Salary Cap Leagues, Allocating QB Roster Spots

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today Sports

A salary cap league affords you the freedom to go multiple ways when addressing the quarterback position - especially in start-1-quarterback leagues.

Here are three options to help you decide:

Should You Pay Up for an Elite QB?
Should You Target a Value QB?
Should You Go Cheap at QB?

Another important consideration is determining how many roster spots should be allocated to the quarterback position. In general, for most leagues, the answer depends on how you plan to attack the position.

If you decide to go cheap, here's an in-depth look at roster allocation for quarterbacks.

Note: All answers assume the following criteria:

• Start 1 QB
• 4-point passing TDs
• $200 cap
• 12 teams

If you do decide to go cheap at the position, do you prefer to take two of them to maximize your shot at an elite producer? Or should we value the roster spot more to chase a high-upside wide receiver or running back?

Jeff Bell: Yes, this is the scenario to roster two quarterbacks. In an ideal economy, players who roster the top seven quarterback options would not roster a backup, leaving five teams rostering two to even three to play matchups. However, the mindset that everyone needs a backup quarterback is more pervasive in less intense leagues. Being more aggressive about securing two options is usually necessary in those situations. Walking out of your draft with Kenny Pickett and Derek Carr in a one-quarterback format will make for a stressful season.

Dan Hindery: If I do not land an elite QB1, then I want to get two quarterbacks. One, a veteran who gives me a solid weekly floor (think Jared Goff, Aaron Rodgers, Geno Smith, or Daniel Jones) and then also pair them with a riskier, high-upside option like Anthony Richardson.