Tight Ends (1 Viewer)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Two years ago I wondered,

I also think that the NFL rule changes of the last few years are allowing TEs to put up better #s, and expect last year [2009] wasn't a fluke in terms of production at the position.

At the time I was looking at the number of TEs who were putting up viable flex numbers (which in my PPR leagues is roughly 10+ PPG). The number of TEs averaging at least 10.0 ppg by year:2005 - 7

2006 - 8

2007 - 6

2008 - 7

2009 - 14

With the benefit of two more years we can say that the perception of TEs as being more utilized is accurate:

2010 - 13

2011 - 14

I think that's changing FF -- at least in flex leagues. IMO it's worth making sure you have two good TEs now. In addition to having a useful backup you can also count on the second one to be a reliable flex play -- roughly the equal of a WR4. Obviously you still want to have WR depth, but being able to start a WR or TE as your flex and score 10+ gives true meaning to the word, and you'll have tons more roster flexibility -- especially in bigger leagues where it's less likely you'll be able to get good starts from your RB3.

Thoughts? Are there any other ways having a deeper TE pool changes strategy? Does it actually devalue the flex since there's less scarcity?

 

[The Great Snook]

In my work league we added TE to one of our flex positions. I had Gronk and Gonzo and they did pretty well for me.

 

[Garrett]

I think any format that previously gave the TE position a boost in PPR formats to increase their value (say 1 PPR RB/WR and 1.5 TE, or 0.5 RB/WR and 1 TE) are going to look long and hard at that rule now over the summer.

 

[joefootball]

You are right there is no need for additional points for TE catches with the current NFL. TE position has changed dramatically.