How to Attack Your Two-Quarterback PPR Draft

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 require two quarterbacks in the starting lineup. An entirely different strategy is essential 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 specially designed for these leagues 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 2-QB leagues?

a. The biggest question is how to value quarterbacks in comparison to other positions. In leagues that 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. A team with two strong quarterbacks has a distinct advantage. As a general rule, it is best to only draft strong starters at running back or wide receiver over most quarterbacks. This year, fantasy players have many viable quarterback options, but the top still yields a strong payoff compared to middling players at other positions. The depth at the quarterback position will make it easier to take running backs and receivers in the early rounds. Travis Kelce is the lone tight end worthy of consideration early in fantasy drafts and even he is not a lock to be selected over the top passers. The VBD (Value-Based Drafting) values below 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 two-quarterback leagues, there is a balance between positions, but even Patrick Mahomes II is surprisingly low. This is a factor of many quarterback options and a steep drop off at running back and wide receiver.

b. How do I know which quarterbacks to select? The main difference with two quarterback 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-QB25) 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 players usually struggle with differentiating between the less-than-stellar options. Approximately two projected points per game are all that separates QB10 (Newton – Player 61 overall) from QB25 (Dalton – Player 172 overall). With so many alternatives, the priority should be on seeking value. While it sounds simplistic, select the players who are the most talented and most likely to be successful. 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. This is inevitable. This year, with so many viable options, the runs will come a little later than normal, but the impact will be just as strong. In leagues which start 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 values for the fantasy options, we quickly realize how starting two quarterbacks balances out the options in the early rounds. The VBD accounts for positional scarcity and available options at other positions using the Footballguys.com projections. It is amazing that in the first 30 players listed in terms of value, there is 1 quarterback, 18 running backs, 10 wide receivers, and 1 tight end. For reference, at player 108, wide receivers pull even with the running backs at 37 each. The lack of quarterbacks indicates that there is depth at the position. But it is highly advisable to have at least one stud quarterback. Injuries and bye weeks are inevitable. The balance is incredible in what represents the first three rounds of a fantasy draft. One-quarterback leagues are more lop-sided for the runners and receivers. In those leagues, you can afford to wait until the ten round – or even later – to draft a passer.

Here are the league variables:

• 10 teams
• 16 roster spots
• PPR scoring

And here are the starting requirements:

• 2 Quarterbacks
• 2 Running Backs
• 3 Wide Receivers
• 1 Tight End
• 1 Flex (RB, WR, or TE)
• 1 Kicker
• 1 Team Defense

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

It is interesting how the positions are fairly balanced, even with being a two-quarterback league. This represents the initial five rounds of a draft. 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? The 80 players represent the first half of the draft.

The wide receivers and running backs are still balanced. With 19 quarterbacks off the board, it means that most teams are 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, Allen Robinson and D.J. Moore. Each is a steal this late. The stellar options available in the middle of the draft show why it is best to gobble up quarterbacks and running backs early and hammer the wide receiver position in the middle rounds.

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 Eli Manning and Joe Flacco at the quarterback position. A team with two of the top seven 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 Cooper Kupp and Curtis Samuel, among others) 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 production certainty and VBD values drop off considerably after Wilson (QB8) and there is no way the fantasy teams with the lesser pair of passers can compete with a Watson/Luck combination, for example.

In two-quarterback leagues, the tight end position becomes less valuable relative to the quarterback and running back positions. It is odd to see the studly Travis Kelce as the only tight end before George Kittle at player 34 overall. 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, 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.

Feel free to (email me) with feedback. Also, I am on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller), LinkedIn, and Google+, so you can ask me questions on one of these as well.