Playing without a backup quarterback?

[sportsaddict]

Has anyone ever just drafted 1 quarterback?

The pros of drafting just one QB would be that you are able to carry more position players, but if your QB goes down then you've got to rely on a free agent that most likely isn't great... but is the difference between Alex Smith and an undrafted QB that large?

[BlueBandit24]

I rode the season out with McNabb last year as my lone QB (outside of his bye of course), and had Cutler in for my playoff run and he did pretty well. Unless you have an upper-echelon backup, I think you can make due with 1 QB and pick up somebody from the waiver wire if injury sidelines your QB.

[stomperrob]

If I end up with a solid QB like Palmer, Brees, Brady, McNabb, Bulger - chances are I won't draft a backup, however if I pick a lower ranked QB then I usually grab a 2nd QB.

[aaawall91]

Depends on how many teams and how deep your league is, frankly a lot of the QBs left on the WW after drafts have left my excited, knowing that if one of my QBs doesn't work out theres still many solid guys to fall back on, and frankly if you can get a top 5 QB theres really no need for a back-up in a uber-standard league. Just make sure there is someone on your roster at all times that you will be willing to part with if something is under question with that QB. (injury, ect)

[onnestabe]

I generally agree with what everyone is saying as far as not necessarily needing a backup if you have a stud QB already. I would take McNabb off the list of guys that you can afford not to back up in the draft. He is coming off of a major knee injury, and he has battled a lot of injuries in his career. Not saying not to draft him, and not saying you need to take another QB very quickly, but you need to take someone who has some potential at some point in the draft.

[Kensat30]

Drafting 2 QBs serves a dual purpose.

#1 Depth in case of injuries and bye weeks

and more importantly

#2 Depth in case of poor performance


Too many people get caught up in #1 and not enough people draft for #2.

How many people in this thread would NOT draft a QB#2 just because he had the same bye week as their QB#1? I'm guessing it's the majority. MISTAKE!

[011472]

I had Palmer going into the auction last year and didn't bother to buy a backup. I was happy to grab from ww for the bye week. I was able to keep Carson and will do the same this year.

[eaglesrule]

I don't recommend it, if for nothing but the reason of "keep away." I know you shouldn't draft with an intent to trade, but the backup is key for injury, poor performance, bye weeks. And if you get a good one, you also have trade capital.

One thing with mcnabb is, you know feeley isn't going to be rostered, and if he goes down midseason, its doubtful someone will pick him up just to spite you, because of roster limitations. If you think the system is good, his real-life backup can be worthwhile. Garcia was a better than comepetant backup, and I actually think feeley is the better player.

I'd probably refrain from doing it for manning though, as if he goes down, you pretty much will lose because of whom you had to turn down to get him.

[iky]

It really does depend on how many teams are in the league. If you have 8-10 team format there is a high possibility of having good back-up QB just sitting there on WW, then again, it's a high gamble because most average QB's are very streeky. It's all up to you.

[CPD]

I would Never carry less than 2 QB's in a 12 team league..There r not enough quility qb's left on waviors....I supose u could get away with 1 in a 10 team league...but i would never do it...
At the very least pic up a second QB u think might Breakout in the last rd or 2..in 10 team leagues ..that could mean Smith/Loseman/Cambell....and if u go a few rds earler even Cutler....
No..ill take 2 QB's in all foremats myself..for my Money Depth wins...and with onyl one QB..u dont have any ......