How to Attack Your 2-QB PPR Draft

Photo: Jeremy Brevard, USA Today Sports

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 a wise move to use standard draft strategies in the non-standard leagues.  This is especially true with leagues which require two quarterbacks in the starting lineup.  An entirely different strategy is essential in order to make the most of the draft.  This article will look at ten team leagues, starting two quarterbacks, and utilizing PPR scoring.  We will examine strategies especially 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 2QB leagues? 

a.  The biggest question is how to value quarterbacks in comparison to other positions.  In leagues which start two passers, 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.  As a general 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., Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, Doug Martin, Trent Richardson, LeSean McCoy, or Ray Rice) or the top wideouts (e.g., Brandon Marshall, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, and Calvin Johnson) over the quarterback position in the first three rounds.  Jimmy Graham is the lone tight end worthy of consideration this early.  The VBD values will suggest that the passers carry this type of value.

b.  How do I know which quarterbacks to select?  The main increase in value is with the players from QB13 to QB23.  The top quarterbacks retain good value in all leagues, but it is the players who ranked lower that need the extra analysis.  The players in this range (QB13-QB23) are ranked lower because there is a question about talent, certainty of 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 separates QB13 (Andy Dalton) from QB23 (Joe Flacco).  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 starts 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.  In leagues which start two 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 valued the quarterbacks are when compared to the other positions.  The VBD 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, 28 are quarterbacks, NO wide receivers, eight running backs, and zero tight ends.  The league variables used were ten teams, eighteen roster spots, PPR scoring, and starting requirements of 2 Quarterbacks, 2 Running Backs, 3 Wide Receivers, 1 Tight End, 1 Flex, 1 Kicker, and 1 Team Defense.

Below are the Top 100 players according to the VBD values:

Incredibly, the top nineteen players are quarterbacks, according to VBD.  Now, we do not expect your draft to fall this way.  However, it is a great indication of quarterback values in leagues that start two passers.  Further, the top quarterbacks are worth a mint, compared to all other players, without regard to position.

The first receiver (Calvin Johnson) comes in at player 37 overall.  By player 100 overall, the wide receiver position almost catches up to the running backs.  This mad rush of passers has pushed very good backs and receivers into extreme value situations.

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 twelve elite fantasy options has a monstrous advantage.  A shortage is quickly created.  The wide receiver position is the opposite.  There are several very good options available at wide receiver halfway into 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 after five rounds.  The VBD values drop off considerably after Russell Wilson (QB12) and there is no way the fantasy teams with the lesser pair of passers can compete with a Rodgers/Brady combination, for example.

In two quarterback leagues, the tight end position becomes less valuable relative to the quarterback and running back positions.  Savvy owners should wait until the six round or later to address the position.  There are several quality tight ends so you can afford to wait.

In summary, 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 primary positions.

Please feel free to email me (Tefertiller@Footballguys.com) with any questions or comments.  Also, I am on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller) so feel free to ask me questions there.