Draft Strategy and Sleepers for Two-Quarterback Leagues

In our first four 2014 fantasy football draft strategy articles we looked at standard league drafts, PPR leagues, Dynasty Leagues, and IDP Leagues. We examined the best draft strategy for early, middle and late rounds, and identified some fantasy football sleepers for each type of league.  We now shift our focus to two quarterback leagues which can drastically alter strategy, especially in the early rounds. Unlike skill players who can provide value despite being the third or fourth option on their own team, the number of quarterbacks is extremely limited, meaning you need to be sure of this position in your draft.

Two-QB Leagues Early Round Strategy (1 - 4)  

Much like standard drafts, running backs should be at the top of the pecking order in round one. Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, and Jamaal Charles are likely to be the top picks as they provide a huge upgrade over the second tier of fantasy backs. After the first three picks the rest of the first few rounds are likely to be determined by player preference. In a 2 QB league it would be tough to argue against Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers with the fourth pick as all are in play to have 5,000 passing yards and 30+ touchdowns on the season.

Be aware, as a run on quarterbacks early could push signal callers like Cam Newton or Matthew Stafford into the first round. With only 32 quarterbacks assured of jobs in week one, it would be wise to come out of the opening rounds with at least one of the top 10 quarterbacks on the board and a strong argument could be made that having two would give you a much needed boost over your competition.

With running backs and quarterbacks likely to be the hot picks in these rounds it is safe to avoid wide receiver and tight ends early as they should be available later. Unless you can snag elite options such as Calvin Johnson or Jimmy Graham in round two, players such as A.J. Green and Demaryius Thomas may fall lower than im most drafts.

Two-QB Leagues Middle Rounds Strategy (5-10):

After the dust settles in round 4, it is not only likely that the top 15 running backs are off the board, but also much of the top 15 quarterbacks as well. Because of that, receiving options should be readily available. Players to target here would include Alshon Jeffery who is coming off of a huge season that saw him post 89 receptions, 1,421 yards and 7 touchdowns opposite Brandon Marshall. Other receiving options that should fall include Wes Welker, Antonio Brown, and Julio Jones. In a similar way to standard drafts, running backs are likely to be sparse in this group with many incumbent starters gone and still too soon to gamble on players such as Bishop Sankey in Tennessee.

If you are going to target a quarterback in these rounds there are likely to be high upside/risk options available here. Robert Griffin III is coming off of a lackluster year, but now has DeSean Jackson at his disposal, Jay Cutler is a force when he plays but missed 5 games last year, and Colin Kaepernick who lacks in passing stats but can be a huge play in terms of rushing yardage.

Two-QB Leagues Late Round Strategy (11+)  

After the first 10 rounds you will need to assess your options at quarterback as many of them are likely to be gone. If you were able to draft two of the top 10 options you need to be focusing on two things late: a quarterback who has good match-ups on your top QB’s bye weeks, and also the backups to your top options. A good example of this would be picking up Jake Locker late if you have Drew Brees, as Brees has a bye in week 6 and Locker has what looks to be a good game against Jacksonville on the schedule. Also because this is 2 QB league, scoring is likely going to be higher and thus I am avoiding picking a defense or kicker until the last two rounds to be sure my other positions are as strong as possible.

Two-QB Leagues Sleepers

Top sleeper QB: Philip Rivers:

Playing with a fiery demeanor, it is hard for Rivers to have a “quietly productive” season, however that is just what he had last year. Rivers played in all 16 games last season and had at least one touchdown pass in each of them. He also had a few spectacular games with six of those games seeing him toss three or more touchdowns and three of them having over 400 yards passing. Rivers still has stalwart tight end Antonio Gates to pass too, but was helped tremendously by the emergence of rookie Keenan Allen who should only be better in his second season. Although he provides little to nothing in terms of rushing, his consistent passing stats make him a great second quarterback in this type of league.

Rookie QB to keep your eye on:

Teddy Bridgewater: Bridgewater has everything you are looking for from a young signal caller. He has an offensive coordinator in Norv Turner who has a knack for making quarterbacks fantasy darlings, a young deep threat in Cordarrelle Patterson, a stud tight end in Kyle Rudolph and oh yah that Peterson guy in the backfield to take pressure off of the passing game. Early word from Vikings camp is that Matt Cassell should get the nod in week one, however a brutal opening schedule of games could see the team at 1-4 going into their bye week. That would be great timing to insert the young signal caller. Along with solid mobility, Bridgewater could be an excellent choice as a depth selection late in your draft.

Backup to draft:

Michael Vick: Not much of a surprise here as Vick is clearly the top fantasy backup quarterback in the league. He has not been a fantasy force for a few seasons, but has a clear path to eventual playing time as second year quarterback Geno Smith had a very uneven year in 2013. The Jets also have a good back half of their schedule with weak defenses like Buffalo, Miami, Minnesota and New England all ripe for the picking.