Dynasty is arguably the best form of fantasy football. It’s a year-round game that allows fantasy players so many ways to build their team into a contender. However, which draft strategy is the best?
The honest answer is that there is no answer. You can only screw up your dynasty team by not having a draft strategy. However, having a draft strategy and executing it are two different things.
This dynasty strategy primer won’t cover every possible startup draft strategy, as there are too many strategies to cover. However, I’m going to highlight five of the more popular draft strategies fantasy players use when wanting to compete in the first year. Unfortunately, I won’t get to cover my favorite draft strategy: Tanking the first year.
We’re here to help you prepare for your dynasty draft. Let’s look at our Late-Round Quarterback dynasty draft strategy. For more dynasty fantasy football content and advice, check out the FantasyPros Dynasty Draft Kit.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings
Dynasty Draft Strategy
Late-Round Quarterback Strategy
Overview
Let’s move on to quarterback draft strategies. This strategy is simple enough. You wait until the later round to draft quarterbacks. Instead, you load up at the flex positions early in the draft. Everyone knows you want to punt on quarterbacks in 1-QB redraft leagues. However, should you do the same in dynasty leagues?
It’s a debate. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen or C.J. Stroud will make setting your weekly lineup easier for the next several years. Yet, you must spend an early-round draft pick to grab one of the top 2-3 quarterbacks. That means you will have to pass on a star running back or wide receiver with that early draft pick.
Meanwhile, fantasy players can use this strategy in Superflex leagues. However, it’s not something I would suggest. You will need to hit on multiple later-round quarterbacks. The argument for using this strategy is the depth at quarterback, as the position has never been deeper.
Daniel Jones was a later-round pick in 2022 and he ended that season as the QB9, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game. Similarly, many wrote off Jared Goff before the start of the 2022 season. Yet, he was the QB10 that year, averaging 16.7 fantasy points per game.
Pros:
- You can load up with star running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
- Quarterback is arguably the most weekly volatile and deepest position in fantasy football.
Cons:
- You must hit on your later-round quarterback picks. If not, you could have trouble competing, no matter how much talent is on the roster.
- Drafting 1-2 stud quarterbacks will make setting your weekly lineup simple. It will also make future rookie draft decisions easier.
Players to Target:
So, there are three different types of targets here. The first is the rebound candidate. Trevor Lawrence has slipped in rookie rankings and average draft position (ADP) after a rocky 2023 season filled with injuries and the emergence of shiny new quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love. Yet, Lawrence is one of the more talented young quarterbacks in the NFL and has a strong supporting cast.
The second type of late-round quarterback is the forgotten but not gone player. In the past, it has been Jared Goff or even Kirk Cousins. This year, it’s Watson. Things haven’t worked out for him since joining the Browns, mostly because of his suspension and injuries.
However, the former superstar flashed glimpses of low-end QB1 play last season despite playing through multiple injuries, including his throwing shoulder. It’s a make-or-break year for Watson. As the QB20 in the FantasyPros dynasty rankings, he’s an ideal target.
Do not be afraid to draft high-end backup quarterbacks if you use this strategy in Superflex leagues. Last year, there were over 60 starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Joe Flacco came off the couch and was a top-10 fantasy quarterback during his time as the starter despite being turnover-happy.
While there likely won’t be many quarterback training camp battles this year, don’t be afraid to draft Minshew even if Aidan O’Connell wins the starting job for Week 1. Minshew was productive coming off the bench last year for Anthony Richardson and could steal the starting job early in the regular season.
Dynasty Draft Advice
- Fitz’s Dynasty Draft Primers
Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
