Fantasy football is full of different strategies and terminologies that can be difficult to keep up with. One of these terms is “flex” and it is vital to the success of your team.
So, what is a flex in fantasy football?
A flex in fantasy football is a position that can be filled by a running back, wide receiver, or tight end. The flex position offers fantasy managers flexibility when putting together their lineups and it’s something work keeping in mind during your fantasy draft.
As you may have guessed, having a good player in your flex position is vital for fantasy success. Throughout this article we’ll cover which position is best for your flex based on your league’s scoring system, how scoring works for the flex position, and much more. Stick around!
What Is a Flex in Fantasy Football?
In fantasy football, the flex is a starting lineup position where a team manager can choose to play a running back (RB), wide receiver (WR), or tight end (TE).
This option adds an element of flexibility as managers can fine-tune their lineups based on player performances and matchups throughout the season.
The flex position has become increasingly important in fantasy football due to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. With injuries, bye weeks, and fluctuating player performances, having the ability to play multiple positions in a single lineup slot is a game-changer.
This versatility provides managers with more options to outscore their opponents, driving the importance of having a strong bench and depth at various positions.
In most standard leagues, the flex position does not allow for a quarterback to be inserted, limiting managers’ options to non-QB positions.
What Positions Can You Play in the Flex in Fantasy Football?
The most common positions that can be played in the flex are running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), and tight ends (TE). These positions are often the primary playmakers and point-scorers in fantasy and create more opportunities for your team to accumulate points.
Playing a quarterback (QB) in the flex is possible in certain leagues, but less common. These leagues are usually referred to as “superflex” or “two-QB” leagues. In such leagues, you can start a second quarterback in the flex position, which increases the importance of quarterbacks in your fantasy lineup.
Kickers (K) and individual defensive players (IDP) are generally not eligible to be played in the flex position. However, there may be custom leagues or unique league settings that allow for kickers or defensive players to be placed in the flex position, so it is crucial to consult your league’s specific rules to understand the eligibility of each player.
The choice of playing a RB, WR, or TE in the flex position often depends on factors like player performance, matchups, injuries, and bye weeks. By considering these elements, fantasy football owners can make informed decisions to maximize their team’s potential performance each week.
For example, a fantasy owner might start a WR in the flex position if that player is facing a weak pass defense or has a favorable matchup that could lead to significant points.
Best Position for Flex in Fantasy Football
Standard Scoring
In standard scoring leagues, the flex position is typically best filled with a strong RB or WR. These players usually contribute the most points to a fantasy lineup, and selecting the right high-scoring athlete from either position can make all the difference in securing a win.
Usually, running backs have a slight edge over wide receivers in standard scoring because they tend to earn more points from carries and rushing touchdowns than a wide receiver accumulates through receptions and receiving touchdowns.
However, exceptional wide receivers with a high target volume and touchdown potential can also bring significant value to the flex position.
Key factors to consider when selecting a flex player in standard scoring include:
- Running Backs (RBs): Touchdown potential, volume of carries, goal-line carries, and overall rushing yards.
- Wide Receivers (WRs): Target volume, big-play ability, touchdown potential, and overall receiving yards.
PPR Scoring
In Point Per Reception (PPR) leagues, wide receivers and pass-catching running backs become even more attractive options for the flex position. These players earn additional points for each reception, making them highly valuable.
While top-tier running backs with heavy workloads still hold value, the benefit of consistent pass-catching opportunities should not be overlooked.
Tight ends can also be considered for the flex role in PPR scoring leagues. A tight end who has consistent volume and red-zone targets could provide an advantage over some wide receivers or running backs.
However, the overall depth of the tight end position is comparatively lower than available running backs or wide receivers.
When selecting a flex player in PPR scoring leagues, consider the following factors:
- Running Backs (RBs): Reception volume, touchdown potential, receiving yards, and rushing production.
- Wide Receivers (WRs): Target volume, reception volume, big-play ability, touchdown potential, and overall receiving yards.
- Tight Ends (TEs): Target volume, red-zone opportunities, and touchdown potential.
How Does Scoring Work with the Flex Position?
The flex position in fantasy football allows managers to utilize an extra running back, wide receiver, or tight end in their starting lineup. Scoring for the flex position primarily depends on the league settings, whether it’s a standard league or a PPR league.
In a standard league, players typically earn 1 point for every 10 rushing or receiving yards and 6 points for each touchdown scored. However, the points for particular actions or yardage might slightly vary across different leagues.
It is essential for managers to be familiar with their league’s scoring system to optimize player selections and strategy. The scoring method for the flex position mirrors that of running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends in your league.
In contrast, PPR leagues have an added dimension to their scoring system. As the name suggests, players in PPR leagues also earn points for receptions, enhancing the value of wide receivers and pass-catching running backs.
The number of points they receive per catch differs across leagues, with some awarding a full point (1 PPR) while others award half a point (0.5 PPR).
Another format worth mentioning is the TE premium league, in which tight ends receive 1.5 points per reception, providing a higher value for that position. Similarly, in Point Per First Down (PPFD) leagues, players earn extra points for achieving first downs during the game.
What Is a Superflex in Fantasy Football?
In fantasy football, a superflex is a position that allows quarterbacks to start in that slot. This configuration creates a strategic advantage, as quarterbacks typically score more points than other positions in fantasy football.
To construct a well-rounded roster, fantasy football managers must focus on how to make the best use of the superflex slot. Adding a second quarterback can provide a significant boost to weekly scores and creates a more competitive lineup.
However, prioritizing quarterbacks may deplete valuable resources that could otherwise be used for other key positions, such as running backs and wide receivers. When drafting a team in a superflex league, it’s essential to formulate a strategy that accounts for the potential advantages and drawbacks of using an extra quarterback in your lineup.
Early quarterback selections can secure top-scoring players but risk missing out on elite running backs or wide receivers. Conversely, waiting too long to draft a quarterback could leave you with limited options and limited upside in the superflex spot.
Given the added complexity, participating in superflex leagues can prove to be a rewarding challenge for fantasy football enthusiasts. The inclusion of an additional quarterback in the lineup offers a unique twist and requires a deeper understanding of player values and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Should I Draft As my Flex?
When selecting a player for your flex position in fantasy football, it’s essential to consider factors such as the player’s matchup, their role in the team’s offense, and current injuries on the team. Typically, you’ll want to draft a RB, WR, or TE to fill this position.
Should You Draft a QB or RB First?
The decision of whether to draft a QB or RB first in fantasy football largely depends on your league’s scoring system and the players available during the draft. In most standard leagues, QBs tend to score more points than RBs.
However, elite RBs are hard to come by, so it is often more beneficial to draft a top-tier RB first, followed by a QB later in the draft.
Should I Start a QB and WR from the Same Team?
Starting a QB and WR from the same team is called “stacking.” Stacking can be a smart move if the matchup is favorable and both players have a high probability of contributing to the team’s scoring. Stacking can lead to a higher combined score if the QB and WR connect often during a game, especially in the case of touchdowns.
However, it can also expose your team to a higher risk if that particular team has an underwhelming offensive performance.