As fantasy football continues to grow into the goliath of online sporting interest, the medium that once seemed so simple and straightforward has now developed into a complex industry. A suddenly diverse game with incredible versatility and intricacies, fantasy football has now seen so much growth that the framework has developed into a myriad of different formats to go along with en vogue jargon and lingo used to explain particular game-type caveats. From standard formats to DFS to PPR to touchdown only to dynasty, people continue to flesh out how they can further vary and specify their league’s identity in hopes of either keeping owners interests up or keeping pace with the ever-developing NFL. Most recently, two of the more popular trends in the fantasy football world are the adaptation of either “Two Quarterback” or “Superflex” formatting rules.

In hopes of keeping you – the reader and active fantasy footballer – up to speed, allow me to break down the two similar – however fundamentally different – format styles, while also providing insight into successful participation within each format.

Two Quarterback Format

The idea of a two-quarterback league is very straightforward. Ultimately two QB’s are included in the starting lineup, as opposed to standard formats where only one is required and allowed. This may not seem like the biggest change in the world, but when considering that the talent pool at the position is more or less cut in half with this format application, strategy certainly does change amongst participating owners. Especially in today’s fantasy football climate, which sees quarterbacks being taken later than ever before in standard fantasy drafts, “2-QB” leagues and their owners have to deal with incredibly warped ADP’s (average draft position) amongst the talent pool.

League Specific Strategy to Consider

- Handcuffing Quarterbacks:

Just like we have all grown accustomed to in standard formats with running backs and even wide receivers (tight ends to some extent), in 2-QB formats it is imperative to handcuff at least one of your quarterbacks. Sure it may seem like wasting a valuable roster spot if your particular stud quarterback never ends up getting injured, however with most of the starting quarterbacks already assigned to teams after the draft in this format, losing a starter without owning his backup could prove crippling to your fantasy season. With far less impactful quarterbacks available on the free agent market, it becomes imperative to own at least one, if not both, of the backups to your two starting quarterbacks.

Think of Andrew Luck owners last season. He was largely the number one quarterback off the board in 2015 drafts, however after suffering catastrophic injuries, he and his owners were left helpless. Sure in standard formats it was easy for Luck owners to scour the waiver wires for his immediate backup Matt Hasselbeck, but in reality, they likely didn’t even settle on him because of the bevy of other quality impact QB’s available for pickup. Instead, Tyrod Taylor or Kirk Cousins were likely available, rendering Hasselbeck largely a useless add. In 2-QB formats however Luck’s backup likely became the number one pickup option that week, as the much thinner market at the position raised the premium on even consistent snaps under center. Owning Luck’s backup, Hasselbeck – who was guaranteed that spot from day one of the season – would have given fantasy owners a seamless transition in an otherwise unfortunate situation.

Superflex Leagues

While similar to two quarterback leagues in certain regards, superflex leagues promote the ability to start more than one quarterback, however in this respect owners are not forced to. Instead of making two starting quarterback slots in the required lineup, a flex position is provided with more versatility, allowing fantasy owners to add QB to the list of positions allowed within the starting flex spot. This makes the strategy within the format even more in-depth, as teams have the choice to choose whether or not they want to start more than one quarterback each week. Along with potentially diluting the quarterback talent pool earlier on in the draft, it also may have positive affects on the depth at the running back, tight end, and wide receiver positions, as many teams may choose to punt on those positions in their flex in favor of an extra quarterback.

League Specific Strategy to Consider

– Utilize the Extra Quarterback Advantage:

While it is merely an option in superflex leagues to start a quarterback in the flex position, in my opinion the best strategy when presented with the opportunity is to grab two elite quarterbacks in the first two rounds. Quarterbacks far and beyond are the top scorers in standard fantasy scoring. According to ESPN, in 2015 the top 17 scorers were in fact quarterbacks, with wide receiver Antonio Brown coming in at number 18. While some may elect to start just one quarterback on their roster in superflex leagues, those who choose otherwise are adding a massive point advantage. Sure you may be taking a slight hit at either the running back or wide receiver position, but considering the extra QB’s that are to be drafted, even the running back and wide receiver draft pool will be slightly deeper.

Think of it in these terms: In a league that is sure to value the quarterback position higher than standard leagues, doesn’t it make sense then to take the higher valued position as early as possible in the draft? Ultimately starting two QB’s will give you more points than teams that choose not to; and remember, points are the name of the game. Go quarterback early and give yourself as many points as possible in the first two rounds. The rest should fall into place.