What Position Gets the Most Points in Fantasy Football and Why Do Quarterbacks Sometimes Feel Like They’re Playing Chess While Everyone Else Plays Checkers?

Fantasy football has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of fans who meticulously draft, trade, and manage their virtual teams. One of the most debated topics in this realm is: what position gets the most points in fantasy football? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, as it depends on league settings, scoring systems, and even the meta-strategies of the season. However, one thing is clear: certain positions consistently dominate the fantasy scoreboard, while others are more situational. Let’s dive into the intricacies of fantasy football scoring and explore why quarterbacks often feel like they’re playing a different game altogether.

The Quarterback: The Crown Jewel of Fantasy Football?

In most standard fantasy football leagues, quarterbacks (QBs) are the highest-scoring players. This is because they touch the ball on nearly every offensive play and are directly responsible for passing yards, touchdowns, and sometimes even rushing stats. A top-tier QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen can easily rack up 20-30 points per game, thanks to their ability to throw for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns. In leagues that award 6 points per passing touchdown (as opposed to the standard 4), QBs become even more valuable.

However, the QB position is also the deepest in fantasy football. While the elite QBs are game-changers, the difference between the QB5 and QB12 is often minimal. This has led to the rise of the “late-round QB” strategy, where managers prioritize other positions early in the draft and snag a solid QB in the middle or late rounds. After all, why spend a first-round pick on a QB when you can get 80% of the production from someone like Kirk Cousins or Jared Goff?

Running Backs: The Workhorses of Fantasy

If QBs are the crown jewels, running backs (RBs) are the backbone of any successful fantasy team. In standard scoring leagues, RBs are often the most consistent point producers because they accumulate points through both rushing and receiving. A bell-cow RB like Christian McCaffrey or Derrick Henry can single-handedly win you a week with a 100-yard, two-touchdown performance.

The scarcity of elite RBs makes them highly coveted in drafts. Unlike QBs, where the talent pool is deep, there are only a handful of RBs who are guaranteed to get 20+ touches per game. This is why RBs are often the first players off the board in fantasy drafts. However, the position is also fraught with risk. Injuries, committee backfields, and unpredictable workloads can turn a first-round RB into a bust.

Wide Receivers: The High-Reward Playmakers

Wide receivers (WRs) are the flashy playmakers of fantasy football. A stud WR like Justin Jefferson or Tyreek Hill can explode for 150 yards and two touchdowns on any given Sunday, making them invaluable in PPR (points per reception) leagues. In fact, in PPR formats, elite WRs often outscore even the best RBs.

The WR position is deeper than RB but not as deep as QB. This means you can find value in the middle rounds, but the truly elite WRs are worth their weight in gold. The challenge with WRs is their volatility. Even the best receivers can have quiet games if their quarterback struggles or the game script doesn’t favor the passing attack.

Tight Ends: The Wild Cards

Tight ends (TEs) are the wild cards of fantasy football. Outside of a few elite options like Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews, the position is notoriously inconsistent. Most TEs are touchdown-dependent, meaning they might go weeks without scoring double-digit points. However, when they do hit, they can be game-changers.

The scarcity of elite TEs makes them a unique challenge in fantasy drafts. If you don’t land one of the top-tier options, you’re often left streaming the position week to week, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. This is why managers who draft Kelce or Andrews often feel like they have a cheat code.

Defenses and Kickers: The Afterthoughts

While defenses/special teams (DSTs) and kickers can contribute to your weekly score, they are rarely the difference-makers in fantasy football. A good defense might score 10-15 points in a week, but predicting which defenses will perform well is often a crapshoot. Similarly, kickers are highly dependent on game script and can be frustratingly unpredictable.

Many fantasy leagues are moving away from including DSTs and kickers, opting instead for additional flex spots or superflex positions. This trend reflects the growing consensus that these positions add more randomness than strategy to the game.

The Impact of Scoring Systems

The relative value of each position can vary dramatically depending on your league’s scoring system. For example:

• PPR Leagues: Wide receivers and pass-catching RBs gain value because they earn points for every reception.
• Superflex Leagues: Quarterbacks become even more valuable because managers can start two QBs.
• IDP Leagues: Individual defensive players (IDPs) add a new layer of complexity, as linebackers and safeties can score points through tackles, sacks, and interceptions.

Understanding your league’s scoring system is crucial to drafting a competitive team. A player who is a stud in one format might be a dud in another.

The Chess vs. Checkers Analogy

So, why do quarterbacks sometimes feel like they’re playing chess while everyone else plays checkers? It’s because the QB position requires a different kind of strategy. While RBs and WRs are often evaluated based on volume and opportunity, QBs are judged on efficiency and upside. A QB who can extend plays with his legs or make pinpoint throws under pressure can elevate an entire fantasy team.

At the same time, the depth of the QB position means that managers can afford to wait on drafting one, focusing instead on securing elite RBs and WRs. This creates a dynamic where the QB position feels both essential and expendable, depending on your draft strategy.

Conclusion

In the end, the question of what position gets the most points in fantasy football doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Quarterbacks typically score the most, but their depth makes them less valuable in drafts. Running backs are the backbone of any successful team, but their scarcity and injury risk make them a high-stakes investment. Wide receivers offer high upside but can be inconsistent, while tight ends are a roll of the dice outside of the elite options.

The key to fantasy success is understanding your league’s scoring system, staying adaptable, and recognizing when to zig while others zag. Whether you’re playing chess or checkers, the goal is the same: outsmart your opponents and hoist that championship trophy.

Related Q&A

Q: Should I draft a QB early in fantasy football?
A: It depends on your league settings. In superflex or 6-point passing TD leagues, drafting a QB early can be a smart move. In standard leagues, waiting until the middle rounds is often the better strategy.

Q: Why are RBs so valuable in fantasy football?
A: RBs are valuable because they accumulate points through both rushing and receiving, and elite RBs are guaranteed a high volume of touches. Their scarcity makes them a premium asset.

Q: Can I win my league without an elite TE?
A: Absolutely. While having an elite TE like Travis Kelce is a huge advantage, many successful teams stream the position week to week based on matchups.

Q: How do PPR leagues change the value of WRs?
A: PPR leagues increase the value of WRs, especially those who are heavily targeted in the passing game. Pass-catching RBs also gain value in this format.

Q: Are defenses and kickers worth drafting?
A: Defenses and kickers are typically drafted in the final rounds, as their production is hard to predict. Some leagues eliminate these positions to reduce randomness.