Fantasy football managers use various tools during drafting to make informed decisions. One is player rankings, which help managers evaluate the relative value of players. Besides this liner and ordered list are the football fantasy tiers.
But what are tiers in fantasy football? In this guide, I answer this question and highlight how you can use the tier-based ranking system to identify player value. When used with other analytics tools, tiers offer a better chance to capture maximum value with every pick you make.
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Fantasy football tiers are a system of grouping players within the same position and at similar skill levels. Unlike individual player ranks, which can be biased and subjective, tiers allow fantasy managers to assess a player's value relative to the other picks in the same position.
When drafting a player, tiers can help you identify positions with a deeper talent pool. In other words, tiers can present you with vertical and horizontal ranking boards, where you can sort the high-value picks by position.
Drafting players in any fantasy sport is often a strategic move with many moving parts. As noted in a recent What is fantasy football guide, managers must prioritize in-depth research and embrace flexibility to ensure success.
Now that you know what tiers are in fantasy football, you want to adapt your strategy accordingly to ensure you enjoy a competitive edge. Every football fantasy expert will tell you that tiers are a secret weapon for dominating drafts. But you still need to put in the work. Here are some tips you can borrow to build an effective draft strategy using tier-based ranking:
Based on your risk appetite, you want to choose players with similar potential but varying risk levels. Risks can come in many forms and shapes. For instance, a star player may be high value but is just returning from injury, or a high-ranking running back could be facing potential suspension. While drafting, ensure you have all the details at hand to manage risks properly.
An up-to-date tier will give accurate insights if your drafted players suffer injuries or unexpected performance issues. An updated tier will also help you see value when making replacements or identifying waiver wire targets. Check out this FAAB waiver wire strategy to learn more about in-season management in fantasy football.
Modify your tier-based strategy to your league's scoring settings and other league-specific guidelines. In a PPR league, for instance, you want to prioritize high-reception players in the RB and WR tiers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What is it? | It is a system that groups players of similar value within each position. |
| How it works | Players are ranked in “tiers” based on projected performance. |
| Why is it popular? | It simplifies draft decisions. |
| Strategies |
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The tier rank system in fantasy football is a crucial tool that is popular among fantasy football managers. Here's a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Fantasy football tiers are an ideal tool for building a balanced team. By grouping NFL players of similar value, tiers help simplify draft decisions since you can quickly identify value picks and make strategic decisions on which players to draft and when to bring them on board. That said, tiers should not be used in isolation. You want to implement the tier-based ranking as part of your football fantasy strategy.
Tiers in fantasy football rankings group players based on talent to highlight where drop-offs occur. This helps managers make informed decisions during drafting.
To identify value picks, compare a player’s Average Draft Position (ADP) with their tier. Look for undervalued players or those in higher tiers with a later ADP. For more on ADP, check out my recent guide on ADP in Fantasy Football.
You can find accurate fantasy football tiers on reputable fantasy football websites and DFS platforms. Check community forums and DFS expert websites for updated and reliable rankings. For recommendations, refer to the daily fantasy sports guide.
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