The FLEX position on your fantasy lineup. (1 Viewer)

[PsychoMan]

My 12 team league currently starts the following:

1 QB

2 RB

3 WR

1 TE

1 K

1 DEF

I've been thinking of adding a couple starting positions add more depth to the league. I was considering adding another RB, and another WR ... then thought I could just add a 2 or 3 flex positions.

I suppose my question is two-fold.

1) What do you think is a good number of starters at each position for a 12 team league?

2) What do you think of having a flex position in the starting lineup (pros/cons from those who have tried it)?

 

[H.K.]

My 12 team league currently starts the following:1 QB2 RB3 WR1 TE1 K1 DEFI've been thinking of adding a couple starting positions add more depth to the league. I was considering adding another RB, and another WR ... then thought I could just add a 2 or 3 flex positions.I suppose my question is two-fold.1) What do you think is a good number of starters at each position for a 12 team league?2) What do you think of having a flex position in the starting lineup (pros/cons from those who have tried it)?

What is the impetus for adding a flex? There has to be a reason other than you just feel like it, so what is the rationale behind the change?

 

[baronson]

i like the idea of a flex position. i have one flex pos in my 12 team keeper, and i have 3 (start 1RB and 1WR) in my 14 team redraft. 14 teams is a lot, so it precludes people from having to start guys like wes welker each week. it also ADDS the need for an effective strategy, when you think about it. otherwise, people go RB, RB, RB, WR, in their draft each season. with a flex, people can load up on WRs because they can fill the starting lineup with WRs and TEs if they want to.

my rambling point is, i like it. give it a go.

 

[msommer]

I dislike Flex positions. It makes FF easier. Why even the playing field?

 

[Sopranos]

I like having a flex. It is more even in a ppr league. If its standard scoring then you better go RB/RB because everyone will want a RB for the flex..

 

[Sopranos]

I dislike Flex positions. It makes FF easier. Why even the playing field?

IMO it does not even the playing field. There will be 2-3 teams that will be better because of it. It seperates the teams to me.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Seems like it rewards depth and a good draft, which I am for. Our league is considering adding it, as well.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

The more starting positions in a league, the more deeply the NFL talent pool is penetrated and thus the "skill" becomes a bigger factor.

I strongly suggest that you make 1 of the 2 Flex positions, a Super Flex (RB, WR, TE, QB, D). This will add more strategy to the equation, increase the relative value of QBs, yet still give the teams with 3 stud RBs an outlet for generating production out of those assets.

 

[turnit643]

I think allowing a FLEX starter or two provides options for building a team. Owners don't absolutely have to snatch up every last breathing RB to have a chance to compete.

In our 16 team / limited keeper league, we use: QB/RB/WR/TE/K/2FLEX(RB,WR,TE).

It's fun to see who can win with 3 WR's starting or 2 TE's, etc. Teams have fun with it and create a bit of an identity for their rosters ... "my wishbone attack vs. your trips set", etc.

 

[PsychoMan]

What is the impetus for adding a flex? There has to be a reason other than you just feel like it, so what is the rationale behind the change?

First & foremost, I want to add starting positions, so a deeper knowledge of the NFL is required to compete in the league. In my opinion, too few starting positions allow teams to get by & compete by playing mostly household names in the NFL. I want to eliminate that.After deciding this, I thought I should at least consider the option of a flex position. I haven't used flex positions much and wanted to hear what people thought about them and how they may affect the league.I'll likely go with the base starters as 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1K, 1DEF. I'm thinking that having an additional RB, WR and maybe a WR/TE will be the best way to do what I want to accomplish.

 

[Your Mom]

We switched to this lineup a couple of years ago

1Qb

1Rb

3Wr

1Te

1k

1Def

and two Flex

You can start up to 2 Qbs, 3RB, or 5 WR. We switched to this because everyone was annoyed with all the Rb's going so early. It is an interesting draft every year. To see some of the different strategies and how they work out. A guy went Manning/Mcnabb in the 1st two rounds this year, but his Wr's were so bad, that he was in the middle of the pack. i love this lineup more than any other I have played.

