What is Flex in Fantasy Football?

Last Modified Sep 3, 2024 06:48 GMT

The 2024 fantasy football season is just weeks away. If you’re a newbie to fantasy football, chances are that you’ve heard the term “flex” thrown around a lot. Flex is an interesting concept in the world of fantasy football and it can help you win games.

But what is “flex” all about? Do not worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed. We have you covered. The following page will explain to you everything you need to know about “flex” to get started in fantasy football.

What does flex mean in fantasy football?

To understand the concept of “flex,” you have to understand the roster formation in fantasy football. A typical starting lineup consists of a quarterback, multiple running backs, multiple wide receivers and a tight end.

This is usually the pattern followed. However there are certain leagues that allow one or two extra flexes. This is what we will be talking about.

In fantasy football, flex means having an extra roster spot in the starting lineup for replacing a particular player who can be either a quarterback or a running back or a wide receiver.

In short, flex implies flexibility.

Flex is one of the most crucial aspects of winning in fantasy football. Flex allows you to change your roster on a weekly basis. What this essentially does is it gives the fantasy football manager the flexibility to build a competitive squad to compete.

Are you gettng a trade offer in your fantasy football league? Utilise Sportskeeda's Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Calculator to assess trade proposals in redraft and dynasty leagues.

How many types of “flex” are there in fantasy football?

There are different types of flex positions to choose from and it depends on the league. One of the most common flex in fantasy football is the standard flex. In the standard league, running back, wide receiver and tight end are all eligible for flex.

Another type of flex is that of wide receivers/tight ends running backs/wide receivers. We will get to this in just a minute.

Superflex is another type of flex. In this format, the fantasy football managers get to flex the quarterback position. What essentially happens here is you replace the player with a quarterback in the starting lineup. Quarterbacks usually help you score more points on a consistent basis.

Also Read: 700+ NFL fantasy football team names to consider before 2024 season

Which player should I flex in fantasy football - Running Back or Wide Receiver?

Now comes the million-dollar question in fantasy football - Which player to flex - running back or wide receiver?

Comparing running backs and wide receivers is a very difficult job because it is hard to determine who will perform better on a weekly basis, who will be having more touches and also the injuries.

Another factor to consider apart from the roster you’ve built is the league that you play in. If you are playing in a PPR league, which allows you points for every reception, going wide receiver heavy will help you score more points. If you are playing in a standard league, also known as the non-PPR league, going running back heavy is essential.

The beauty of fantasy football is that there are no right answers. If your team has been injury ridden and it isn’t strong, going with your best player, irrespective of wide receiver or a running back, will be an obvious choice as a fantasy football manager.

Looking for a cool team name? Check out our Fantasy Football team name generator for personalized options and explore our funny fantasy football name ideas

FAQs

A. Flex in fantasy football is a feature that allows you to replace players in the roster to help you build competitive lineups and win every week.

A. Deciding which player to flex depends on multiple factors such as the type of the league and also the construction of the fantasy football team’s roster.

A. The best positions to usually flex are the running backs and wide receivers. 

A. Superflex is where you can replace an existing player in the starting lineup with a quarterback, making it two quarterbacks in the starting lineup.

A. The ideal starting lineup in fantasy football is a quarterback, multiple running backs and wide receivers, one tight end, a kicker and one defense or special team.

Related Stories

Jerry Jones compares Tyler Booker's unique trait to Cowboys icon Michael Irvin - "This boy's got it now" Jerry Jones compares Tyler Booker's unique trait to Cowboys icon Michael Irvin - "This boy's got it now"
Jerry Jones compares Tyler Booker's unique trait to Cowboys icon Michael Irvin - "This boy's got it now"
1d
"They used Shedeur Sanders for ratings" - NFL fans react to staggering 7,300,000 draft viewership after Browns QB's slide "They used Shedeur Sanders for ratings" - NFL fans react to staggering 7,300,000 draft viewership after Browns QB's slide
"They used Shedeur Sanders for ratings" - NFL fans react to staggering 7,300,000 draft viewership after Browns QB's slide 
1d
George Kittle's wife Claire shares 3-word reaction to TE's $76.4 million extension with 49ers George Kittle's wife Claire shares 3-word reaction to TE's $76.4 million extension with 49ers
George Kittle's wife Claire shares 3-word reaction to TE's $76.4 million extension with 49ers 
1d
"He should be banned" - Robert Griffin III condemns Tyrese Haliburton’s dad over viral altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo "He should be banned" - Robert Griffin III condemns Tyrese Haliburton’s dad over viral altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo
"He should be banned" - Robert Griffin III condemns Tyrese Haliburton’s dad over viral altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo
13h
"Worst backup in the history of earth" - Dave Portnoy makes feelings known on Shedeur Sanders' draft slide in heated rant "Worst backup in the history of earth" - Dave Portnoy makes feelings known on Shedeur Sanders' draft slide in heated rant
"Worst backup in the history of earth" - Dave Portnoy makes feelings known on Shedeur Sanders' draft slide in heated rant
1d
Quinn Ewers' GF Madelyn sends 3-word message as Dolphins QB bids adieu to Texas in emotional IG post Quinn Ewers' GF Madelyn sends 3-word message as Dolphins QB bids adieu to Texas in emotional IG post
Quinn Ewers' GF Madelyn sends 3-word message as Dolphins QB bids adieu to Texas in emotional IG post
1d
"Overpay for a grandpa" - NFL fans troll 49ers for signing George Kittle to $76,400,000 contract extension "Overpay for a grandpa" - NFL fans troll 49ers for signing George Kittle to $76,400,000 contract extension
"Overpay for a grandpa" - NFL fans troll 49ers for signing George Kittle to $76,400,000 contract extension 
1d
Peter Schrager ties Steelers' plan of not drafting QB early to Aaron Rodgers Peter Schrager ties Steelers' plan of not drafting QB early to Aaron Rodgers
Peter Schrager ties Steelers' plan of not drafting QB early to Aaron Rodgers
1d
Joe Schoen's son Carson delivers 2-word verdict on Giants' 2025 draft featuring Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter Joe Schoen's son Carson delivers 2-word verdict on Giants' 2025 draft featuring Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter
Joe Schoen's son Carson delivers 2-word verdict on Giants' 2025 draft featuring Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter 
1d
Ranking top 5 WR trios after 2025 NFL Draft feat. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka Ranking top 5 WR trios after 2025 NFL Draft feat. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka
Ranking top 5 WR trios after 2025 NFL Draft feat. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka
9h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications