How Many QB Should I Draft in Fantasy Football: A Deep Dive into Draft Strategies and Unpredictable Outcomes

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, foresight, and sometimes, pure luck. One of the most debated topics among fantasy enthusiasts is the number of quarterbacks (QBs) to draft. While some swear by the “one QB and done” approach, others advocate for stacking multiple QBs to hedge against injuries or underperformance. But how many QBs should you really draft? Let’s explore this question from multiple angles, including roster construction, league settings, and even some unconventional wisdom.

The Case for Drafting One QB

1. Roster Depth at Other Positions

In most fantasy football leagues, starting lineups require only one QB. This means that drafting a single high-quality QB and focusing on other positions like running backs (RBs), wide receivers (WRs), and tight ends (TEs) can provide a more balanced roster. By securing a top-tier QB early, you can allocate your mid-to-late-round picks to depth at skill positions, which are often more volatile and prone to injuries.

2. Streaming QBs as a Viable Strategy

If you miss out on an elite QB, streaming QBs based on matchups can be a smart move. Many fantasy managers successfully stream QBs throughout the season, picking up players with favorable matchups from the waiver wire. This approach allows you to prioritize other positions during the draft while still maintaining flexibility at QB.

3. The Opportunity Cost of Drafting Multiple QBs

Drafting multiple QBs means sacrificing valuable picks that could be used to secure high-upside RBs or WRs. In deeper leagues, this can leave your roster thin at critical positions, making it harder to recover from injuries or bye weeks.

The Case for Drafting Two QBs

1. Injury Insurance

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, and QBs are not immune. Having a backup QB on your roster ensures that you’re not left scrambling on the waiver wire if your starter goes down. This is especially important in leagues with deep benches or limited waiver wire activity.

2. Bye Week Coverage

Every QB has a bye week, and if you only draft one, you’ll need to find a replacement during that week. Drafting a second QB allows you to plan ahead and avoid the stress of finding a suitable replacement mid-season.

3. Matchup-Based Flexibility

Some QBs perform better against certain defenses. By drafting two QBs with complementary schedules, you can rotate them based on matchups, maximizing your points each week. This strategy works particularly well if you draft a high-floor QB and a high-upside QB.

The Case for Drafting Three or More QBs

1. Superflex or 2-QB Leagues

In leagues that require starting two QBs (Superflex or 2-QB leagues), drafting three or more QBs is almost a necessity. The scarcity of starting QBs makes them incredibly valuable, and having depth at the position can give you a significant advantage over your opponents.

2. Trade Bait

Drafting multiple QBs can also give you leverage in trades. If one of your QBs outperforms expectations, you can trade them to a QB-needy team for a premium asset at another position. This strategy works best in leagues where QBs are highly valued.

3. High-Variance Leagues

In leagues with unique scoring systems or deep benches, having multiple QBs can provide flexibility and insurance against unpredictable outcomes. For example, if your league rewards passing touchdowns heavily, stacking QBs can be a viable strategy.

Unconventional Wisdom: Drafting Zero QBs

Yes, you read that right. Some fantasy managers advocate for drafting zero QBs and relying entirely on the waiver wire. This strategy, known as the “Zero QB” approach, involves using all your draft picks on RBs, WRs, and TEs, then picking up QBs as needed throughout the season. While risky, this approach can pay off if you hit on high-upside players at other positions and successfully stream QBs.

Factors to Consider When Deciding How Many QBs to Draft

1. League Size and Settings

The number of teams in your league and the starting lineup requirements should heavily influence your decision. In smaller leagues (8-10 teams), you can afford to wait on QBs, while in larger leagues (12+ teams), securing a reliable QB becomes more important.

2. Scoring System

If your league uses a standard scoring system, QBs may not be as valuable as in leagues that reward passing yards and touchdowns heavily. Understanding your league’s scoring system is crucial to making informed decisions.

3. Draft Position

Your draft position can also impact your QB strategy. If you have an early pick, you might be tempted to grab an elite QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. If you’re picking later, you might opt to wait and draft a QB in the middle rounds.

4. Risk Tolerance

Your personal risk tolerance plays a significant role in determining how many QBs to draft. If you prefer a safer, more conservative approach, drafting one or two QBs might be the way to go. If you’re willing to take risks for potentially higher rewards, experimenting with three QBs or even the Zero QB strategy could be worth considering.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many QBs to draft in fantasy football. Your decision should be based on a combination of league settings, draft position, and personal preferences. Whether you choose to draft one, two, or even three QBs, the key is to remain flexible and adapt to the flow of your draft. After all, fantasy football is as much about strategy as it is about having fun.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I prioritize drafting a QB early in my fantasy football draft?
A: It depends on your league settings and draft position. In standard leagues, waiting until the middle rounds to draft a QB is often the best strategy. However, in Superflex or 2-QB leagues, securing a top-tier QB early is crucial.

Q: Can I win my league by streaming QBs?
A: Absolutely! Many fantasy managers have won their leagues by streaming QBs based on matchups. The key is to stay active on the waiver wire and make informed decisions each week.

Q: Is it worth drafting a rookie QB in fantasy football?
A: Rookie QBs can be high-risk, high-reward picks. While they may struggle early in the season, they often improve as they gain experience. If you’re in a dynasty or keeper league, drafting a rookie QB with long-term potential can be a smart move.

Q: How do bye weeks affect my QB strategy?
A: Bye weeks are an important consideration when drafting QBs. If you draft only one QB, make sure to plan for their bye week by picking up a replacement from the waiver wire. If you draft two QBs, try to select players with different bye weeks to avoid conflicts.