 

[Lowen1]

We use 3 flex players to allow owners to be "flexible" when drafting, setting line ups, etc. 12 team league starts the following:

1QB

1RB

2WR

0TE

1K

1DST

3FLEX (Flex can be RB/WR/TE)

We also have 0.5 ppr for RB & WR, and 1.25 ppr for TE.

Some teams draft RB heavy, others WR heavy, and then there is me. Last year, I took 3 of the top 4 TE by round 10. Some weeks, I started all 3 of them as my 3 flex players in my "jumbo" package. Other teams didn't draft a TE at all, since they didn't have to start one. Others drafted RB heavy and started 4 RB. This year, the way the draft panned out, I went WR heavy and ended up starting 5 WR / 1RB / 0 TE most weeks.

But, we like the flexibility to plan your draft and your team in different ways.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

My 12 teamer uses two flex players to go along with 1QB, 1RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1K, 1D. The flex players can be at any position, with a cap of only using one at every position except WR (so, no more than 2 QBs or RBs can start). We also do some things with scoring to even things out: QBs get 1/30 passing (as opposed to the more normal 1/20 or 1/25) & give ppr to WRs & TEs only. These tweaks make the flex spots legit from any of the Big 3 positions (we also get one or two teams a week playing a 2nd D).

 

[code]

Our 12 team contract league starts 1QB, 1RB, 2WR, 1TE, 2Flex...we also start 7 IDPs...30 man rosters and 0.5 ppr...

The motivation for the flex positions was to give owners some flexibility in managing their rosters, particularly in light of the contract-keeper system...we've had owners succeed with 3RB/2WR, 1RB/4WR, and even one guy who often starts 2TE...

 

[msommer]

I dislike Flex positions. It makes FF easier. Why even the playing field?

IMO it does not even the playing field. There will be 2-3 teams that will be better because of it. It seperates the teams to me.

Why does a flex position make two to three teams better? All it does it give you more options to fill a roster spot - more options makes things easier, not harder.

 

[notoriousbob]

In your case you are already starting 2RB and 3WR, which is quite a bit for a 12 team league. I'm not sure what your definition of flex is, but our flex is just a wr/rb flex. But in our league you must start 1 RB and 2WR and then we have 1 RB/WR flex. So you can go 3 wide or go with the power set and have 2RB. I hate the idea of having a flex QB as some have mentioned. If you were going to allow a universal flex like that you would have to make sure your scoring system was very balanced, otherwise you would just be creating a flex spot that always gets used for the same position, which is beside the point.

I think a system that allows flexibility will always help the league out. It will definitely change up draft strategies. I know in ours there is no need to NEED 2 stud RBs. You can load up on WR and still be fine. You just have to make sure your scoring system rewards enough points to make that strategy worthwhile.

 

[PsychoMan]

In your case you are already starting 2RB and 3WR, which is quite a bit for a 12 team league. I'm not sure what your definition of flex is, but our flex is just a wr/rb flex. But in our league you must start 1 RB and 2WR and then we have 1 RB/WR flex. So you can go 3 wide or go with the power set and have 2RB. I hate the idea of having a flex QB as some have mentioned. If you were going to allow a universal flex like that you would have to make sure your scoring system was very balanced, otherwise you would just be creating a flex spot that always gets used for the same position, which is beside the point.I think a system that allows flexibility will always help the league out. It will definitely change up draft strategies. I know in ours there is no need to NEED 2 stud RBs. You can load up on WR and still be fine. You just have to make sure your scoring system rewards enough points to make that strategy worthwhile.

I agree with your point on having the QB in the flex position. The flex I'm talking about will likely be RB/WR/TE ... or maybe a WR/TE slot.

