My article on RBs outlined the basic dilemma found at the QB position.  If you don’t remember, here’s the important part:

What’s this mean for you?  Well, it means that it is kind of stupid to draft a QB in the first round in a regular-scoring league.  However, there are several benefits to such a move.

Something that can make an enormous difference is not being required to spend a roster spot on a backup QB.  If you draft Peyton Manning, that means (at least for the last five years) that you will be playing him every week.  No matter what team he’s up against.  Without fail.  You will not need a backup.  This allows you to free up a roster spot, giving you room for more viable RB options, or the space for another high-upside pick.  This is only an option if you grab one of those top-tier QBs, or if you stumble into an out-of-the-blue high-tier QB (such as 2008 Kurt Warner or 2007 Derek Anderson).  If you grab one of those Drew Brees- or Tom Brady-like QBs, you get a free spot for a potential 2008 Deangelo Williams, 2007 Earnest Graham or 2006 Marion Barber.  This concept slips by many of the self-declared experts, but that freedom really can’t be overstated, even with the drop-off between RBs.  It is an invaluable quality that can’t be found elsewhere.

Personally, the earliest I’ve ever drafted a QB in a semi-standard scoring league was in the sixth round of a ten-teamer.  That was a reach for Jon Kitna in 2007, which didn’t pan out.  Like I said, while I may be there in spirit for the jeering of somebody who takes Peyton Manning, there are benefits.  I’d never do it.  The numbers don’t really back it up.  But it’s not necessarily a horrible decision…I guess.  In 2008, though, I grabbed Warner and, for whatever reason, literally never had a backup save for the week before, and the week of, his bye (being Matt Cassel). 

If you don’t grab one of those high-tier QBs, then you should draft a pair of mid-tier guys.  This is how most fantasy teams conduct themselves, and it usually goes well.  Working matchups is easier at the QB position than anywhere else, and there is usually value at the position throughout the draft.  Something to ponder (and something for me to experiment with) is simply drafting one QB, even if he isn’t elite, and just seeing how it alters my lineup management strategies and determining its viability.  I’ll try it in several leagues and tell you how it works out.

An important footnote for ten-team, two QB leagues is that you shouldn’t go into things planning to grab one of those elite QBs just because there is going to be a shortage.  Your plans should be altered, simply to assure that you get three QBs by draft’s end (each with a different bye week, too!), but you definitely don’t need to scramble to grab Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the first two rounds. 

As per usual, keep an eye out for the tier lists and Mega Boards to come for all your ranking needs.