Since I began exploring fantasy football, I’ve noticed that many players continue to ask, “What are tiers in fantasy football?” Well, I’ve found a simple answer to that. Tiers are player groupings that help fantasy football managers make better draft strategies.
They are based on factors such as player ratings and recent performances. Whenever I utilize tiers while picking drafts, I’m able to better my chances. That’s because I select the best players in each roster position by picking from the highest ranked tiers.
Many fantasy football players wonder, “What are the tiers in fantasy football rankings?”
While making my recent tier-based drafts, I discovered the following different fantasy football tiers.
- Quarterback Tiers (QB Tiers)
- Running Back (RB Tiers) – Non-PPR
- Running Back (RB Tiers) – PPR
- Wide Receiver (WR Tiers) – Non-PPR
- Wide Receiver (WR Tiers) – PPR
- Tight End (TE Tiers) – Non-PPR
- Tight End (TE Tiers) – PPR
These tiers are further divided into smaller groupings. Some fantasy football tiers have just three smaller groups, while others have up to twelve smaller groups.
Note:
PPR means points per reception (when a player successfully catches a pass).
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Helpful tips for tier drafting strategy
I improved my winning chances by using the following drafting strategies.
I made a list of player rankings based on their expected performance. To help me make better decisions, I studied news reports and expert analysis. I also did a little personal research.
The next thing I did was to group the players into tiers. I created about seven tiers. The players with the highest expected performances made the top tier. Based on their ratings, I placed the rest of the players into the lower tiers.
I used this step to avoid the most common mistake many fantasy football players make. First, I considered the roster requirements for my fantasy league. I then determined what player positions would be scarce. For instance, some leagues require two starting running backs and just one starting quarterback. This roster requirement makes running backs more in demand than quarterbacks.
I began my pick from players in the topmost tier. These players have a higher chance of delivering the expected points. Starting from the top ensured I had the most valuable players in scarce positions.
Continue in the next tier:
Once I finished the topmost tier, I continued my selection by picking the highest-ranked players in the next tier. I moved to lower tiers until I filled my player roster.
Or, more simply, flex. Like many new fantasy players, you might be asking, “What is flex in fantasy football?” Flex, or ‘flexibility,’ means leaving an extra roster spot on your team while making your picks. This extra spot is usually for a quarterback, a running back, or a wide receiver. The flex strategy was vital to securing the maximum number of points.
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- Tiers make it easier to assess the relative value of players in specific positions
- Tiers make it easier for fantasy players to select replacements for injured or suspended team player
- Tiers make it easier to identify players with greater risk, such as injury or suspension
- Players have limited picks from each tier
Tier-based drafting vs ranking systems
Lots of fantasy football players often mix up tier-based drafting and ranking systems. This confusion gives rise to the prevalent question “What are tiers in fantasy football?” I found that they are not the same, a discovery I made while creating my fantasy football team. Here’s what you should know.
| Tier-based drafting system | Ranking systems |
| Player groupings based on expected performance | Straight list of players |
| Considers hard facts such as team dynamics and fixture lists | Considers non-game factors such as public perception |
| Considers a player’s performance in specific positions | Considers a player’s performance against other players |
Tiers help fantasy football players select players more effectively. Grouping players into different tiers based on their expected performance lets me select players with similar value at any position. It also prevents me from missing out on players in scarce positions.
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There are several fantasy football league formats, the most common of which are dynasty, auction drafts, standard redraft, and keeper leagues.
🤔 What are the key factors to consider while drafting?
Some factors you should consider while making your picks are player rankings, positional scarcity, and injury history.
🤷♀️ How do I manage injuries in my selection?
Have backup options, monitor injury progress reports, and check the waiver wire for possible replacement.
