Alright, let’s talk about something I’ve been messing around with in fantasy football – the flex position. Specifically, what position is best to put in that slot? I’ve been tinkering with this for a while now, and here’s what I’ve found through trial and error.
My Initial Go-To Strategy
At first, I was just throwing in my best available player, regardless of position. Usually, it was a decent running back that didn’t make my starting RB slots. I figured a good RB was usually a safe bet for some solid points. This was my default, “lazy” approach.
Experimenting with Wide Receivers
Then, I started thinking, “What if I prioritized wide receivers?” I started plugging in my WR3 or even WR4 into the flex spot, especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues. The thought was, these guys could potentially rack up a bunch of catches, even if they weren’t scoring touchdowns, it might be a way to grab more points.
- I started by identifying my top WRs beyond my starters.
- Then, I compared their projected points against my available RBs.
- I looked at matchups – was my WR going against a weak secondary?
The Tight End Experiment
I even tried a tight end in the flex a couple of times. This was more of a desperation move when my RBs and WRs were looking bleak, or when it was my TE2 against an easy opponent. To be honest, it rarely paid off big, but it wasn’t always a disaster either. It felt super risky, though.
Factors I Started Considering
Over time, I realized it wasn’t just about throwing a body in the flex. I needed to dig a little deeper. Here’s the things I consider.
- Matchups: This became huge. I started paying way more attention to who my players were going up against. A good running back facing a terrible run defense? Flex him. A receiver facing a lockdown corner? Maybe not.
- Injuries: I watched injury reports like a hawk. If one of my starters was questionable, I’d make sure I had a solid flex option from the same position, just in case.
- Game Script: I started trying to predict how games would go. If I thought a team would be playing from behind, their receivers might get more targets, making them better flex options. I used online articles to get a feel.
- Bye Weeks: Obviously, bye weeks forced my hand sometimes. I had to get creative and find the best available player, regardless of position.
My Current (and Evolving) Approach
Now, I don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It REALLY depends on my roster, the week, and the league’s scoring system. But, generally speaking, I lean towards:
- Running Back: If I have a solid RB with a good matchup, they’re often my first choice, especially in standard leagues.
- Wide Receiver: In PPR leagues, I’m more likely to go with a receiver in the flex, especially if they’re seeing a lot of targets.
I still avoid putting a tight end in the flex unless I’m truly desperate. It just doesn’t seem to have the same upside as the other positions.
My main takeaway? Don’t be lazy! Don’t just throw someone in the flex and forget about it. I take the time to really analyze my options each week, and it’s definitely helped me make better decisions, and more importantly, win more games.
