How to Attack Your Superflex Draft

Photo: Imagn Images

The diversity of leagues is one aspect that makes fantasy football so much fun.  Some people like the larger leagues, while some like the smaller ones.  The value of respective players varies widely with the differences in scoring and starting lineup.  It is not advisable to use standard draft strategies in the non-standard leagues.  This is especially true with leagues which offer the ability to insert two quarterbacks in the starting lineup.  These “Superflex” leagues add another layer to regular one or two-quarterback leagues.  An owner may use the flex position in the starting lineup to start a Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End.  An entirely different strategy is essential to make the most of the draft.  This article will look at ten team leagues, starting one quarterback with the option to start another in the flex, and utilizing PPR scoring.  We will examine strategies specially designed for these leagues in order to best attack the draft and get the most for your roster.  These will help you form a new strategy for your league.  

Down to basics, what are the differences I should know about the Superflex leagues?

a.  The biggest question is how to value quarterbacks in comparison to other positions.  In leagues that allow any of the skill positions at the flex, even the most average quarterbacks are worth as much as good running backs and receivers.  It is difficult to balance gaining studs at other positions while still addressing quarterback.  A team with two strong quarterbacks has a distinct advantage.  As a rule, it is best to only draft elite players at running back or wide receiver over starting quarterbacks.  So, this means you should only take the top four or five running backs (e.g., Ezekiel Elliott, LeVeon Bell, or David Johnson) or the top few wideouts (e.g., Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, and Odell Beckham Jr over the quarterback position in the first two rounds.  Even then, a quarterback might be the best option.  The depth at the quarterback position will make it easier to take running backs and receivers in the early rounds.  Rob Gronkowski is the lone tight end worthy of consideration early in fantasy drafts.  The VBD values will show balance in value (VBD) between positions.  In one-quarterback leagues, the quarterback position is devalued tremendously due to so many viable players at the position.  In Superflex leagues, there is a balance. 

b.  How do I know which quarterbacks to select?  The main difference with Superflex leagues is the increase in value with the players from QB10 to QB25.  The top few quarterbacks retain good value in all leagues, but it is the ones ranked lower that need the extra analysis.  The players in this range (QB10-QB20) are ranked lower because there is a question about talent, the certainty of the situation, potential lack of upside, or just lack of proven production.  Fantasy owners usually struggle with differentiating between the less than stellar options.  Less than two projected points per game separate QB10 (Roethlisberger) from QB20 (Bortles).  With so many alternatives, the priority should be on seeking value.  While it sounds simplistic, select the players who are the most talented.  Next, do not spend a pick before the seventh or eighth round on a player whose job is not secure.  Since every team in your league hopes to start two players at the position, finding options with upside and proven production is the key to gaining value. 

c.  How does the quarterback scarcity impact the early rounds?  There will be quarterback runs.  This is inevitable.  In leagues which enable starting two players at the position, owners will see the runs coming and will be desperate not to be left behind.  This is all driven by positional scarcity.  For this reason, it is best to take a stud quarterback, or two, early just to stay ahead of the curve.  The mad rush for passers will push quality players at other positions down the draft. 

When we look at the VBD (Value Based Drafting) application, we quickly realize how a Superflex starting lineup balances out the options in the early rounds.  The VBD (Value Base Drafting) accounts for positional scarcity and available options at other positions using the Footballguys.com projections.  It is amazing that in the first 36 players listed in terms of value, nine are quarterbacks, thirteen running backs, twelve wide receivers, and two tight ends.  The balance is incredible in what represents the first three-plus rounds of a fantasy draft.  The league variables used were ten teams, eighteen roster spots, PPR scoring, and starting requirements of 1 Quarterbacks, 2 Running Backs, 3 Wide Receivers, 1 Tight End, 1 Flex (can be QB, RB, WR, or TE), 1 Kicker, and 1 Team Defense. 

Below are the Top 50 players according to the VBD values:

 It is interesting how the positions are fairly balanced, even with being a league where two quarterbacks may be started.  Yes, there are three tight ends, seventeen wide receivers, fifteen running backs, and fifteen quarterbacks ... all with values in the first five rounds.  As far as draft strategy, the values indicate a push to get as many of the top quarterbacks as possible, then wait at the position, add running backs early in the draft before they become scarce.  With the emphasis on quarterbacks early, many solid running backs and wide receivers will be pushed down the draft and become value picks.  How does it change for the players 51-90?  This represents the first half of the draft.

The wide receivers and running backs are still balanced.  With 21 quarterbacks off the board, it means that every team is assumed to have drafted two already at the position.  This mad rush of passers has pushed very good backs and receivers into extreme value situations.  Check out the last two receivers in the list, Willie Snead and Kelvin Benjamin.  Each is a steal this late. 

After running a few mocks, it became obvious that getting at least one, and possibly two, top players at the quarterback position is essential.  There is no way to win your league if you are starting Alex Smith and Joe Flacco at the quarterback position.  A team having two of the top eight elite fantasy options has a monstrous advantage.  A shortage is quickly created.  The wide receiver position is the opposite.  The are several very good options available at wide receiver in the middle of the draft.  

In the first five rounds, it would be best to have two quarterbacks, two running backs, and either another back or one wide receiver.  The VBD values drop off considerably after Jameis Winston (QB7) and there is no way the fantasy teams with the lesser pair of passers can compete with a Rodgers/Brees combination, for example. 

In Superflex leagues, the tight end position becomes less valuable relative to the other positions.  Savvy owners should wait until the sixth round or later to address the position.  There are more than ten quality tight ends so you can afford to wait. 

In summary, after the top two or three receivers are off the board, load up on ball carriers and passers early in the draft and only address wide receiver and tight after the talent falls off at the two running back and quarterback. 

Please feel free to email me (Tefertiller@Footballguys.com) with any questions or comments. Also, I am on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller), LinkedIN, and Google+ so feel free to connect where most convenient