Superflex Fantasy Draft Strategy
Superflex drafts have gained significant popularity in fantasy football. Unlike traditional flex positions where you can start a running back, wide receiver, or tight end, the superflex position allows you to start a quarterback as well. This rule change has led to quarterbacks becoming exponentially more valuable, resulting in them being selected much earlier in superflex drafts compared to traditional drafts. To win in a superflex league, it is crucial to know when to draft your first and second quarterback.
Superflex ADP in Grid Format
Let’s begin by examining the numbers. Superflex ADP shows that 18 quarterbacks are typically drafted within the first five rounds of a superflex draft. This means that it is absolutely essential to secure both of your quarterbacks before the fifth round arrives. Doing so ensures that you have the necessary quarterback firepower to keep pace with your opponents throughout the season. It is crucial to view the superflex roster spot as a second QB position and, unless faced with an emergency situation, always ensure that a quarterback occupies this spot to maximize your team’s scoring potential. This question is when to draft quarterbacks.
If you are fortunate enough to secure one of the first three picks in your draft, choosing a quarterback as your first pick is a must. The advantage of having superstars like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, or Jalen Hurts in a superflex league is simply too valuable to ignore. By opting for a high-round “anchor” quarterback, you create room for calculated risks with later-round QB picks. This approach not only offers flexibility but also minimizes the risk of your QB1 underperforming or suffering an injury.
In superflex leagues, you should aim to have two top-12 quarterbacks on your roster. This ensures a significant advantage over your leaguemates, considering the scarcity of reliable QB options. If you choose this route, your goal should be to secure both your QB1 and QB2 by the end of the third round. I prefer creating a more balanced roster by selecting an elite RB, WR, or TE with my first or second pick, while still targeting a top-12 QB within the first three rounds.
Last season shed light on the limited supply of elite quarterbacks in fantasy football. Only 18 quarterbacks managed to maintain an average of at least 15 fantasy points per game in four-point passing touchdown scoring systems. In contrast, a greater number of wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends reached this mark. This scarcity underscores the value of rostering three quarterbacks and aiming for your third quarterback to be a QB2 in traditional leagues.
Apart from the strategies mentioned above, there are a couple of other drafting approaches to consider. The first is the dual-QB approach, which involves selecting quarterbacks with your first two draft picks. While this approach grants you a substantial advantage at the QB position, it places additional pressure on your quarterbacks to perform, as you may miss out on top-tier RBs and WRs. For me, the opportunity cost is too high to make that a viable strategy.
The second approach is known as the studs and streamers approach. This strategy allows you to focus on securing a top-tier RB or WR in the first round. You can then patiently wait until the middle rounds to draft your QB1 and QB2. This approach provides a more balanced roster, but it still emphasizes the importance of having strong quarterback options to remain competitive. When selecting your QB2, aim for someone you would feel comfortable starting as your lone starter in a single-QB league. Players like Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, or Geno Smith, who often fall within that range, can provide reliable options.
By selecting quarterbacks in the early rounds, you can construct a powerhouse roster capable of consistently outscoring your opponents. Whether you choose the dual-QB approach or opt for a more balanced roster, always remember the scarcity of elite QBs and adjust your drafting strategy accordingly. When the time comes to draft, exercise patience with QBs and prioritize RBs and WRs, but don’t wait for a QB run that makes you miss on out on an every-week starter at the superflex position.
To summarize, it is crucial to secure your quarterbacks early on and view the superflex spot as a second QB position. The scarcity of reliable quarterbacks further emphasizes the need to prioritize this position and aim to have two top-12 quarterbacks on your roster. By carefully selecting quarterbacks and balancing your roster with elite running backs and wide receivers, you can build a formidable team capable of dominating your league.
