What is FLEX in fantasy football? The word FLEX is short for flexible position. This means the FLEX position allows you to start an extra RB, WR or TE in one slot. This positional variation is an important consideration when looking over fantasy football rankings to figure out who to start in the flex spot. It is one of the most important roster decisions a fantasy manager makes every week.
The FLEX position is very common in modern scoring formats. The FLEX position fantasy football roster spot is so common that some leagues even allot more than one FLEX starting spot. This is even more common in PPR leagues.
This is because it allows fantasy managers to enjoy the roster flexibility granted by the FLEX position. This popularity carries over to fantasy football draft strategy. Managers frequently use a fantasy football draft cheat sheet to help determine the best FLEX picks for their team.
Who Can You Start in the FLEX Slot?
The typical FLEX position allows for fantasy managers to start running backs, wide receivers or tight ends. That can vary depending on platform or league settings, with some leagues opting to increase the overall PPR flex value by providing for multiple flex positions. This approach definitely changes the custom rankings managers use to prepare for fantasy drafts.
Some leagues take flex value one step further by allowing for a SuperFLEX position. This type of flex position allows for QBs as well. As one might expect, having a SuperFLEX vastly increases the value of quarterbacks in auction values lists as well as in snake draft rankings.
FLEX Strategy for Beginners
The key fantasy lineup strategy for flex players is to choose candidates who have consistent volume. This is imperative because flex is a position that can generate low point totals if staffed incorrectly. A good way to avoid this downside is to look at the target and touch projections, these can be found in the RotoWire draft kit player reviews.
Once you have multiple players with high usage rates, you will then need to review the weekly flex matchups. Starting someone who is facing a weak defense is almost always a better idea than starting someone with a tough matchup. You can find these types of matchup reviews at RotoWire. Make sure to keep an eye on the NFL injury report as well.
Another rule of thumb is that you need to account for the type of scoring your league uses when choosing flex starters. In PPR leagues, wide receivers typically outperform running backs because of the additional points allotted for receptions. In a standard (non-PPR) league, the lean usually goes heavier toward running backs because of their goal-line scoring potential.
How to Choose Between Multiple FLEX Options
The flex position is one where some analysis is usually necessary to choose starters. RotoWire has a superb fantasy for beginners road map that will help you break the ties by using matchup data and projected point totals. It also considers the latest football news, such as injuries or depth chart changes. A RotoWire subscription additionally provides you with expert fantasy football flex rankings, trade analysis software and start/sit calculators.
You can also get help with your team's flex quandary by using RotoWire during your fantasy draft as it has the best draft assistant. Use it well and you can build superb flex bench depth, get ahead of the curve on bye weeks and effectively navigate the upside and downside potential for boom-or-bust players.
Final Thoughts: Make the FLEX Spot Work for You
The fantasy football FLEX position may not lead to a win, but properly managing this position can help you avoid low point totals that can lead to losses. This means it's not a place to "set it and forget it" but rather is a position that requires weekly management based on the most up-to-date information.
You can get that up-to-date flex information every week and benefit from expert FLEX rankings by subscribing to RotoWire. Add this to RotoWire's expert start/sit articles, cutting edge FLEX start tools and draft software such as the mock draft simulator and you can rest assured that you will have everything you need to build a highly competitive roster in an
