Fantasy Football Positions Explained

Each position in fantasy football plays a unique role in your team’s success. Understanding how each one contributes, how they score, and how to draft them strategically can give you a serious edge.

Quarterback (QB)

The quarterback is the field general, earning points primarily through passing yards, touchdowns, and sometimes rushing yards. Standard scoring gives 4 or 6 points for passing TDs and 1 point per 25 passing yards. Elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts can put up huge weeks, but the depth at the position allows many managers to wait until the middle or late rounds. In Superflex leagues, QBs become premium assets and are often taken in the first two rounds.

Strategy Tip: In 1-QB leagues, prioritize other positions early and look for value QBs later. In Superflex, target QBs early and often.

Running Back (RB)

RBs are often the backbone of fantasy teams. They score through rushing and receiving yards and touchdowns. Because there are so few true “workhorse” RBs (who get both carries and targets), they’re highly valuable in all formats. In PPR leagues, pass-catching RBs like Christian McCaffrey or Austin Ekeler are gold. In standard leagues, TD-dependent RBs have more value.

Strategy Tip: Consider drafting at least one elite RB early unless you’re using a Zero RB or Hero RB strategy. Depth and injury volatility make backup RBs essential.

Wide Receiver (WR)

WRs earn points by catching passes, gaining receiving yards, and scoring TDs. Their value rises significantly in PPR leagues. WRs vary widely—some are high-volume target monsters (e.g., Justin Jefferson), while others are big-play threats. WR depth is typically strong in fantasy drafts, making it possible to find reliable starters in the middle rounds.

Strategy Tip: In PPR and Half-PPR, elite WRs should be drafted as early as top RBs. Target WRs with high target shares and red zone usage.

Tight End (TE)

Tight ends often function like wide receivers but have fewer elite options. In standard scoring, only a few TEs (like Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews) separate themselves from the pack. TE-premium leagues award more points per reception for tight ends, boosting their importance. Outside the top 3–5, the position is volatile and inconsistent.

Strategy Tip: Either grab an elite TE early or wait and stream the position weekly based on matchups. Consider TE-premium settings when deciding draft priority.

FLEX

The FLEX position allows you to start an RB, WR, or TE. It gives managers lineup flexibility and can make or break your week. Your best high-upside bench player usually fills this spot. Many leagues also include two FLEX spots or a Superflex (which includes QBs).

Strategy Tip: Maximize your FLEX with players in high-scoring games or favorable matchups. RBs often outperform WRs here in standard scoring; WRs may gain the edge in PPR.

Superflex

Superflex is a FLEX spot that allows quarterbacks. This dramatically changes league dynamics, making QBs the most valuable position. With 24+ QBs being started weekly, the waiver wire dries up quickly, and backups become meaningful assets.

Strategy Tip: Prioritize QBs early—many managers go QB-QB in the first two rounds. Even low-end starters hold value in Superflex formats.

Kicker (K)

Kickers earn points for field goals and extra points. Scoring may vary by distance (e.g., 3 points for a 30-yard FG, 5 points for a 50+ yard FG). While often undervalued, a reliable kicker can help secure tight wins. However, many leagues are now phasing out the kicker spot for more FLEX or IDP positions.

Strategy Tip: Stream kickers based on dome conditions, team scoring averages, and opponent red zone defense. Don’t draft one too early.

Defense / Special Teams (DST)

Your DST scores points through sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, safeties, and defensive/special teams touchdowns. They also earn points by limiting the number of points allowed. DSTs can be unpredictable week to week but still swing matchups. Elite defenses facing weak offenses are especially valuable late in the season.

Strategy Tip: Draft defenses based on early-season schedule. Many managers stream DSTs weekly, targeting offenses that allow lots of turnovers.

Summary: Each fantasy football position plays a different role in your overall success. Prioritize based on your league’s format (PPR, Superflex, TE-Premium, etc.), and draft strategically to build a balanced, high-upside team.