The two-quarterback format isn’t all that common just yet, but as the fantasy football community continues to grow, more and more settings will expand in popularity. Playing in a 2QB league format requires a different draft strategy, and we are here to help.

Obviously if you play in a league that starts two quarterbacks, you should be aware of the fact that you can’t wait too long to lock up one of the better passers in the league. That said, there is still tremendous value to be had toward the back end of the top-20 at the position.

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Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles

Sam Bradford is in the discussion for the most polarizing quarterback in the entire NFL. Most of that argument isn’t even directed at his talent but rather his inability to stay healthy. Having only played in a full 16-game season twice, there’s certainly risk to be had in drafting Bradford as your second quarterback but there’s also tremendous upside.

When Nick Foles took over the starting gig in Philly under Chip Kelly in 2013, he managed to rack up 2,891 yards and 27 touchdowns in just 13 games. Those numbers were almost good enough to squeeze Foles into the top-10 amongst fantasy quarterbacks that season. The key stat in there should be the fact that he did it in 13 games. Just imagine what a player of similar talent like Sam Bradford could do with a full 16. In fact, many would argue that Bradford is in fact more talented than Foles and should thrive under the Chip Kelly system. We’ve even seen the likes of Mark Sanchez put up serviceable fantasy numbers in this very offense. As long as Bradford can stay healthy, there’s no reason to believe he can’t finish within the top-12 at QB in fantasy this season. He’s likely going to be the most sought after name on this list but make no mistake; he has the highest upside of the group.

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

Carson Palmer is entering his third year with the Arizona Cardinals and has had two very different outcomes in his previous two seasons. The first being in 2013 when he racked up 4,274 yards and 24 touchdowns, respectable numbers for a guy most analysts and fans had written off. The second season, however, was his injury-riddled campaign in 2014.

Palmer ended up tearing his ACL after putting up 1,626 yards and 11 touchdowns over the course of six games. He could have been on pace for a stellar season if he hadn’t gotten hurt. The Cardinals have no shortage of weapons on offense either with a receiving corps consisting of Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd with Andre Ellington and now David Johnson in the backfield. A healthy Carson Palmer should be able to net you a solid QB2 even if no one in your league is jealous that you own him.

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even though rookie Jameis Winston will likely be drafted after the likes of Bradford and Palmer, he’s by far the flashiest name of the three. Winston was a controversial figure in college but his talent has rarely ever been in question. Many expect him to be a great NFL quarterback and the weapons he has around him in Tampa Bay should catapult him into fantasy relevance sooner than you might think.

Winston is surrounded by three massive pass-catchers in wide receivers Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. All three players are at least 6 foot 5 and could easily reach over corners to grab the ball in the endzone. Winston should have no problem finding any of these guys inside the 20-yard line, which makes him that much sneakier in a two-quarterback league. That said, if I end up with Winston as my QB2, I’d like to grab a decent enough backup just in case he doesn’t pan out. Maybe pair Winston with the likes of Alex Smith. Smith has a considerably lower ceiling than Winston but is also a hell of a lot safer. Winston could be the type of player who wins you your league in a 2QB format.

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