 

[PsychoMan]

In your case you are already starting 2RB and 3WR, which is quite a bit for a 12 team league.

I was considering having the following starters ... Is that too much for a 12 teamer?1 QB3 RB4 WR1 TE1 WR/TE1 K1 DEF

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I hate the idea of having a flex QB as some have mentioned. If you were going to allow a universal flex like that you would have to make sure your scoring system was very balanced, otherwise you would just be creating a flex spot that always gets used for the same position, which is beside the point.

As I outlined in my post above, we held down the QB scoring a bit (1 pt per 30 passing) as well as added 1 ppr for WRs & TEs. This prevents the flex spot(s) from becoming, say, a de facto QB position. Everything else is fairly normal except for the fact that we have bonus tiers for distance TDs. The first two years we used this system, it worked out great: at the end of the year, the top scorers after the mandatory starters (which is the flex pool) were a nice mix of QBs, RBs, & WRs. I have no doubt that the same will happen this year.

 

[kevinray]

We have a home field advantage flex. The home team picks the flex for that game and it runs the gamut of QB/RB/WR/TE. I liked it as the away teams actually won one more game on the season the home teams so it wasn't that large of an advantage and it adds the home field aspect to our season.

Some guys play their best team, others try to limit the other guy’s strengths, it works well. I've always been a fan of the flex because it allows for more drafting styles and lessens the chance that a bad draft spot will kill your season or force a reach pick.

 

[H.K.]

In your case you are already starting 2RB and 3WR, which is quite a bit for a 12 team league.

I was considering having the following starters ... Is that too much for a 12 teamer?1 QB3 RB4 WR1 TE1 WR/TE1 K1 DEF

Wow....36 RB's and potentially 60 WR's? I think you'd see one or two teams that hit the jackpot and shred everyone in that format each year. Not toosure how competitive it would make things. Also, if your star player were to go down, it would be pretty tough to overcome, as well.

 

[pyite76]

10 team dynasty

1 QB

2 RB

3 WR

1 TE

1 Flex (QB/RB/WR/TE)

I FLex (RB/WR/TE)

the QB flex has really improved the league and has increased parity.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

12 team...we don't label it a "flex" but these are your lineup options:

Lineups

Weekly Lineup: adjustable up until kickoff

(1) QB

(1) (2) or (3) Running Backs

(2) (3) or (4) Wide Receivers

(1) or (2) Tight End

(1) Kicker

(1) Defense/Special Teams

You will always play (1) QB, PK, and Defense

You will always play at least (1) RB and TE

You will always play at least (2) WR

Possible lineup combinations

1. Trips: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, K, D

2. 4Wide: QB, RB, WR, WR, WR, WR,TE, K, D

3. Full House: QB, RB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, K, D

4. Double Tight: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, TE, K, D

5. Double Tight/3 Wide: QB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, TE, K, D

allows teams to play with two TE's if they wish.....nice having a lot of options, especially this year when some weeks had 6 teams on byes......

 

[mozzy84]

In your case you are already starting 2RB and 3WR, which is quite a bit for a 12 team league.

I was considering having the following starters ... Is that too much for a 12 teamer?1 QB3 RB4 WR1 TE1 WR/TE1 K1 DEF

if you charge for waiver wire pickups, there is not going to be much to pick from with that lineup. I say way to much myself.

 

[ravnzfan]

My 12 team league currently starts the following:1 QB2 RB3 WR1 TE1 K1 DEFI've been thinking of adding a couple starting positions add more depth to the league. I was considering adding another RB, and another WR ... then thought I could just add a 2 or 3 flex positions.I suppose my question is two-fold.1) What do you think is a good number of starters at each position for a 12 team league?2) What do you think of having a flex position in the starting lineup (pros/cons from those who have tried it)?

