What is TE Premium Scoring in Fantasy Football?

If you’re diving into a Tight End (TE) Premium league for the first time (or even if you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a refresher), you’ve come to the right place. TE Premium leagues are on the rise, and they offer a fresh approach to the typical scoring system. So, let’s break down how it all works and how you can build a competitive team in this format.

What is TE Premium Scoring?

In traditional Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues, every player gets a single point for each reception they make. However, the Tight End Premium format gives the tight end position a bit of a boost to make it more valuable. In most TE Premium leagues, tight ends get 1.5 points per reception instead of the usual one-point given to other positions.

Why is this important?

While the extra half-point per reception might seem insignificant, it can greatly impact fantasy standings. The data from 2019 revealed that the average scoring increase from PPR to TE-Premium for the top-15 tight ends was approximately 31 points for the season. This equates to an average increase of two points per game. Though, it’s crucial to note that this bump is more pronounced for top-tier TEs, and not all tight ends saw such a significant jump.

Drafting and Building a Roster

Value Receptions

In TE Premium leagues, volume is king for tight ends. Since they receive a bonus for each catch, you’ll want tight ends who are heavily targeted in their team’s offense.

Beware of Overvaluing Tight Ends

Although TEs have a scoring boost in this format, don’t get overly fixated on the position. Not every tight end will benefit equally from the scoring change, and the premium doesn’t necessarily alter the position’s hierarchy in a significant way[1]. So, while it’s tempting, don’t rush to pick a TE in the first round unless they are top-tier and heavily involved in their team’s passing game.

Balance Your Team

Even with the TE premium, other positions remain critically important. Quarterbacks, for instance, have evolved in fantasy importance due to the rise of mobile QBs who can accumulate points both through the air and on the ground. This shift makes it less sensible to wait too long before drafting a QB[3]. Hence, while the tight end position is more valuable, it’s essential to maintain balance across your roster.

Three Advanced Strategies

Understand Weekly TE1 Finishes

It’s not just about seasonal totals. Remember, fantasy football matchups are weekly. If the TE premium increases the frequency of top-12 (TE1) weekly finishes for certain players, they’re more valuable than their peers. So, research and draft tight ends with consistent weekly high finishes rather than just season-long totals.

Leverage Trade Value

As the season progresses, other managers might overvalue the tight end position due to the premium. You can leverage this by trading away a tight end (especially if you have depth at the position) for a valuable player in another position of need.

Scout Touchdown-Dependent TEs

Tight ends who rely heavily on touchdowns for points might not benefit as much from the TE premium format. It’s the volume-centric tight ends that get the most value. So, when scouting players, prioritize those with high reception numbers over those who score occasionally but have fewer catches.

Hopefully, this gives you a solid foundation to start your Tight End Premium journey. Remember, the essence of fantasy football lies in adaptation and strategy, and now you have another tool in your arsenal. Best of luck, and may your tight ends always find the end zone!