In two-quarterback formats there are not many appealing options on the waiver wire should your QB go down. The problem is, handcuffing quarterbacks is a strain on your bench, especially if the league is deep.

Here are three backup QBs that should be on your radar – or on your team – if the opportunity arises.

Breaking Down Hoyer vs. Mallett

Brian Hoyer, Texans

Hoyer is not a quality fantasy QB by any stretch, nor is anyone excited about him since he lost his job three quarters into the 2015 season. Ryan Mallett is the man under center now, but fantasy owners can expect this gig to yo-yo between the two passers whenever one is faltering.

Hoyer threw six touchdown passes and only one pick through the first four games of 2014, so he has proven he can be effective for short bursts. Sometimes in two-QB leagues that’s all that’s necessary.

Geno Smith, Jets

Smith was going to be the starter before he was unfortunately punched in the jaw during training camp by a former teammate, linebacker IK Enemkpali. Ryan Fitzpatrick looked solid in Week 1, but he has been known in the past to struggle with bouts of turnovers.

If Fitzpatrick turns the ball over too much during the next few weeks, it’s not hard to envision Smith returning to the starting job after New York’s Week 5 bye. If your league has IR spots, it might be smart to stash him away—Smith is one of the more underrated rushing QBs in fantasy. In 2013 he rushed for six touchdowns.

Chad Henne, Jaguars

Blake Bortles was bad as a rookie, and he was bad in Week 1. After a 2014 season in which he threw 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, Bortles was picked off twice last week by the Panthers. Jacksonville has invested in the passing game; they spent two second-round picks on receivers last year, and brought in TE Julius Thomas in free agency (he’s currently injured). Another week or two with more picks than scores, and Bortles could go the way of EJ Manuel, leaving Henne an opportunity to slide in, and provide average production.

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