- Middle Rounds (Rounds 5-8): If you opt to wait, you might still find a solid QB1 who is performing at a high level but isn’t considered elite. This is a good strategy if you want to load up on other positions early.
- Late Rounds (Rounds 9+): This is where you’ll likely find your streaming quarterbacks fantasy options or potential late-round gems who could outperform their draft capital.
Factors Influencing Your QB Draft Decision
Several elements should guide your decision on how many quarterbacks to draft:
- League Size: In larger leagues (12+ teams), quarterback scarcity is more pronounced, making an early investment more attractive.
- Scoring Format:
- Superflex Leagues: In leagues where you start two quarterbacks, you absolutely must draft at least two, and often three, quarterbacks. The value of every quarterback skyrockles in these formats.
- PPR (Points Per Reception): While not directly impacting QB numbers, PPR formats can inflate the value of pass-catching running backs and receivers, potentially pushing QBs down draft boards.
- Standard Scoring: In standard leagues, quarterback scoring is more traditional, but the relative advantage of top QBs remains.
- Roster Construction: Consider how many other players you need at each position. If you have depth at running back and wide receiver, you might feel more comfortable taking a quarterback earlier.
- ADP (Average Draft Position): Keep an eye on ADP trends. If quarterbacks are falling past their typical draft range, it might be an opportunity to grab a value.
Exploring Different QB Drafting Strategies
Your fantasy football QB depth plan can vary. Here are some common strategies:
Strategy 1: Draft an Elite QB Early
This is the most straightforward approach. You identify one of the top 5-7 quarterbacks and draft them within the first few rounds.
- Pros: Secures a high-upside, consistent weekly scorer. Reduces the need for constant waiver wire management.
- Cons: Can mean passing on elite talent at other positions. May leave your bench thin if you also draft a backup.
- When to Consider: In leagues where QB scoring is heavily weighted, or if you feel one of the top QBs is a significant tier above the rest.
Strategy 2: Wait and Stream
This strategy involves waiting until the later rounds to draft a starting quarterback and then utilizing the waiver wire to pick up a different quarterback each week based on favorable matchups.
- Pros: Allows you to build a strong core of running backs and wide receivers in the early rounds. Can be very cost-effective if you find success with streaming.
- Cons: Requires consistent weekly research and waiver wire activity. High risk of picking the wrong quarterback in a given week. Can be stressful.
- When to Consider: If you are in a standard 1QB league and your draft board is stacked with talent at other positions. Also viable if your league has many managers who draft QBs early, leaving fewer viable options later.
Example of Streaming Quarterbacks Fantasy:
If you’re looking at Week 1 matchups, you might identify Quarterback A facing a weak defense as a good streamer. In Week 2, if Quarterback A has a tough matchup, you’d look for Quarterback B facing a struggling defense.
Strategy 3: Draft a Solid Mid-Tier QB and a Backup
This is a balanced approach. You might draft a quarterback in rounds 5-8 who is consistently good but not necessarily elite, and then use a late-round pick for a backup.
- Pros: Provides a reliable starter without sacrificing early-round talent. Offers a safety net in case of injury or a mid-season slump.
- Cons: The upside of your starter might be capped compared to elite options. Your backup might not be a true QB1 caliber player.
- When to Consider: A good middle-ground for those who don’t want to reach for a QB early but are wary of the commitment required for full-time streaming.
Strategy 4: The Superflex/2QB Approach
In leagues where you start two quarterbacks, your draft strategy by position must prioritize quarterbacks heavily.
- How Many QBs to Draft: You must draft at least two starting-caliber quarterbacks. Drafting three is often a wise decision to mitigate risk.
- When to Draft: Quarterbacks will be flying off the board from the very first round. You cannot afford to wait.
- QB Scarcity Fantasy Football is extreme in these formats. Missing out on the top tiers leaves you with a significant disadvantage.
Table: Typical QB Draft Scenarios by League Format
| League Format | How Many QBs to Draft | Typical Draft Strategy | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 QB (Standard) | 1 (maybe 2) | Draft elite QB early OR wait and stream. | Opportunity cost at other positions. Waiver wire activity is crucial for streamers. |
| Superflex / 2 QB | 2-3 | Prioritize QB early and often. | Extreme QB scarcity. Backup QB strategy is vital due to volume. |
| PPR/Half-PPR (1 QB) | 1 | Can afford to wait slightly longer, but still aim for top 10-12. | Receiver/RB value can push QBs down, creating potential value. |
The Nuances of Fantasy Football QB Depth
Having good fantasy football QB depth means having a plan for both your starter and any potential backups.
The Backup QB Strategy
Deciding whether to draft a backup quarterback depends on your initial QB pick and your risk tolerance.
