Welcome to the exciting world of Best Ball fantasy football! One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your draft is determining how many quarterbacks to select. It’s a question that has puzzled fantasy football enthusiasts for years, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some experts swear by drafting multiple QBs early on, while others believe in going for a single stud signal-caller. So, what’s the best strategy? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of drafting multiple QBs and help you make an informed decision that will give you the best chance at fantasy football glory. Get ready to dominate your league with the ultimate Best Ball draft strategy!

How to Play Best Ball

Understanding the Basics

Best Ball is a fantasy football format that is gaining popularity due to its simplicity and lack of commitment required. In this format, the participants draft their teams using the standard snake draft method, but instead of selecting a roster, they select one player at a time until each position is filled. The selected players are then put on a single roster, and the highest-scoring players are used in each week’s lineup. The objective of the game is to accumulate the most points possible by selecting the best players available each round.

The scoring system in Best Ball is based on standard fantasy football scoring, with points awarded for touchdowns, receptions, yards, and other statistical categories. The number of points awarded for each category may vary depending on the specific league and its settings.

Best Ball vs. Traditional Fantasy Football

One of the key differences between Best Ball and traditional fantasy football is the lack of roster management. In traditional fantasy football, participants are responsible for managing their rosters throughout the season, making trades, and adding and dropping players as needed. In Best Ball, the roster is set at the time of the draft, and participants do not have the ability to make changes during the season.

Another difference is the level of commitment required. In traditional fantasy football, participants are required to actively manage their rosters and make decisions based on injuries, bye weeks, and other factors. In Best Ball, the focus is on selecting the best players available each round, without the need for ongoing management.

One advantage of Best Ball is that it is easier to participate in compared to traditional fantasy football. Participants do not need to be as knowledgeable about the sport or have as much time to devote to managing their rosters. Additionally, the lack of ongoing management means that participants can focus on other aspects of their lives without having to worry about their fantasy football team.

However, one disadvantage of Best Ball is that it may not be as competitive as traditional fantasy football. Since participants are not able to make changes to their rosters during the season, they are at the mercy of the players they select in the draft. Additionally, the lack of ongoing management means that participants may not be able to take advantage of waiver wire pickups or other strategies that can help improve a traditional fantasy football team.

The Importance of Quarterback in Best Ball

Why Quarterback Matters

In the realm of fantasy football, the quarterback position holds immense importance. This is particularly true in best ball leagues, where the focus is on amassing the highest possible point total. Here’s why the quarterback position matters so much in best ball:

• Highest-scoring position: Among all positions in fantasy football, the quarterback is the one that scores the most points. They account for a significant portion of a team’s total points, which is why they are often considered the backbone of any successful fantasy football team.
• Key to a balanced team: In order to build a well-rounded team, it’s important to have a strong quarterback. The best teams are often those that have a balanced offense, with a top-tier quarterback leading the way. Without a strong quarterback, it’s difficult to accumulate enough points to compete at the top of the leaderboard.
• Role in winning strategy: The quarterback is the leader of the offense and often the face of the team. A great quarterback can make a significant difference in a team’s success, as they are often the ones who put the team on their backs and carry them to victory. A winning strategy is often built around a top-tier quarterback, and without one, it’s difficult to achieve fantasy football success.

The Elite QB Tiers

When it comes to drafting quarterbacks in best ball leagues, it’s important to target the elite players at the position. These are the players who consistently put up high numbers and are considered must-haves in any fantasy football lineup. There are typically several tiers of elite quarterbacks, each with their own differentiating factors.

The top tier of quarterbacks consists of players who are considered the cream of the crop. These are the players who are consistently among the highest scorers in the league, and they are the ones who are worth targeting in the early rounds of the draft. This tier includes players like Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers.

The second tier of quarterbacks consists of players who are just below the top tier. These are the players who are still considered elite, but may not have the same level of consistency as the top-tier players. This tier includes players like Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, and Kirk Cousins.

The third tier of quarterbacks consists of players who are considered solid options, but may not have the same upside as the top-tier players. This tier includes players like Deshaun Watson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Dak Prescott.

When it comes to drafting quarterbacks in best ball leagues, it’s important to consider these tiers and target the players who are most likely to put up the highest numbers. This means targeting the top-tier players early on and then focusing on the second and third tiers as the draft progresses.

How Many Quarterbacks Should You Draft?

