When it comes to building a winning fantasy football lineup, every draft pick matters. While securing top tier talent at running back and wide receiver is often the focus, a recurring question divides fantasy managers every season: Do you need a backup quarterback for your fantasy team?

Some argue that backup QBs are unnecessary, while others insist they are a critical insurance policy. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, we will try to help you make smarter roster decisions.

Why the Quarterback Position Matters in Fantasy Football 

The quarterback is often the most high scoring position on a fantasy team, making it an integral part of your weekly lineup. Elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts regularly produce consistent, high scoring performances that can single handedly boost your chances of winning the week. 

However, beyond the top tier QBs, the scoring difference between mid level and low level quarterbacks tends to level out compared to other positions like running backs or wide receivers. This creates a conundrum for many fantasy managers when deciding how much attention (and draft capital) to dedicate to the QB position during a draft. 

Before deciding on a backup QB, it’s important to understand your league’s scoring settings and roster structure. Does your league favor quarterbacks with bonuses for passing yards or touchdowns? Are there two quarterback slots (superflex leagues)? These factors all influence the importance of having a backup.

The Case for Having a Backup QB 

1. Insurance for Your Star QB 

Football is unpredictable, and injuries can strike at any time. Losing your starting quarterback to an injury midseason can derail even the most promising fantasy lineup. A backup QB ensures you have a safety net in case of such unforeseen events. 

For instance, in 2020, Dak Prescott suffered a season ending injury in Week 5, leaving managers scrambling for a viable replacement. Had those managers already secured a backup QB, they could have mitigated the loss without resorting to the waiver wire. 

2. Coverage During Bye Weeks 

Every player has a scheduled bye week, meaning they’ll miss at least one game during the season. If you don’t roster a backup quarterback, you’ll need to pick up a replacement for that bye week. While this is a strategy some managers prefer, others like to plan by drafting a QB who can fill in. 

3. Matchup Based Streaming 

Another advantage of having a backup QB is the ability to capitalize on favorable matchups. For example, if your backup QB is facing a weak defense while your starter is up against one of the league’s toughest defenses, you might consider slotting in the backup for that week. 

Say you have Justin Fields, who thrives on rushing upside but struggles against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles. Having someone like Jared Goff on your bench, who may face a softer defense that week, could give you a tactical edge. 

4. Preventing Opponents from Scooping Talent 

Drafting a solid backup QB limits the pool of available players for your league mates, especially in competitive leagues. If your backup QB has strong breakout potential, such as late round sleepers like Desmond Ridder or Kenny Pickett in 2023, you not only secure a potential starter but also deny your opponents the chance to benefit.

The Case Against Taking a Backup QB 

1. Roster Spots Are Limited 

The biggest argument against rostering a backup QB is that bench spots are finite. Every roster spot occupied by a backup QB is a spot you can’t use for an additional running back, wide receiver, or even a high upside tight end. 

Since depth is critical at the more injury prone RB and WR positions, many managers prefer to stockpile talent there instead. Think of these players as lottery tickets; one of your late round running backs could turn into a league winner if circumstances align (like Jamaal Williams did with the Lions in 2022). 

2. Stream Quarterbacks Instead 

For managers in standard 1 QB leagues, streaming quarterbacks from the waiver wire can be an effective strategy. Generally, there are always serviceable quarterbacks left undrafted, as most leagues only require one QB in the starting lineup. 

Take Kirk Cousins, Trevor Lawrence, and Jared Goff, for example. These QBs might not always be drafted in smaller leagues but routinely finish the season as top 12 fantasy scorers. Monitoring matchups and picking up waiver wire options can provide comparable results without the need to burn a bench spot. 

3. Most Star QBs Are Reliable 

Elite quarterbacks typically don’t miss significant time due to injuries, and their consistency often eliminates the need for a backup. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert are known for their durability, making them reliable "set it and forget it" options for your lineup. 

If you invest an early round draft pick in an elite quarterback, chances are you’ll rarely need to look elsewhere for points.

Factors to Consider When Deciding 

When deciding whether to roster a backup QB, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What Is Your League Size? 
  • In smaller leagues (10 teams or fewer), there’s usually plenty of talent available on the waiver wire, making a backup QB less necessary. 
  • Larger leagues (12+ teams) may require more planning, as QB depth can thin out quickly. 
  1. How Many Bench Spots Does Your League Allow? 
  • If you’re operating with a shorter bench (5-6 spots), prioritize skill positions instead of stashing a backup QB. 
  1. Do You Have an Elite QB? 
  • Rostering a backup QB is less critical if you draft a consistent, high scoring QB in early rounds. 
  1. What Is the Risk Level of Your Starting QB? 
  • If your starter has a history of injuries or inconsistency, investing in a reliable backup QB makes more sense. 
  1. Can You Afford to Stream QBs? 
  • Evaluate the talent pool in your league. If there are several QB options likely to stay undrafted, you can opt to stream instead. 

Final Verdict: Do You Need a Backup QB?

The answer ultimately depends on your league format and drafting strategy. If you’re in a larger league or have a risky QB with injury concerns, carrying a backup is a smart move. On the other hand, in smaller leagues with ample waiver wire options, you’re better off using that roster spot for high upside RBs or WRs. 

Whatever your decision, remember to stay adaptable throughout the season. Whether you draft a backup or stream quarterbacks, keeping an eye on the waiver wire and making calculated decisions is the key to fantasy success.