- If you drafted an elite QB: Do you need a backup?
- Yes, if: Your elite QB has a history of injuries, or you play in a league with a very deep bench.
- No, if: Your QB is durable, or you prefer to use your bench spots for high-upside RB/WR players. You can always pivot to the waiver wire if needed.
- If you drafted a mid-tier QB: A backup is often advisable. This backup can either be a player with a similar profile, or someone with a higher ceiling who might eventually take over your starting job if your primary QB falters.
- If you are streaming: You don’t draft a traditional backup. Your “backup” is the next best available QB on the waiver wire for the following week.
The average QBs per team fantasy can fluctuate wildly. In standard leagues, most teams will only carry one QB. In Superflex, this number jumps to two or even three.
Analyzing QB Tiers Fantasy Football
Breaking down quarterbacks into QB tiers fantasy football is an essential part of your quarterback drafting strategy. This helps you visualize the drop-off in talent.
Example of QB Tiers (General – Actual Tiers Will Vary Annually):
- Tier 1 (Elite): Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson (Players who consistently produce top-5 QB numbers and offer rushing upside).
- Tier 2 (High-End Starters): Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Justin Fields (Players who are solid QB1s with potential for QB1 overall finishes).
- Tier 3 (Solid Starters): Trevor Lawrence, Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, C.J. Stroud (Players you can reliably start week-to-week, but unlikely to win you the championship on their own).
- Tier 4 (Streaming Options/Gambles): Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, Anthony Richardson (Players with question marks, rookie potential, or good situations that could lead to streamers).
When you are on the clock, identify which tier you are targeting. If you miss out on Tier 1, don’t force a pick; instead, assess if you can wait for Tier 3 or if your draft board offers better value at other positions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Team
The decision of how many QBs to draft requires careful consideration of your league and personal preferences.
- For 1QB Leagues:
- Option A: Draft 1 QB. Focus on elite talent early, or wait and draft a solid QB in the middle rounds and rely on the waiver wire if needed.
- Option B: Draft 2 QBs. If you draft a QB early, consider a reliable backup with a decent floor. If you wait and grab a QB in the middle rounds, your backup should ideally have upside or a favorable early schedule.
- For Superflex/2QB Leagues:
- Option A: Draft 2 QBs Early. Secure two strong starters in the first 4-6 rounds.
- Option B: Draft 3 QBs. If you can snag a third QB with upside in the middle to late rounds, it provides significant roster flexibility and insurance.
Remember, QB scarcity fantasy football is a real factor. Failing to secure a capable quarterback in a 2QB league can cripple your team.
The Average QBs Per Team Fantasy Metric
While there’s no official “average,” most managers in 1QB leagues will draft one quarterback. In Superflex leagues, this average increases to at least two, often three. This metric highlights the positional importance and the need for a strategic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q1: Should I draft two quarterbacks in a 1QB league?
Generally, no. In a standard 1QB league, dedicating two roster spots to quarterbacks can be inefficient unless you have a specific backup QB strategy in mind or are concerned about your starter’s injury history. It’s often better to use that bench spot for a high-upside RB or WR. However, if you draft a QB very early, you might consider a backup later in the draft for insurance, especially if they have a history of injuries. -
Q2: What is a good backup QB strategy?
A good backup QB strategy involves identifying a quarterback who can step in if your starter gets injured or performs poorly. Ideally, this backup should have a decent floor and perhaps a favorable upcoming schedule. In leagues where streaming is common, your “backup” is essentially the best available quarterback on the waiver wire with a good matchup. -
Q3: How important is QB scarcity fantasy football?
QB scarcity fantasy football is extremely important, especially in Superflex or 2QB leagues. The limited number of high-performing quarterbacks means their value skyrockets. In 1QB leagues, while less extreme, the drop-off in production after the top 10-12 quarterbacks can still be significant, making it wise to secure a reliable starter. -
Q4: When is the best time to draft a QB in a 1QB league?
The “best” time often depends on your draft position and the players available. Many managers wait until rounds 4-7 to draft a QB, aiming for a solid starter without sacrificing elite talent at RB or WR. However, if one of the top-tier QBs falls significantly, it can be worth grabbing them earlier. -
Q5: How does quarterback drafting strategy change in PPR leagues?
In PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues, while the scoring system doesn’t directly affect quarterback scoring, it can influence draft strategy. The increased value of pass-catching running backs and wide receivers might push quarterbacks slightly down draft boards, potentially allowing you to grab a better QB later than you might in a standard league. However, the core principle of securing a good starter remains.
By carefully considering these points and adapting your approach to your specific league, you can build a strong fantasy football team with a sound quarterback drafting strategy. Good luck!