The first round of every fantasy football draft covered in 2014 has been different across the board when it comes to quarterbacks, running backs and even wide receivers.
Since this article is about whether or not it's better to draft a quarterback or running back in the first round, lets take a look at these two positions specifically.
Argument For Drafting A Running Back
Even though running backs are losing value in a league where offenses are pass pass pass, there are still at least two running backs who are much more valuable than quarterbacks, especially in PPR leagues. This is enough of a reason why drafting a running back with a first or second overall pick is key because the pool of QB1-type quarterbacks is much deeper in 2014.
The argument whether a running back or a quarterback is more valuable in the first round mainly comes down to draft position and your particular scoring rules
In my opinion, these are the two running backs who deserve being drafted ahead of any quarterback (and receiver):
- Eagles RB LeSean McCoy
- Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles
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Great article, the mid first round picks can be trickier than it would seem. I think that the later rounds are where a draft is really made or broken but if you screw up your first rounder you’ve lost before you get to those late rounds. I think that you were right on the mark with Romo and Cutler as well, I’ve been seeing them go for a steep discount.
Thanks Brendan. I didn’t even take into account receivers in a PPR league. Couple RBs, couple QBs and almost all receivers. Pushing guys like Forte down to the top of the second round, which is outrageous value.
Forte dropped in one of my leagues last year when I drafted Martin. Had Martin avoided injury, who knows how well I would have done.
I agree with everything, but I’m not sure about taking Romo or Cutler in the 2nd. Sure they might end up with QB1 numbers, and you should target them, but, in the second there are still WR1 and borderline RB1-2 available. I don’t see many drafts going on a 10 QB run by the 2nd round. I’d more likely target either by rounds 3-4. Taking a QB that can be had later leaves you with your starting WR or RB as a 3rd rounder, then you either have your 2nd 3rd WR or RB as a 4th. Not where I want to be selecting for those, especially when I feel like I can land a QB who will give me great numbers later.
I can agree with you. It all depends on the other 11 or so owners in your league. One league I was in last year went QB heavy for the simple fact that many owners said there was more value in a quarterback who can pass 30-40 touchdowns than in a receiver who can come close to 100 catches, but not have the same chances of scoring as many times in the red zone.
I am not saying you have to RB with your first pick, but taking a QB seems foolish in not in the very back end of the first round. I would put top 5 RB, top 5 WR and Jimmy Graham above any QB. Reason why isn’t most points but most points above the positions median player. If you have the turn in 12 team league, yeah than Peyton makes sense but before that not really.
Now this assumes a scoring system where QB don’t completely out score other positions and only one QB starter.
@ron – you’re correct sir – Greg had a mental error here and he will update this article ASAP, no way would he draft Cutler or Romo in the 2nd round. Greg, no more writing while half asleep =)
To your point – I write about it here
http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/fantasy-football-draft-strategy-quarterbacks/
Our value based cheat sheets outline this type of logic to perfection.
If I was half asleep, it would have been a Pulitzer prize winning piece :P