One QB, One Team Strategy

• Pros and Cons: Drafting just one quarterback for a single team allows for a well-rounded roster with strong positional versatility. This strategy reduces the risk of losing valuable points due to a lack of production from multiple quarterbacks. However, it also limits the potential for high-scoring performances from multiple signal-callers.
• Ideal Situations: This approach is best suited for situations where there is a clear top-tier quarterback available in the early rounds. It is also useful when the overall depth at the quarterback position is weak, as it allows for the allocation of resources towards other positions.
• Best Ball Tournaments: In best ball tournaments, the one QB, one team strategy can be highly effective due to the elimination of the need to manage multiple quarterbacks. It allows for a focus on accumulating the highest possible total points.

Two QB Strategy

• Overview of the Strategy: The two QB strategy involves drafting two signal-callers, typically one early and one later in the draft. This approach offers the potential for strong performances from multiple quarterbacks while still maintaining a balanced roster.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: The primary advantage of this strategy is the potential for high-scoring performances from multiple quarterbacks. However, it also increases the risk of lost points due to poor performances or injuries. Additionally, it requires careful management to ensure that the roster remains balanced and productive.
• Balancing Act: Striking the right balance between accumulating points from multiple quarterbacks and maintaining a well-rounded roster is crucial to the success of this strategy. It requires careful consideration of the available options at each position and the potential for each quarterback to produce high scores.

Zero QB Strategy

• Overview of the Strategy: The zero QB strategy involves not drafting any quarterbacks. This approach is often used in deeper leagues or in situations where the quarterback position is particularly weak.
• Advantages and Disadvantages: The primary advantage of this strategy is the ability to allocate resources towards other positions. It also reduces the risk of lost points due to poor performances or injuries. However, it also eliminates the potential for high-scoring performances from a top-tier quarterback.
• Risks and Rewards: The zero QB strategy requires careful consideration of the available options at each position. It also requires the ability to find suitable replacement options for the missing quarterback production. In some cases, this strategy can result in a significant advantage, but it also carries the risk of lost points if no suitable replacement options are available.

Strategies for Drafting Quarterbacks

Waiting on QB Strategy

Waiting on QB strategy is a popular approach in best ball drafts where a team opts to wait until later rounds to select a quarterback. This strategy can be effective if executed correctly, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• By waiting on a QB, a team can accumulate more top-tier talent at other positions before committing a high pick to a QB.
• It allows a team to avoid reaching for a QB, which can happen when the top options are already off the board.
• This strategy enables a team to potentially land a top QB in the later rounds who could have a breakout season.

Disadvantages:

• A team might miss out on a top QB if they don’t act quickly enough.
• If a team doesn’t find a suitable QB in the later rounds, they may be forced to settle for a lesser option.
• This strategy can lead to a lack of depth at the QB position if the team doesn’t have a reliable starter.

When to implement

The waiting on QB strategy is best implemented when there is a deep pool of talent at other positions, and the team is confident that they can find a suitable QB in the later rounds.

Examples of successful waiting on QB strategies

In the 2021 season, the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Justin Herbert in the second round. Despite being selected after other top QB prospects, Herbert emerged as a star in his rookie season, leading the league in passing yards and setting a rookie record for touchdown passes. This example illustrates the potential rewards of waiting on a QB.

Targeting Late-Round QBs

Targeting late-round QBs is another popular strategy in best ball drafts. This approach involves selecting a QB in the later rounds of the draft with the hope that they will perform at a high level.

Overview of the strategy

The goal of this strategy is to find a QB who is being undervalued by the draft pool and can provide a high return on investment. This requires identifying players who have the potential to break out or take over as a starter, but are being overlooked by other teams.

Identifying value picks

To identify value picks, a team should consider factors such as:

• Potential breakout players
• Players with a history of injury or poor performance who are likely to bounce back
• Backup QBs who could become starters due to injuries or poor performance

Strategies for targeting late-round QBs

One effective strategy for targeting late-round QBs is to prioritize players who have shown flashes of brilliance in their career, but have not yet put it all together. Another strategy is to target players who have changed teams or have a new coaching staff, as this can often lead to a boost in performance.

It’s also important to consider the team’s overall strategy and roster construction when targeting late-round QBs. A team may choose to wait until later rounds to select a QB if they have already assembled a strong core of skill position players. Alternatively, a team may opt to select a QB early if they are rebuilding and need a long-term solution at the position.

