Two years ago, in RotoViz’s grand tradition of advising to zag when others zig, I wrote about fading QBs (and also tight ends) in superflex dynasty startups. Obviously, the impact of this advice rocked the foundation of dynasty drafting: In 2022 and 2023 Triflex startup drafts, before this strategy piece ran, there were 20 QBs being taken in the first five rounds, but by 2024, that number plunged to . . . 19 QBs going off the board in the first five rounds. (Baby steps!)
Of course, I’m being sarcastic. But the point remains: As we approach 2025 startup dynasty draft season, it’s quite likely that this edge remains, especially with the emergence of last year’s stellar rookie QB class that highlighted one superstar (Jayden Daniels), three probable stars (Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Drake Maye) and two more with star potential (Michael Penix, JJ McCarthy).
How can we be sure this edge exists? Well, we can’t, but in the FFPC Triflex format (superflex, but with three starting WRs instead of two in more traditional FFPC leagues) and in FFPC standard superflex leagues, there’s years-long evidence that the number of QBs selected in the first five rounds of startup drafts usually falls between 19 and 21. That’s roughly a third of the total picks in that range, and as many (or more) than the total combined number of RBs and TEs selected.
2022 Triflex Startup ADP
2023 Triflex Startup ADP
2024 Triflex Startup ADP
The assumption is that because QBs score more average points than other positions, you need to start a QB in the superflex slot, and thus you need at least two solid QBs. But, in practice, is that actually true? That’s the question regarding different aspects of building superflex dynasty rosters that I’ll look at this summer, from in-season to rookie drafts to startup leagues.
First, a look at 2024. On teams that I run by myself and ones I run with a partner, I/we have had success building around non-QBs, often eschewing QBs to the point where the team becomes inundated with offers to fill its perceived QB void. Here is how those teams fared.
