Quarterback Trading Strategy
Master the art of quarterback trades to maximize your fantasy football success
Key Takeaways
Quarterback position depth varies significantly by league format
Buy low after 1-2 bad games, sell high after career performances
Monitor matchups and injury situations for trading opportunities
Superflex leagues require completely different QB strategy
Understanding Quarterback Value in 2025
League Format Impact
1QB Leagues
- • QB is deep position with many viable options
- • Streaming QBs is often viable strategy
- • Trade for QBs only at discount prices
- • Focus resources on RB/WR instead
Superflex/2QB Leagues
- • QBs become premium assets
- • Elite QBs worth multiple RB1/WR1
- • Draft and hoard QBs early
- • Always start 2 QBs when possible
2025 QB Tier System
Tier 1: Elite QB1s
Consistent high-floor with elite ceiling. Worth premium in trades.
Tier 2: Solid QB1s
Reliable starters with good matchup upside. Target these in trades.
Tier 3: QB2/Streaming Options
Matchup-dependent starters. Great for streaming in 1QB leagues.
Tier 4: Bench/Deep Stashes
Only for dynasty leagues or emergency depth.
Buy Low Quarterback Targets
After Poor Performance
Signs to Buy
- • 1-2 bad games against tough defenses
- • Supporting cast still strong
- • Upcoming soft schedule
- • Owner frustrated and looking to sell
Trade Strategy
- • Offer 70-80% of perceived value
- • Include "sell high" player to balance
- • Frame as helping frustrated owner
- • Target patient dynasty owners
Injury Situations
Injury Buy-Low Strategy
Look for QBs with 2-4 week injuries (not season-ending). Their value drops significantly but they return with playoff implications.
Sell High Quarterback Targets
Career Performance Windows
Sell Signals
- • 4+ TD game against weak defense
- • Career-high passing yards
- • Multiple rushing touchdowns
- • National media hype cycle
Trade Strategy
- • Sell immediately after peak performance
- • Ask for 120-130% of perceived value
- • Target teams desperate for QB help
- • Include future draft picks in return
Schedule-Based Selling
Tough Schedule Ahead
QBs facing 3+ top-10 passing defenses in next 4 weeks should be sold high before value drops.
League Format Specific Strategies
1QB Leagues
Draft Strategy
- • Wait until rounds 8-12 for QB
- • Target high-floor, low-ceiling QBs
- • Never reach for QB early
- • Stream QBs based on matchups
Trade Philosophy
- • Trade QBs for RB/WR upgrades
- • Never give premium for QB
- • Use QBs as trade sweeteners
- • Target desperate QB-needy teams
Superflex/2QB Leagues
Draft Strategy
- • Draft 2 QBs in first 5 rounds
- • Elite QBs worth WR1/RB1 value
- • Never leave draft with 1 QB
- • Target mobile QBs with rushing upside
Trade Philosophy
- • QBs are your most valuable trade assets
- • Always have 3+ QBs on roster
- • Trade surplus QBs for needy teams
- • Pay premium for elite QBs
Advanced Quarterback Trading Tactics
The QB Carousel Strategy
Rotate through 3-4 QBs based purely on matchups, maximizing weekly points:
- Own 3-4 streaming-caliber QBs
- Check weekly matchup rankings each Tuesday
- Start QB with most favorable matchup
- Trade away performing QBs for other positions
Rushing QB Premium
Why Rushing Matters
- • Rushing TDs worth 6 points vs 4 passing
- • Rushing yards often 4 points vs 1 passing
- • Higher floor with rushing contribution
- • Less volatile than pure pocket passers
Target Mobile QBs
- • Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson types
- • Young QBs with designed runs
- • QBs with goal-line rushing upside
- • QBs in run-heavy offenses
Common Quarterback Trading Mistakes
Avoid These Mistakes
- •Overpaying for QBs in 1QB leagues
- •Holding onto underperforming QBs too long
- •Ignoring schedule strength in trades
- •Not considering rushing upside enough
Smart Moves Instead
- ✓Trade QBs for RB1/WR1 in 1QB leagues
- ✓Always have 3+ QBs in superflex leagues
- ✓Buy after bad games, sell after career games
- ✓Target mobile QBs with rushing floor
Quick Reference Guide
Buy Low Signals
- • 1-2 bad performances
- • Minor injuries (2-4 weeks)
- • Tough upcoming schedule
- • Supporting cast injuries
Sell High Signals
- • Career-best games
- • 4+ TD performances
- • National media hype
- • Before brutal schedule
Value Factors
- • Rushing ability = premium
- • Team offensive strength
- • Schedule difficulty
- • League format impact