What were once fringe, oddball formats, Superflex and 2QB fantasy football formats have quickly exploded in popularity in recent years. As more and more fantasy managers try out the formats for the first time, learning how to navigate the draft room can seem like a daunting task.
Here are some strategy ideas and helpful tips for Superflex and 2QB fantasy football leagues to better gauge the change in values.
What Does Superflex or 2QB Even Mean?
Before we dive in, let’s all get on the same page for those unfamiliar with the format or brand new to fantasy football. So, first of all, welcome, I’m glad to meet you. Snacks are in the corner, and there’s an open bar.
If you’ve been a part of any dynasty startup draft or mock over the offseason, odds are you have lukewarm familiarity with the format. On Sleeper, over 85% of newly created dynasty leagues were either Superflex or 2QB.
Within two years, it seems likely to be the new “standard,” much the way PPR (point per reception) has gained steam and become the new normal on most sites. The trickle-down effect could eventually overtake redraft and give newfound value to an otherwise afterthought of a position.
In Superflex leagues, managers start the traditional QB position, but they can also start a second QB in the Superflex role.
Where a conventional Flex position is limited to RB, WR, or TE, the Superflex position gives the option to start a second QB. Trust me — you want to do that, although it’s not required for those tough spots that pop up during the season. In 2023 …
- 16 qualified QBs averaged over 17 PPR points per game
- 15 qualified RB/WR averaged over 17 PPR points per game
This differs from a 2QB format, where managers must start two quarterbacks rather than having the option to do so. That said, the numbers don’t lie — even in full-PPR leagues, a low-end QB is worth playing over a mid-level traditional Flex option.
When Should You Draft Quarterbacks in Superflex or 2QB Drafts?
I’ve always been a staunch defender of waiting to draft a quarterback late in almost every draft. However, in Superflex or 2QB formats, we need to look at a couple of factors that should change our strategy.
First, let’s consider supply and demand, as this is primarily what Superflex or 2QB attempts to change. In a standard 1QB fantasy league, only 10 to 12 quarterbacks are started at any given time.
In 2023, there was an abnormal number of injuries suffered at the position. In most seasons, there are a handful of QBs who separate themselves from the pack and then a middle tier that elevates above the remaining options.
MORE: Which Dynasty Fantasy Platform Is Right for You?
The elite tier (quarterbacks that blend passing potential with rushing upside) of signal-callers comes off the board in Round 1. That middle tier typically evaporates before the end of Round 4.
You don’t have to draft multiple QBs with your first four picks, but you’re living dangerously if you don’t have at least one at that point. PFN’s Kyle Yates takes it a step further and usually lands three QBs in his first 5-6 picks, ensuring that he has depth at the most critical position.
In doing so, he puts pressure on his opponents to address the position, something that can be as valuable as anything.
Dynasty Superflex and 2QB Fantasy Leagues
When we look at dynasty — particularly, Superflex and 2QB leagues — things change drastically.
Historical ADP data also helps us to paint a clearer picture of the change in value. Since 2015, the average draft position of the QB12 in 1QB formats is 101.2. When we flip to Superflex or 2QB, that ADP jumps to 42.3, with the QB24 going at 100.0 before QB12 in your “standard” format.
You won’t be able to go on the waiver wire and grab a replacement because they’re all on rosters. Therefore, whenever I go into a draft, I want to prioritize that I walk away with three startable quarterbacks on my roster — or at least three options that have a reasonable path to weekly value.
Barring injury or replacement, this will be the cheapest they ever are to acquire. Doing this ensures that I have some breathing room for both the inevitable bye weeks and, at worst, an injury.
Ideally, I’m selecting my first QB in Round 1 to secure an elite talent and then my second QB by Round 5 at the latest. Nothing is worse than being stuck relying on mediocre QB play week in and week out.
This is my strategy, but remember that every draft is different, so be prepared to adjust on the fly!
Consider Opportunity Cost When Selecting Quarterbacks in Superflex or 2QB
The next thing we need to consider when drafting a quarterback in Superflex or 2QB fantasy leagues is opportunity cost. Basically, if you draft Player A, you can no longer draft Player B.
As a real-life example, say you went to the movies. You could buy that large bag of delicious fake-butter-soaked popcorn, or you can use that $750 to spend on rent. By doing one thing, you can no longer have the other and end up homeless and reeking of butter for the next four days.
An example in fantasy could be the difference between selecting Jalen Hurts or Christian McCaffrey if you have the No. 1 overall pick. While neither is the wrong choice, by selecting one, you forfeit the other.
MORE: How To Win Your Dynasty Fantasy Football League in 2024
With Hurts, you’re getting one of the most extraordinary talents the NFL has ever seen and carries an elite floor — both for the year as a whole and for each individual week.
On the other hand, McCaffrey was only the third player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. Run CMC is arguably the closest we currently have to LaDainian Tomlinson.
The same thought process can be applied further to the draft. Do you value QB2 over your RB1? You get the idea — you’re constantly doing cost-risk analysis.
Before long, there will be a college awarding a degree in some mix between fantasy football draft optimization and actuarial science.
Is It Worth Drafting Several QBs Early in Drafts Due to Format?
I absolutely believe so, especially from a consistency and predictability basis. The QB position is not only the highest scoring in all formats, it carries the most valuable parts of the other positions.
Running backs come loaded with a level of stability due to their volume — well, the QB touches the ball on every single play.
Wide receivers come with a unique role that is not easy to replace. That is, Joshua Palmer didn’t absorb the Mike Williams role when he was elevated due to injury — the Chargers’ offense changed.
A backup RB, however, can handle a similar role to the starter (think Ezekiel Elliott and him filling in for Rhamondre Stevenson). If Matthew Stafford goes down, no one is counting on Carson Wentz to produce anything close to similar production, thus making an injury more impactful.
Long story short, the QB position is highly productive and near impossible to replace, thus making them a logical target early and often.
What Is the Best Strategy for Drafting Quarterbacks in Superflex or 2QB Formats?
Draft a quarterback in your top-tier group and then load up with at least two more during the draft who you can rely on to be safe starting options. This ensures you have both a high ceiling and a consistent floor each week. You’re also protected in case of a dreaded injury and bye weeks.
Furthermore, find value in quarterbacks with rushing upside. A mobile QB has a safer floor, especially against good defenses, and is becoming the norm in fantasy 2023. The ability to rack up fantasy points on the ground elevates both a quarterback’s floor and ceiling.
Of course, this is a dual-edged sword. These QBs are uniquely productive, but their skill set comes with more inherent risk.
MORE: Dynasty vs. Keeper Leagues — What’s the Difference?
The best advice I can give is to mock draft as much as possible. While I know what strategy I like to use in Superflex and 2QB leagues, every fantasy manager is different in prioritizing their positions.
As is the case with every league, you need to know your format. Know the rules, know how your competition thinks, and know your roster requirements.
They say you can’t win a draft in the first round, you can only lose it. I don’t mind that thought, and I’d take it a step further — by not knowing the ins and outs of your league, you can lose it before a single player is picked!
What I view as a competitive roster might be full of holes in the eyes of another. There’s no right way or wrong way so long as you can make it work for you, but you must be aware of what your competition is thinking!