Best Ball Draft Recap

Key Takeaways

• When it comes to Best Ball draft strategy, having a well-rounded team with a mix of high-scoring players is crucial.
• The quarterback position is critical, but it’s important to balance the number of quarterbacks drafted with other positions.
• Consider drafting a high-upside QB early in the draft, but don’t neglect other positions in the process.
• Be mindful of positional scarcity and try to balance your team’s makeup.

Final Thoughts on Drafting QBs in Best Ball

• Drafting a high-end QB can give you a significant advantage in Best Ball leagues.
• However, it’s important to balance your team’s makeup and avoid putting too much emphasis on one position.
• Pay attention to positional scarcity and try to draft a mix of players from different positions to ensure a well-rounded team.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to draft multiple quarterbacks in a best ball draft?

Drafting multiple quarterbacks is not always necessary in a best ball draft, as it depends on the specific league’s format and the number of teams participating. In leagues with 10 or fewer teams, it may be possible to survive with just one or two quarterbacks on the roster. However, in larger leagues, it is advisable to draft at least three quarterbacks to ensure a solid backup plan in case one of your starting quarterbacks gets injured or underperforms.

2. Can I wait to draft a quarterback and instead focus on other positions early in the draft?

Yes, it is possible to wait to draft a quarterback and focus on other positions early in the draft. In fact, this strategy is often recommended in best ball leagues, as it allows you to accumulate a solid roster of running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends before securing your starting quarterback. This approach can be especially effective if you are targeting high-ceiling players at other positions, as it allows you to secure a quality quarterback later in the draft when the pool of available players is less competitive.

3. How early should I aim to draft my starting quarterback?

The ideal time to draft your starting quarterback depends on the league format and the number of teams participating. In a standard 12-team league with PPR scoring, it is generally recommended to target a starting quarterback by the third or fourth round. However, in larger leagues or leagues with shallower rosters, it may be beneficial to wait until later rounds to secure your starting quarterback.

4. Can I wait until the later rounds to draft a quarterback and still secure a quality starter?

Yes, it is possible to wait until the later rounds to draft a quarterback and still secure a quality starter. While the top-tier quarterbacks will be gone by the end of the second round, there are still several reliable options available in the middle and late rounds. In fact, many leagues see a drop-off in quarterback talent after the first few rounds, making it an ideal position to target in the later rounds.

5. Is it necessary to draft a backup quarterback, or can I rely on the waiver wire?

While it is possible to rely on the waiver wire to find a replacement quarterback if needed, drafting a backup quarterback is always recommended. Quarterback is a position that is more difficult to find replacements for on the waiver wire, as they are often quickly snatched up by other teams. Drafting a backup quarterback provides insurance in case your starting quarterback gets injured or underperforms, giving you a reliable option to turn to without having to scramble to find a replacement on the waiver wire.

1. What is a Best Ball draft?

Best Ball is a type of fantasy football draft where the owner of each team selects the best player available in each round, regardless of position. This means that owners are not required to draft a specific number of players at each position, and can focus on building the strongest overall team.

2. How many players should you draft in a Best Ball draft?

The number of players you should draft in a Best Ball draft will depend on the size of the league. Typically, a Best Ball draft will have between 12 and 20 rounds, and each team will draft between 14 and 22 players. However, there is no hard and fast rule for how many players you should draft, and it ultimately depends on your personal strategy and the players available in the draft.

3. How important is it to draft a top-tier quarterback in Best Ball?

Drafting a top-tier quarterback is crucial in Best Ball, as they are typically the most valuable players in the game. A top-tier quarterback can provide a significant advantage in terms of scoring and winning games. However, it’s important to balance the number of quarterbacks you draft with the number of players at other positions, as you don’t want to miss out on other valuable players in order to draft too many quarterbacks.

4. Can you draft multiple quarterbacks in the same round in Best Ball?

Yes, you can draft multiple quarterbacks in the same round in Best Ball. In fact, it’s not uncommon for teams to draft multiple quarterbacks in the early rounds of a Best Ball draft, as the position is so important. However, it’s important to make sure you have a solid plan for how you will use these quarterbacks, and to avoid drafting too many players at any one position.

5. Is it better to draft a top-tier quarterback early or wait until later in the draft?

It’s generally better to draft a top-tier quarterback early in the draft, as they tend to go quickly and you don’t want to miss out on them. However, it’s important to have a plan for how you will use your other picks, and to make sure you don’t miss out on other valuable players in order to draft a quarterback too early. It’s also important to consider the specific needs of your team and the players available in the draft when deciding when to draft a quarterback.