If you’re here, it’s because you want to win and you’re not afraid to do the homework. So, let’s dive into the intriguing world of the Tight End Premium (TEP) format in fantasy football.
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Draft Strategies for a Winning Team in Tight End Premium (TEP) Leagues
Understanding the Tight End Premium Format
First, a brief explanation for those new to this format. In a TEP league, tight ends are given an additional half-point or full-point per reception compared to other positions. This means that a tight end who catches a pass earns more points than a wide receiver or running back catching the same pass. This rule makes TEs much more valuable in these leagues and requires a different strategy when drafting your team.
Prioritize Tight Ends in Early Rounds
This is the most straightforward strategy: snag a high-end tight end early in your draft. These are the players who consistently produce, and in a TEP format, their value is even higher. Travis Kelce (the gold standard), George Kittle, and Darren Waller have been top performers, but keep an eye on any rising stars at the TE position. Securing a high-performing TE can give you a significant advantage over your competition.
Invest in Depth at the Tight End Position
Unlike standard leagues, TEP leagues offer more incentive to roster multiple high-performance TEs. If your league allows TE-flex spots, consider drafting two top-tier TEs if you can. This tactic enables you to take advantage of the extra points available and cover you in case of injury.
Target High-Volume Tight Ends
In a TEP league, the number of receptions a player makes becomes even more critical. Target TEs who get a lot of targets, as these high-volume players will benefit from the extra points per reception.
Don’t Ignore Other Positions
While it’s important to secure a strong TE, don’t fall into the trap of neglecting your other positions. A balanced team is crucial to your success, and you don’t want to sacrifice your quality running backs and wide receivers in the pursuit of tight ends.
Monitor Scheme Changes and TE Usage
Keep an eye on off-season coaching changes, as new offensive schemes could significantly influence TE usage. Coaches known to favor heavy TE use can boost a player’s value in this format.
Draft Young, Ascending Tight Ends
Unlike other positions, TEs typically take a few years in the league before they break out. Try to identify younger TEs who showed improvement during their first couple of years and are poised for a breakout season. You may be able to snag them in later rounds, and they could provide a significant return on your investment.
The “Wait and Stream” Approach
If you miss out on top-tier TEs, consider the “wait and stream” approach. This involves picking up TEs off the waiver wire each week based on matchups. It requires more effort, but it can be an effective way to manage the TE position if you’ve invested heavily in other positions during the draft.
A tight-end premium league can be a fun change of pace, but it definitely requires a different mindset and approach during your draft. Hopefully, these strategies help you craft a winning team in your TEP league. As always, stay flexible and do your research. Good luck!
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AI was used to assist with this article.