Fantasy Football: How Many QBs Should I Draft? Your Strategy Guide

In fantasy football, the question of how many quarterbacks (QBs) to draft can significantly shape your team’s success. The short answer: In most standard fantasy football leagues, drafting one starting quarterback is sufficient for your primary roster spot, with a second QB being a strategic luxury or a necessity in specific formats. However, the “how many” is deeply intertwined with your overall fantasy football QB strategy, league settings, and draft approach. This guide will delve into the nuances of fantasy QB draft strategy to help you make informed decisions, ensuring you hit the optimal QB draft targets and build a championship-caliber team.

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Fathoming the Fantasy QB Landscape

The quarterback position in fantasy football is undeniably crucial. A top-tier QB can provide a significant point advantage week in and week out, often being the difference between a win and a loss. However, the depth at the QB position can be surprisingly robust, leading to debates about when and how many to target. Your fantasy football draft approach QB must be adaptable to the specific demands of your league.

League Size and Scoring

The number of QBs you should consider drafting hinges heavily on your league’s characteristics.

• 10-12 Team Leagues: In these leagues, there’s a clear drop-off in QB talent after the top 12-15 players. Securing one solid starter is paramount. Drafting a second QB is often a luxury, only considered if you can grab a high-upside backup at a bargain or a QB with dual-threat capabilities who could significantly outperform expectations.
• 14-16+ Team Leagues: In larger leagues, the waiver wire for quarterbacks will dry up much faster. This increases the value of QB depth fantasy. If you don’t draft at least one reliable starter, you might be relegated to streaming QBs, which requires constant monitoring and can be highly volatile. In these larger formats, a second QB becomes more of a consideration, especially if they have a clear path to starting or are a highly efficient backup.
• Scoring Formats:
  • Standard (1 point per 4 passing yards, 4 points per passing TD, -1 per interception): This format rewards volume and efficiency. Top QBs still offer a substantial advantage.
  • PPR (Point Per Reception) or Half-PPR: These formats benefit offensive players overall, including QBs who throw to high-volume receivers. However, the core QB scoring remains the same.
  • Big-Time Scoring (e.g., 6 points per passing TD, 0.04 points per passing yard): In these leagues, QBs are hyper-inflated. The top QBs can put up astronomical numbers, and the gap between the elite and the mediocre is even wider. This is where you might consider reaching slightly for a top QB and potentially even a high-upside backup if your draft board falls favorably.
  • QB as a Full Position (e.g., Superflex/2QB Leagues): This is where the entire QB draft strategy fantasy changes. In these leagues, you must draft at least two starting-caliber quarterbacks, and often three, as two QBs will be on the field simultaneously. The value of QBs in Superflex leagues skyrockets, and you’ll likely see them fly off the board early in the draft.

Positional Scarcity vs. Positional Depth

A critical element of fantasy football roster construction QB is understanding positional scarcity.

• QB Scarcity: While there are many starting QBs in the NFL, the number of truly elite fantasy QBs is limited. This scarcity drives up the price of the top-tier options. If you can secure a Mahomes, Allen, or Hurts, you might have a significant positional advantage.
• QB Depth: Beyond the top 10-12 QBs, the talent level often flattens. You might have several QBs in the 15-25 range who offer similar weekly projections. This makes it less crucial to grab a backup if you’ve already secured a solid starter, unless you have a specific reason.

Deciphering Your Draft Approach: When to Draft a QB

Your fantasy football draft advice QB should always emphasize flexibility. There’s no single magic bullet, but rather a set of principles to guide your decisions.

The “Wait on QB” Strategy

This is a popular fantasy football QB strategy that advocates for waiting until the later rounds (rounds 7-10 in a 1QB league) to draft your starting quarterback.

Pros:

• Value Accumulation: By waiting, you allow yourself to scoop up top-tier talent at other skill positions (RB, WR, TE) where the drop-off in talent can be more precipitous earlier in the draft.
• QB Tiers: Often, the difference between QB10 and QB20 isn’t as vast as the difference between RB10 and RB20, or WR10 and WR20. You can find viable starting QBs later.
• QB Streaming Option: If you wait and end up with a QB2 you’re not thrilled with, you can employ a streaming strategy by picking up a different QB each week based on matchups.

Cons:

• Missing the Elite: You’ll likely miss out on the truly elite, high-upside QBs who can carry your team.
• High Volatility: Streaming requires constant waiver wire activity and can lead to disappointing performances if you pick the wrong matchup.
• Risk of Injury: If your only QB gets injured early in the season, you’re in serious trouble.

When to Employ “Wait on QB”:

• In leagues with 1QB.
• When you have a strong conviction about grabbing elite RBs and WRs early.
• If you’re comfortable with the QB streaming strategy.
• When the top QB tiers have been depleted, and you can grab a QB with high upside in the later rounds.

The “Early QB” Strategy

This approach involves targeting one of the top-tier quarterbacks, often within the first 5-7 rounds of a 1QB league.

