Winning Strategies: Two-quarterback leagues

Passing numbers are improving league-wide across the NFL every season and fantasy football has needed to adapt. A great way by which to do this has been the advent of the two-quarterback (2-QB) league. This allows individuals and leagues as a whole to make use of more of the top fantasy assets.

Thirteen quarterbacks scored 300-plus fantasy points under standard scoring rules in 2015. Eighteen of the top-25 and 24 of the top-50 fantasy performers were quarterbacks. This means, on average, plenty of high-end producers are going to waste on a weekly basis in 10- or 12-team standard leagues.

Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr, who finished as the QB13, had six top-10 scoring weeks at the position.

Be wary of any Average Draft Position (ADP) values for quarterbacks, as they are centered on single-quarterback leagues. Two-quarterback leagues are prone to runs on the position as soon as the first QB comes off the board. Be ready to completely disregard ADPs, and your own strategy, in fear of missing out on capable signal callers.

All theoretical combinations listed below are potentially viable pairings in 2-QB drafts.

(All ADP values courtesy of FantasyPros)

Double Up at the Top End

Sample Combination:

Always a popular strategy, it comes at the expense of every other fantasy position. By jumping the gun with Newton early in the first round, there's a strong chance the likes of Palmer or Drew Brees will be available in the next round, as other owners opt to to wait before addressing the position.

By taking the second QB right away, owners are forced to scramble, creating value as they look to shore up the pivotal position. This strategy requires total commitment, and both QBs should be selected immediately. Any type of edge is lost by taking a break between quarterback selections.

Play it Safe and Take a Chance

Sample Combination:

Passed over year after year, Rivers annually returns immense draft value as a late-round selection in standard drafts. He represents the perfect style of quarterback for this strategy, playing for a team with a poor running game and a bad defense which results in a lofty percentage of pass plays.

Taking his guaranteed production and safe floor creates the opportunity for selecting more of a wildcard type of quarterback for the second roster spot. There are a wide range of outcomes for Mariota, but 30 touchdowns and 4,000 yards are easily had from Rivers.

Go for Consistency, Fade Upside

Sample Combination:

Manning's inconsistencies tend to be overrated, as he has thrown for at least 3,800 yards and 29 touchdowns in four of the past six seasons. The Giants lost WR Rueben Randle, but Odell Beckham Jr. will only continue to improve, and the potential return of Victor Cruz would provide a huge boost.

Coming off a down year, Ryan's ADP is near an all-time low. Entering his ninth year in the league, he's unlikely to break out, but he's still a lock for 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Stack Up on Lottery Tickets

Sample Combination:

Don't want to reach on quarterbacks with everyone else, but aren't happy with the selection of leftovers? Load up on the scraps. Fade the rush on quarterbacks while addressing needs at the other positions, then use an assortment of picks on more quarterbacks than necessary.

This works twofold by providing an opportunity to hit on at least two viable weekly starters, while also limiting the abilities of other owners to add depth.

Additional Notes

• Beware of bye weeks: With 24 quarterbacks being used each and every week, there will be only eight starting quarterbacks at most available on the waiver wire at any one time. Weeks 8 and 9 of the 2016 NFL season each feature six teams on byes, making it essential to plan ahead in order to pick up a backup for a soon-to-rest starter.

• Plan ahead: In addition to bye weeks, it can be essential to plan around matchups, especially late in the season. Leaving a bottom-tier starter in against a tough matchup can be the same thing as an empty roster spot. Once in the fantasy playoffs, don't be afraid to leave a mid-tier starter on the bench in favor of a more favorable matchup.

• Super-flex leagues are 2-QB leagues: The recent wide-acceptance of the super-flex league, which features the option to start any of RB/WR/TE/QB in a flex spot, needs to be treated as a 2-QB league. Quarterbacks are the top producers in fantasy, and it's ill-advised to play any running back or wide receiver in the spot.