Finding the Right Backup QB

Clayton Gray's Finding the Right Backup QB Clayton Gray Published 09/01/2022

This article makes two assumptions:

  • You want to have a Top 10 quarterback
  • You want to start that quarterback every week he plays

If that doesn't describe you, check out our quarterback by committee (QBBC) article.

Now that all those committee players are out of here, let's get down to business and find your backup quarterback.

Top 10 Quarterbacks

If you're drafting a Top 10 signal-caller, that means you're looking at one of these guys:

And that guy is your every-week starter. All season long. Well, except for that pesky bye week. In most leagues, you'll want to grab a backup and come out of the draft with two quarterbacks.

The Next 5 Quarterbacks

By most accounts, there is a group of quarterbacks just below the Top 10.

We won't count these guys as potential backups. They will be worth starting at least a few times regardless of your starting quarterback. Plus, in some leagues, you could easily need to roll with one of them as your every-week starter. For that reason, we'll also find the top backups for them.

Finding Backups

Finding the right backup quarterback will be based on three things:

  • Bye week compatibility - This seems obvious, but your backup quarterback can't have the same bye week as your starter.
  • Projected fantasy points scored - Better players make for better backups, so quarterbacks projected to score more points will generally be higher on the complementary backup list.
  • Strength of schedule - Weaker opponents make for better performances, so quarterbacks facing weak defenses will generally be higher on the complementary backup list.

Using the Draft Dominator

Before we go any further, know that the following work is based on a standard scoring system. It's not bad to go with standard scoring, but you can do better. The Draft Dominator will find complementary quarterbacks (and every other position, for that matter) and do it based on your custom scoring.

To find complementary players, all you have to do is click/tap the "* More" menu just above the player list in the Draft Dominator.

Week 6 Complementary Backups

This quarterback is off this week:

Here are the top backups for this week (with projected fantasy points):

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

Featured Articles

 

Sleepers to Monitor: The Gut Check No. 649

Matt Waldman

Sleepers are the foundation of a winning endgame. Matt Waldman profiles five to monitor this summer.

07/18/25 Read More
 
 
 
 

More by Clayton Gray

 

NFFC ADP Movement: How High-Stakes ADP Is Changing

Clayton Gray

NFFC ADP offers a glimpse into the current state of high-stakes ADP and how it is moving.

07/18/25 Read More
 

Sleepers on the Los Angeles Rams

Clayton Gray

Sleepers can catapult your fantasy team to a championship. Our staff searches for them on the Rams.

07/15/25 Read More
 

Underdog ADP Movement: How Best-Ball ADP Is Changing

Clayton Gray

Underdog ADP offers insight into the current state of best-ball ADP and its ongoing movement.

07/13/25 Read More
 

NFFC ADP Movement: How High-Stakes ADP Is Changing

Clayton Gray

NFFC ADP offers a glimpse into the current state of high-stakes ADP and how it is moving.

07/11/25 Read More
 

Underdog ADP Movement: How Best-Ball ADP Is Changing

Clayton Gray

Underdog ADP offers insight into the current state of best-ball ADP and its ongoing movement.

07/06/25 Read More
 

NFFC ADP Movement: How High-Stakes ADP Is Changing

Clayton Gray

NFFC ADP offers a glimpse into the current state of high-stakes ADP and how it is moving.

07/04/25 Read More