Pros:

• Positional Advantage: You secure a QB who is projected to score significantly more points than most of the league. This can provide a weekly scoring buffer.
• Reduced Stress: You don’t have to worry about the QB position for the rest of the draft and can focus on other needs.
• Injury Insurance (if you draft a backup): If you draft an elite QB and then snag a solid backup in a later round, you’re well-covered.

Cons:

• Opportunity Cost: You’re sacrificing an early-round pick that could have been used on a top RB or WR, potentially missing out on a more significant positional advantage.
• Diminishing Returns: The point difference between QB7 and QB15 might not be as significant as the point difference between RB7 and RB15.
• Potential for Overspending: QBs are often overvalued in drafts, leading you to pick them higher than their projected value.

When to Employ “Early QB”:

• In leagues with Superflex or 2QB formats (this is almost mandatory).
• When you’re in a league where QBs are consistently drafted very early.
• If there’s a clear tier of 3-4 QBs you feel are significantly better than the rest, and you want to guarantee one of them.
• If you believe a particular QB has league-winning upside.

The “Middle-Round QB” Strategy

This strategy involves drafting your starting QB in the middle rounds, typically rounds 5-8 in a 1QB league.

Pros:

• Balanced Approach: You still get a starting QB who is generally reliable without sacrificing premium draft capital.
• Flexibility: You can still load up on RBs and WRs in the early rounds.
• Targeting Value: You can often find QBs who have a good supporting cast, a favorable schedule, or dual-threat ability in this range.

Cons:

• Missing the Elite: You’ll likely miss out on the absolute top-tier QBs.
• Potential for Staleness: While generally reliable, these QBs might not offer the week-winning upside of the early-round picks.

When to Employ “Middle-Round QB”:

• In 1QB leagues, this is often the sweet spot for many fantasy managers.
• When the top QBs have been drafted, but there are still several solid options in the QB7-QB14 range.
• If you want a reliable starter but don’t want to pay the premium for the absolute elite.

How Many QBs to Draft: A Breakdown by Scenario

Let’s consolidate this into practical advice for how many quarterbacks fantasy football managers should target.

Scenario 1: Standard 1QB Leagues (10-12 Teams)

• Primary Goal: Draft ONE starting quarterback.
• When to Draft:
  • Early: If you’re targeting one of the top 3-5 QBs (Mahomes, Allen, Hurts, etc.) and they fall to your pick in rounds 3-5. Be wary of reaching too early unless you have a strong conviction.
  • Middle: Rounds 5-8 is often the sweet spot to grab a reliable QB1 with good upside. You’ll find QBs like Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, or Patrick Mahomes (depending on draft flow) in this range.
  • Late: Rounds 9-12 is where you can find value if you’re willing to stream or take a shot on a QB with a high ceiling but perhaps more risk (e.g., Tua Tagovailoa, Dak Prescott, Jordan Love).
• Drafting a Second QB: Generally, avoid drafting a second QB in a 1QB league unless:
  • You drafted your primary QB very late and picked up a high-upside backup with a clear path to starting in the final rounds.
  • You are extremely confident in your ability to stream QBs and want a safety net for bye weeks or injuries from a different team’s QB.
  • The waiver wire is exceptionally thin, and you anticipate struggles finding a viable backup later.

Scenario 2: Larger 1QB Leagues (14+ Teams)

• Primary Goal: Draft ONE solid starting quarterback, but consider a second QB more strongly.
• When to Draft:
  • You might need to draft your QB a bit earlier than in smaller leagues, perhaps rounds 4-7, to secure a reliable starter before the talent pool dries up.
  • The late-round targets (rounds 10-14) become even more critical.
• Drafting a Second QB:
  • Strongly consider it. In larger leagues, the waiver wire becomes a barren wasteland very quickly. Having a competent backup QB can be a significant advantage.
  • Target a QB in the late rounds (rounds 10-14) who has a good backup situation, a high-upside offense, or even starting potential if the starter ahead of him falters. This provides QB depth fantasy that will be invaluable.

Scenario 3: Superflex / 2QB Leagues

• Primary Goal: Draft AT LEAST TWO, likely THREE, starting QBs.
• When to Draft:
  • QB1: QBs will fly off the board in the first 2-3 rounds, and often even into the late first round. You must prioritize securing your first starting QB early.
  • QB2: You should aim to draft your second starting QB no later than round 5-7. The gap between QB12 and QB24 is massive here.
  • QB3 (Optional but Recommended): In the later rounds (rounds 10-14), grabbing a third QB with upside, a good backup situation, or even starter potential is highly advisable. This is crucial for bye weeks, potential injuries, and trade bait.
• Strategy: This is where fantasy QB draft strategy is completely inverted. You are drafting QBs almost as if you were drafting RBs and WRs in a 1QB league – prioritize them early and often.

