Best Ball Fantasy Football: Late Tight End Strategy

Fantasy football Best Ball leagues offer a unique challenge by emphasizing draft strategy over in season management. One effective strategy is the “Late Tight End” approach. This strategy involves waiting until the middle to late rounds to draft your tight ends, allowing you to prioritize running backs, wide receivers, and possibly a quarterback early on. Here’s a guide on implementing the Late Tight End strategy in your Best Ball drafts. 

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Understanding the Late Tight End Strategy 

The Late Tight End strategy is based on the principle that the tight end position is relatively volatile outside the top tier, and the difference in fantasy points between mid-tier and late-tier tight ends is often small. By waiting to draft tight ends, you can focus on building a strong roster at the more critical and volatile positions early in the draft. 

Why the Late Tight End Strategy Works 

Positional Depth

Tight end is typically a position with a few elite players followed by a large group of similarly productive players. By waiting, you can still find tight ends with potential upside in the later rounds.

Maximizing Early Rounds

By not investing early picks in tight ends, you can prioritize running backs and wide receivers, which tend to have a greater impact on your weekly scores.

Flexibility

 The Late Tight End strategy provides flexibility in your draft, allowing you to adapt to the flow and make value based decisions rather than being locked into a rigid plan. 

Implementing the Late Tight End Strategy

Prioritize Running Backs and Wide Receivers Early

Use the first six to eight rounds to draft running backs and wide receivers. Focus on building a strong and deep roster at these positions, as they are more volatile and have a greater weekly impact.

Target Mid-Tier Tight Ends in Middle Rounds

In rounds 9-12, start looking for tight ends who have the potential to break out or are in high-volume passing offenses. Players like Dalton Schultz, Cole Kmet, or Tyler Higbee can often be found in these rounds and provide solid value.

Draft Multiple Tight Ends

Given the volatility at the position, aim to draft at least three tight ends. This approach increases your chances of hitting on a breakout player and ensures you have multiple options each week.

Focus on Upside

In the later rounds, target tight ends with high upside. Look for players who are in new situations, young tight ends with the potential to grow, or veterans who have shown flashes of production. Players like Greg Dulcich, Cade Otton, or Hunter Henry can offer significant upside.

Monitor Bye Weeks and Build Depth

Ensure your tight ends have different bye weeks to avoid zero-point weeks. Depth is crucial in Best Ball formats, so make sure you have enough options to cover for injuries and bye weeks.

Leverage Late-Round Value

The tight end position often has late-round gems that outperform their draft position. Stay informed about training camp reports, preseason performances, and depth chart movements to identify these value picks. 

Example Draft Plan

Rounds 1-8

Focus on drafting running backs, wide receivers, and possibly a top-tier quarterback. Build a strong core of skill position players.

Rounds 9-12

Start drafting your first tight end. Target players in high-volume offenses or those with the potential to break out.

Rounds 13-16

Draft two more tight ends. Look for players with high upside and different bye weeks.

Rounds 17-20

Continue to add depth at running back, wide receiver, and possibly another tight end. Look for high-upside picks and potential breakout players. 

Advantages and Risks 

Advantages

• Stronger Skill Positions: By waiting on tight ends, you can build a stronger and deeper roster at the more volatile positions.
• Flexibility: The Late Tight End strategy allows you to adapt to the draft and make value-based decisions.
• Upside Potential: Many late-round tight ends have the potential to outperform their draft position, providing significant value. 

Risks

• Inconsistency: Late-round tight ends can be more inconsistent compared to early-round options.
• Injury Risk: Waiting on tight ends means relying on multiple players to cover for injuries and bye weeks.
• Positional Scarcity: The tight end position can be shallow, and missing on your picks can leave you at a disadvantage. 

Conclusion 

The Late Tight End strategy offers a balanced and flexible approach to Best Ball drafts. By prioritizing running backs, wide receivers, and potentially a quarterback early, you can build a strong core while still securing quality tight ends in the middle to late rounds. This approach maximizes your roster’s overall potential and leverages the depth and upside available at the tight end position. With careful planning and execution, the Late Tight End strategy can position you for success in your Best Ball leagues.

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