In most fantasy football leagues, fantasy owners should wait until the late rounds to draft a backup quarterback—or skip one entirely. Because QB is one of the deepest positions in fantasy football, valuable starters and streaming options are often available on waivers throughout the season. The right time to draft a backup QB depends on your league format, roster size, and the quality of your starting quarterback.
1. Most 1-QB Leagues Don’t Require an Early Backup #
In standard 1-QB leagues, drafting a backup QB too early is usually a mistake.
Instead, fantasy owners should prioritize:
- RB depth
- WR depth
- Upside bench players
- Breakout candidates
Those roster spots typically provide more value than a second quarterback.
2. Let Your Starting QB Dictate the Strategy #
The strength of your starter matters.
If you drafted:
- An elite QB
- A reliable every-week starter
- A high-floor option
You can comfortably wait until the final rounds—or potentially skip a backup entirely.
3. Late-Round Picks Should Be About Upside #
If you draft a backup QB, target players who offer more than just bye-week coverage.
Look for:
- Rushing upside
- Breakout potential
- Young ascending QBs
- Strong offensive environments
The ideal backup can become a starter if circumstances change.
4. Don’t Draft a Backup Before Building Depth #
One common mistake fantasy owners make is selecting a backup QB before filling out key positions.
Prioritize:
- Starting RBs
- Starting WRs
- FLEX depth
- Bench upside
Quarterback depth is usually easier to find than RB or WR depth.
5. Waivers Can Replace Backup QBs #
Many fantasy owners carry backup QBs they never use.
In most leagues, streaming options are available for:
- Bye weeks
- Injuries
- Favorable matchups
This makes backup QBs less important than other bench positions.
6. Superflex Changes Everything #
In Superflex and 2-QB leagues, backup QBs become much more valuable.
Fantasy owners should:
- Draft multiple quarterbacks
- Prioritize QB depth
- Protect against injuries and bye weeks
Quarterbacks are often the most important assets in these formats.
7. Consider Bench Size #
Roster depth impacts backup QB strategy.
Small Benches:
Prioritize RBs and WRs.
Deep Benches:
Carrying a second QB becomes more reasonable.
League settings should always influence draft decisions.
8. Bye Weeks Are Not a Good Reason Alone #
Fantasy owners often draft backup QBs solely because of bye weeks.
Remember:
- Bye weeks last one game
- Waivers can fill the gap
- Bench spots are valuable
Do not sacrifice upside for a one-week problem.
9. Stack Upside on the Bench #
The later the draft gets, the more fantasy owners should focus on ceiling.
Backup QBs should compete with:
- Handcuff RBs
- Rookie WRs
- Breakout candidates
If the QB lacks upside, another position may provide more value.
10. Draft Backup QBs Last #
In most 1-QB leagues, backup QBs should be among the final picks of the draft.
Fantasy owners who wait gain:
- Better roster depth
- More upside shots
- Greater flexibility
Quarterback is usually the easiest position to replace during the season.
The best time to draft a backup QB is usually in the final rounds, if at all. Fantasy owners should prioritize RB and WR depth first, then consider a backup quarterback only after building a strong starting lineup and high-upside bench.