Key Considerations for Your QB Draft Picks Fantasy

When making your QB draft picks fantasy, always keep these factors in mind:

• Bye Weeks: While not the most critical factor, try not to have all your QBs (if you draft two) on the same bye week. This can leave you scrambling. However, don’t let a bye week dictate drafting a much worse player.
• Offensive Line and Weapons: A QB is only as good as the players around him. A strong offensive line, talented receivers, and a solid running game elevate a QB’s fantasy production. Research team situations.
• Coaching and Scheme: Some offenses are built to air it out, while others are more run-heavy. Understand the offensive philosophy and how it benefits your QB.
• Dual-Threat Ability: QBs who can run for significant yardage and touchdowns (like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts) offer a higher floor and ceiling due to the added rushing points. This is a significant advantage, especially in PPR formats where passing TDs are paramount.
• Schedule: While schedules can change, a QB with a generally easier early-season schedule might be a good target. However, don’t rely solely on schedules; player talent and situation are more important.

Drafting a Backup QB: When Does It Make Sense?

In a 1QB league, drafting a backup QB is a luxury, not a necessity. However, there are specific situations where it can be a shrewd move:

• You Drafted Your Starter Very Late: If you waited until the 10th round or later and grabbed a QB with question marks or a lower floor, investing a late-round pick in a competent backup with a higher ceiling makes sense.
• You Are in a Larger League: As discussed, the waiver wire depletes rapidly in leagues with 14+ teams. Having a backup can save you considerable stress.
• You Want to Avoid Streaming: If the idea of constantly picking up QBs based on matchups sounds like too much work or too risky, drafting a reliable backup provides stability.
• You Have a High-Upside QB: If you drafted a QB like Justin Fields (who was in this category entering some seasons), who has immense rushing upside but is also prone to lower passing yardage or interceptions, having a more stable, pocket-passing backup can be beneficial for certain matchups or if he gets injured.
• Trade Bait: A solid backup QB can sometimes be used as a trade chip if another manager suffers an injury to their QB and needs a fill-in.

The Art of QB Streaming

For those who opt not to draft a backup QB in a 1QB league, the strategy of fantasy football roster construction QB often involves streaming.

What is QB Streaming?
QB streaming involves dropping your starting quarterback weekly and picking up another quarterback from the free-agent pool who has a favorable matchup.

How to Execute:

1. Identify Top QB Matchups: Look for defenses that are weak against the pass, struggle to generate pressure, or give up a lot of fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Resources like fantasy football websites often provide defensive rankings against QBs.
2. Target QBs in Good Matchups: Select a QB who is playing against one of these weak defenses, ideally on a team with a decent offense.
3. Be Prepared to Drop: You’ll need to be diligent about finding your next week’s QB and be willing to drop your current one.
4. Consider Your Own QB: Sometimes, your “bench” QB can be your primary QB, and you’re streaming a different QB each week.

Pros of Streaming:

• Save Draft Capital: You don’t use early or mid-round picks on a QB.
• Exploit Matchups: You can theoretically maximize QB points by exploiting the best matchups each week.

Cons of Streaming:

• High Volatility: Matchup-based performance can be inconsistent. A “bad” defense can have a great game, and a “good” defense can be exploited.
• Waiver Wire Competition: In competitive leagues, the best streaming options might be gone by the time it’s your turn.
• Time Consuming: Requires constant monitoring of matchups and waiver wires.
• Risk of Injury: If your streaming QB gets injured mid-game, you’re in trouble unless you have another readily available backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: In a standard 1QB league, how many QBs should I aim to draft?

For most standard 1QB leagues, aim to draft one starting quarterback. You can then consider a second QB in the very late rounds if value presents itself and you want depth or insurance.

Q2: What if I play in a Superflex or 2QB league?

If you play in a Superflex or 2QB league, the fantasy football draft approach QB changes drastically. You must draft at least two starting QBs, and it’s highly recommended to draft a third. Prioritize QBs very early in these formats.

Q3: Is it ever worth drafting two QBs in a 1QB league?

It’s generally not recommended unless you drafted your primary starter very late, play in a large league (14+ teams), or want to avoid the waiver wire entirely. The opportunity cost of using a draft pick on a second QB can be high in a 1QB format.

Q4: When is the right time to draft a QB in a 1QB league?

There’s no single “right” time, but common strategies include waiting until the middle rounds (rounds 5-8) for a balanced approach, or waiting even later (rounds 9-12) if you prefer to focus on other positions early. Drafting an elite QB in the early-to-mid rounds (rounds 3-5) is also viable if you believe you’re getting a significant positional advantage.

Q5: What are the benefits of drafting a QB with dual-threat ability?

Dual-threat QBs (those who can run and pass effectively) offer a higher fantasy floor and ceiling because they accrue points through both passing and rushing yards/touchdowns. This dual-threat nature makes them more valuable and can mitigate some of the risks associated with pure pocket passers.

Q6: How important are bye weeks when considering QB depth?

Bye weeks are a factor, but they are not the primary driver of QB depth fantasy. While it’s ideal to avoid having all your QBs on bye the same week, it’s more important to draft talented players. If you draft a backup, try to ensure their bye week differs from your starter’s.

Q7: Should I draft a backup QB if my starter is an elite player?

Even if you have an elite QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, drafting a backup in a 1QB league is usually not necessary. The value of an elite QB is high, but the draft capital required for a high-quality backup might be better spent elsewhere. If you do draft a backup for an elite QB, it should be a late-round flier or someone with immense upside.