my 14 team dynasty leagues use 2RB-2WR/TE-2flex, where no TE required and the flex can be any of the 3rewards the draftee who hits it BIG in a position by allowing 4 of any of the positions to start, including RBallows a team wacked by injury in a position to start 4 of another to still be competitivefor you, add a 7th starter as a flex(84 position players start each week, same as my 14 teamer), or reduce WR to 2 and add 2 flex...don't let them tell you the field is "too weak" if you add another starter, that's

 

[wannabee]

My 12 team league currently starts the following:1 QB2 RB3 WR1 TE1 K1 DEFI've been thinking of adding a couple starting positions add more depth to the league. I was considering adding another RB, and another WR ... then thought I could just add a 2 or 3 flex positions.I suppose my question is two-fold.1) What do you think is a good number of starters at each position for a 12 team league?2) What do you think of having a flex position in the starting lineup (pros/cons from those who have tried it)?

my 14 team dynasty leagues use 2RB-2WR/TE-2flex, where no TE required and the flex can be any of the 3rewards the draftee who hits it BIG in a position by allowing 4 of any of the positions to start, including RBallows a team wacked by injury in a position to start 4 of another to still be competitivefor you, add a 7th starter as a flex(84 position players start each week, same as my 14 teamer), or reduce WR to 2 and add 2 flex...don't let them tell you the field is "too weak" if you add another starter, that's

I agree. I happen to think that adding starters each week minimizes the luck factor a little and diminishes the chance that a team can have LT and little else and win. The reason, imo, this lowers the luck factor is because it should lessen the chance that one player has a huge week and wins with most of his other players getting minimal points. Also, this rewards good, well-balanced teams that can get points deep into their bench during bye week and injury issues. I am a big fan of having more starters rather than fewer. I play in a couple leagues that only start 2 RBs/2 WRs/1 TE with no flex and luck in draft order and luck week to week is the determining factor on wins and losses.

 

[x260bm]

In general adding flex positions has two affects.

1. It makes RBs more valuable. If you want to increase the value of WRs and TEs, increase the number of WR and TE starters.

2. It creates separation between really good teams and really bad teams. It decreases the luck factor if some owners are clearly better than others. If the owners are equally matched, the luck factor does not change.

 

[Maelstrom]

We switched to this lineup a couple of years ago1Qb1Rb3Wr1Te1k1Defand two Flex You can start up to 2 Qbs, 3RB, or 5 WR. We switched to this because everyone was annoyed with all the Rb's going so early. It is an interesting draft every year. To see some of the different strategies and how they work out. A guy went Manning/Mcnabb in the 1st two rounds this year, but his Wr's were so bad, that he was in the middle of the pack. i love this lineup more than any other I have played.

This is the flex lineup system we use as well, and we love it. It definitely allows for greater variety during the draft and for team makeup. And you don't have to have 2 RB studs to be competitive, you can build through WRs or QBs, or even TEs. We also do a scaled ppr, .5/RB, 1.0/WR, 1.5/TE to help even the positions as well. I think it has worked out well. The team that won it all this year started 2QB,1RB,4WR,1TE most of the season, and had the highest points for as well.

 

[NO blue dog]

Interesting to see so many leagues with a QB flex option. I bet there were very few leagues five years ago with the option to start 2 QBs.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

Interesting to see so many leagues with a QB flex option. I bet there were very few leagues five years ago with the option to start 2 QBs.

One of my leagues has an offensive player utiity position. most used a 2nd QB there.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Interesting to see so many leagues with a QB flex option. I bet there were very few leagues five years ago with the option to start 2 QBs.

It may sound like a subtle point, but it makes a big difference to use the Super Flex and not a mandatory start 2 QBs. That way you don't run into issues like bye-week hoarding of QBs, it definately opens up alternate strategies. Plus, since it is best if "fantasy" football is more closely correlated with real football. By far, the QB position is the most critical position in real football. In a 12 team, start 1QB, 2 RB league, it just feels wrong for guys like Mike Bell to be worth far more than players like Rothlesberger, Rivers or Pennington .