Fantasy Football: When To Draft A Backup QB

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Alright, fantasy football fanatics, let's talk about a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of your draft strategy: when to snag that backup quarterback. Many of you might be thinking, "Backup QB? Seriously? I've got more important positions to fill!" And you're not entirely wrong. Quarterback is deep in fantasy football these days, meaning you can often find a serviceable starter on the waiver wire if your initial pick goes down. However, completely ignoring the QB2 position can leave you scrambling if disaster strikes or if you're looking to exploit favorable matchups. So, let's dive into the strategies, the risks, and the rewards of drafting a backup quarterback and figure out the optimal time to pull the trigger.

Understanding the QB Landscape

Before we get into specific drafting rounds, it's essential to understand the current quarterback landscape in fantasy football. Gone are the days when you absolutely needed to draft a top-tier QB in the early rounds to compete. The rise of dual-threat quarterbacks and the pass-happy nature of modern offenses have created a situation where solid QB production can be found much later in the draft. Think about guys like Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen – these guys aren't just throwing touchdowns; they're running them in too! This rushing upside significantly increases their fantasy value, making them highly sought after. However, even quarterbacks who aren't known for their rushing prowess can still put up big numbers, especially if they're in a good offensive system with talented receivers. Consider someone like Kirk Cousins or Jared Goff; they might not win you your league, but they can provide consistent, reliable production week in and week out. Because of this depth, you can often wait on drafting your starting quarterback until the middle rounds, allowing you to focus on securing elite running backs and wide receivers early on. This strategy, known as "late-round QB," has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason – it works! But with this strategy, you also need to have a plan for when to draft that QB2 to give you security and options.

Factors to Consider Before Drafting a Backup QB

Several factors should influence your decision on when to draft a backup quarterback. These include your league's scoring system, the size of your league, and your overall draft strategy. Let's break these down:

  • Scoring System: Is your league a standard scoring league, or does it use a points-per-reception (PPR) format? Does it award bonus points for long touchdowns or high passing yardage games? In superflex leagues, quarterbacks become extremely valuable, and you will have to draft your QBs a lot earlier. The scoring system will greatly influence the value of quarterbacks, so adjust your strategy accordingly. In general, the more points awarded for passing stats, the more valuable quarterbacks become.
  • League Size: In smaller leagues (8-10 teams), the waiver wire is typically more robust, meaning you can often find a decent replacement if your starting quarterback gets injured or underperforms. In larger leagues (12-14 teams), however, the waiver wire is much thinner, making it more important to have a reliable backup on your roster. If you're in a larger league, you might want to consider drafting a backup quarterback a round or two earlier than you would in a smaller league.
  • Draft Strategy: Are you employing a late-round QB strategy, or did you snag one of the elite quarterbacks in the early rounds? If you drafted Patrick Mahomes in the second round, you probably don't need to draft a backup quarterback until much later in the draft. However, if you waited until the tenth round to draft your starter, you might want to consider drafting a backup a little earlier to provide some insurance.
  • Your Risk Tolerance: How comfortable are you with the idea of streaming quarterbacks off the waiver wire each week? If you're a risk-averse player who likes to have a solid plan in place, drafting a reliable backup is a good idea. If you're more of a risk-taker who's comfortable playing the waiver wire game, you can probably wait until the very late rounds to draft a backup, or even skip the position altogether.

Optimal Drafting Rounds for a Backup QB

So, when should you draft a backup quarterback? Based on the factors we've discussed, here's a general guideline:

  • If you drafted an elite QB early (Rounds 1-4): You can likely wait until the very late rounds (Rounds 12+) to draft a backup. Your starter is likely to be a consistent performer, and the chances of needing your backup are relatively low. In this scenario, focus on drafting high-upside players at other positions and address the QB2 need with one of your last picks, targeting players with a decent floor who won't kill you if they have to step in. Guys who are proven veterans in stable offenses make sense here.
  • If you waited on a QB (Rounds 5-9): Consider drafting a backup in the Rounds 9-12 range. You've likely addressed your RB and WR needs, and it's time to secure a decent insurance policy for your starting quarterback. Look for quarterbacks with high ceilings who could potentially outperform their draft position. Maybe they are young QBs with rushing upside or veterans in new situations with something to prove.
  • If you really waited on a QB (Rounds 10+): You should definitely draft a backup in the Rounds 7-10 range. You're playing with fire by waiting this long on a quarterback, and you need to have a solid backup plan in place. Consider drafting two quarterbacks in this range to maximize your chances of hitting on a valuable starter. Think of this as doubling down – mitigating your risk by increasing your chances of finding a gem. Sometimes, waiting this long allows you to see which QBs fall due to ADP (Average Draft Position) and perceived risk. Snagging a QB that falls below their projected value could be a huge steal this late.

Strategies for Choosing Your Backup QB

Okay, so you know when to draft a backup QB, but who should you target? Here are a few strategies to consider:

  • Target High-Upside Players: Look for quarterbacks who have the potential to significantly outperform their draft position. This could be a young quarterback with rushing upside, a veteran quarterback in a new situation, or a quarterback who is poised to take over as the starter due to injury or performance issues. These are the types of guys who can win you weeks if they get the opportunity.
  • Consider Matchups: Some quarterbacks have favorable schedules, meaning they face weaker defenses more often than others. Drafting a backup quarterback with a favorable schedule can give you a significant advantage, especially if your starter has a tough matchup in a particular week. Look at the strength of schedule for the year and identify QBs set to face a lot of weak pass defenses.
  • Handcuff Your Starter: If you drafted a quarterback who has a clear backup, consider drafting that backup as your QB2. This is especially important if your starter is injury-prone. This ensures that you have a direct replacement ready to go if your starter goes down. While it might not be the most exciting pick, it provides peace of mind and eliminates the need to scramble on the waiver wire.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Stream: If you're comfortable playing the waiver wire, you can always stream quarterbacks based on matchups. This involves picking up a quarterback each week who has a favorable matchup and dropping them after the game. This strategy can be effective, but it requires a lot of research and attention.

The Superflex Consideration

We've primarily talked about standard and PPR leagues, but what about superflex leagues? In superflex leagues, you can start a quarterback in your flex position, making quarterbacks significantly more valuable. In these leagues, you should be drafting quarterbacks much earlier than you would in a standard league. In fact, it's not uncommon to see multiple quarterbacks drafted in the first few rounds of a superflex league. This changes the whole dynamic of QB drafting. You're no longer looking for just a starter and a backup; you're looking for two solid starters and potentially a third QB to use as a bye-week filler or injury replacement. In superflex leagues, prioritize quarterbacks and don't be afraid to reach for value. The demand is high, and waiting too long can leave you with subpar options. A solid QB in the superflex spot can be a massive advantage, so treat the position with the respect it deserves.

The Takeaway

Drafting a backup quarterback in fantasy football is a balancing act. You don't want to reach too early and miss out on valuable players at other positions, but you also don't want to wait too long and be left with slim pickings. By considering your league's scoring system, size, and your overall draft strategy, you can determine the optimal time to draft a backup quarterback and secure a valuable insurance policy for your team. Remember to target high-upside players, consider matchups, and don't be afraid to stream if that's your style. And of course, in superflex leagues, quarterbacks are king, so adjust your strategy accordingly. Now go forth and dominate your drafts, armed with the knowledge of when to snag that QB2! Good luck, guys!