If you’re new to fantasy football, you’ve probably heard people mention the “Flex” spot without much explanation. This can leave first-time players wondering what exactly the Flex position is and why it matters for their lineups. Fortunately, this overview covers everything you need to know about the Flex spot in fantasy football.
Defining the Flex Position in Fantasy Football
Fantasy football veterans sometimes forget that not everyone knows every term or lineup choice right off the bat. I honestly can’t recall exactly when I first learned what a Flex spot was, but even the most experienced managers started out learning the basics. If you’re still figuring it out, this is the place to be!
Standard fantasy lineups usually include a quarterback, several running backs, multiple wide receivers, and at least one tight end. Typically, you’ll see starting lineups that have one QB, one TE, and either two RBs and two or three WRs. Most fantasy platforms let leagues add Flex positions, and some leagues may even allow a second Flex slot.
Kickers and defenses are generally included in lineups too, unless your league removes those spots. For each roster position, you can only play a player who matches it—tight ends in the tight end slot, running backs in the RB spot, and so on. The Flex position, though, gives you more choices by letting you start someone from multiple positions.
Flex spots are designed to allow fantasy managers to build more varied and strategic rosters. The inclusion of Flex increases decisions and makes team building more interesting.
Types of Flex Spots Available
Not every Flex spot is identical. There are several kinds to choose from. A typical Flex position allows you to start a running back, wide receiver, or tight end interchangeably. This used to be called a “full Flex,” but most leagues today simply call it a Flex and let you assume RBs, WRs, and TEs are all eligible unless told otherwise.
Commissioners do have the option to fine-tune what’s allowed in the Flex. A WR/RB Flex excludes tight ends, while a WR/TE Flex prevents running backs from filling this role. Just to clarify, WR/RB Flex spots do not permit tight ends, and WR/TE Flex options keep running backs out.
Recently, new kinds of Flex spots have become popular in certain leagues, such as Superflex, which allows you to start a quarterback in the Flex spot. That’s a topic for a different article, but know that Flex features keep expanding as managers look for more flexible ways to play.
Should You Play a Running Back or Wide Receiver in Flex?
There is no universal rule dictating which position is best for your Flex slot. The simplest and most effective strategy? Start your highest-scoring players. Whether those end up being running backs or wide receivers is determined by your team makeup and the strengths of your roster.
Years ago, running backs were often considered superior options for Flex spots. Many managers disliked Flex at all, since securing three top running backs in a draft was a major advantage. In today’s NFL, lineups with three or four RBs do not offer the edge they once did, leading to more Flex positions being used and more fantasy-relevant skill players at every position.
The bigger question is whether your draft plan should target RBs or WRs for Flex. Even the best-laid plans can change in an instant. Unexpected injuries or other roster changes may force you to use the Flex differently than intended. It’s smart to remain adaptable and draft with depth in mind, knowing you may need to pivot mid-season.
Your league’s scoring system also plays a major role in Flex strategy. In leagues giving bonuses to one position, you’ll want to fill the Flex with players favored by those rules. Some leagues, especially TE premium formats, make it worthwhile to consider two tight ends in your weekly lineup. That’s a discussion for another day. Just remember to follow the scoring guide.
Non-PPR formats typically favor using running backs in Flex. Full-PPR leagues make wide receivers more attractive, since receptions are highly rewarded. With half-PPR, both RBs and WRs can thrive, though sometimes running backs still have a slight edge.
Ultimately, the right answer is simple: choose your most productive players for the Flex, regardless of position. If your WRs regularly outscore your RBs, play a wide receiver. If you have stronger RBs, use one of them instead. The Flex spot’s true benefit is letting you make the smartest decision possible for your lineup each week.
