How to Attack Your Superflex League Draft

Photo: Aaron Doster, 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 have the ability to insert two quarterbacks in the starting lineup. These “Superflex” leagues add in 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 in order 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 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 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 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., Jamaal Charles, LeVeon Bell, Eddie Lacy, or Adrian Peterson) or the top three wideouts (e.g., Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, and Odell Beckham) over the quarterback position in the first two rounds. 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 position is devalued tremendously due to so many viable players at the position. In Superflex leagues, there is 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 two 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-QB25) 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. Approximately three projected points per game separates QB10 (Ryan Tannehill) from QB25 (Derek Carr). 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 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 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, twelve are quarterbacks, eleven running backs, twelve wide receivers, and one tight end. 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 two tight ends, 15 wide receivers, 16 running backs, and 16 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 and add running backs early in the draft before they become scarce. 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 fairly balanced. With 22 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, Roddy White and Brandon LaFell. 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 (like Roddy White, Andre Johnson, etc.) 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 Eli Manning (QB12) and there is no way the fantasy teams with the lesser pair of passers can compete with a Rodgers/Roethlisberger combination, for example.

In Superflex leagues, the tight end position becomes less valuable relative to the quarterback and running back positions. It is odd to see the studly Rob Gronkowski listed at player eight overall. Savvy owners should wait until the six round or later to address the position. There are more than ten 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), LinkedIN, and Google+ so feel free to connect where most convenient