The Unconventional 2-TE approach
While I was getting ready for my expert mock draft tonight and mapping my strategy, I was reminded of a clever little method I’ve made use of before in my fantasy endeavors, which I’m not sure the masses are really open to experimenting with or too aware of. You can take it or leave it, as it’s just a small nugget I thought could help a few folks. It’s not Gospel, it doesn’t suit everyone, and some purists may even call it idiocy. But it’s benefited me in the past and I’ve utilized it with success in tough draft situations.
I call it the 2-TE approach, namely because the strategy involves starting (yes, you read that right) a pair of tight ends. Not ordinary tight ends. Just the top dogs at the position. The cream of the crop if you would.
Every league is different nowadays, but many setups that involve Flex starters make TEs eligible for that slot along with the obvious (RBs and WRs). If you’re drafting in a league like this where you can double your pleasure by rolling with two top-tier tight ends as starters, I’ve got some advice for you from my own experience.
Give it a whirl! It can pan out for you if you choose wisely, at the right time, and under the right conditions.
Last year, I implemented this technique and paired Chris Cooley with Tony Gonzalez. Several years ago, I remember doing it with Gonzo and Todd Heap. In both of those instances, I made the playoffs and finished as a top-three team.
It’s a risky strategy for sure because, by their very nature, TEs aren’t targeted as much as WRs. Plus, it works best when you spend back-to-back picks (say round 6-7) on your tight end tandem to beat the position run, which may seem like wasted picks in the first half of your draft. But let me tell you something. A top-10 tight end who’s a key part of his team’s offense can be just as valuable and productive on a weekly basis as a #2-3 WR or a committee/change-of-pace RB on an average-to-poor offense. Primarily, that’s due to TDs.
So when you’re debating whether you should pick up Jerricho Cotchery or Javon Walker and deciding between Jerious Norwood or DeAngelo Williams, you should whip out your TE cheat-sheet and roll the dice for your Flex production.
Just a couple of disclaimers, so you don’t think I’ve gone batty. First, make sure it’s in a PPR league, otherwise it’s pointless. And only do it as a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants method in a draft where the wideouts have flown off the board earlier than usual. I say this because, to properly pull off the 2-TE approach and do it with really strong players, you simply have to reach, which is something many fantasy footballers frown upon.
Myself, I’m a gambling man. I enjoy taking risks when a draft gets very competitive and when I’m not pleased with the potential Flex options I’m faced with.
My potentially lethal 2-TE combo for 2008: Vernon Davis paired with Kellen Winslow.
Zap, I like the way you are thinking. Played Rotobowl last year, and Had Tony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark. Man did that help me out with bye week situations, and at times they carried my squad. Tough to pull off, but if you grab a top guy(Witten, Winslow, Gates) in round 4 or 5, you should be able to pull it off. Thats where I find these guys are going. Martz is high on Davis this year, I wanna throw Scheffler in the mix…was really coming on last year.
Comment by JBeau — July 1, 2008 @ 9:01 am
I have done this in one league since my WR’s and RB’s tend to be injuried at some point during the season. Also Roy Willimas who is my number 2 disappoints at times. I have been in this dynasty/keeper league for 3 yrs and won my division all 3 yrs and the championship once. I had Heap and Gonzo the first two years and Winslow and Gonzo last year. This strategy helped me win a few games I would not have each season.
Comment by Richard Smith — July 1, 2008 @ 9:54 am
This strategy can be difficult but if you do grab the right tight ends, I agree with you. I’ve tried it but never quite made it work because I always look towards the flex position to be filled by a running back. That to me is greater value. In this day and age, I do believe your two tight end strategy does have value. I believe that because of most running back corps going to a committee format. Nice write up.
Comment by William Del Pilar — July 1, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Thanks William. Your assertion that RBs have the most flex value is true for sure, but so few can really be relied on anymore. Thus, we as fantasy owner MUST adapt, and this is just one of many ways to do that. It’s nice to see fantasy footballers starting to accept unorthodox methods. I’ve always been one for bucking trends myself.
Comment by Zap — July 2, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
No doubt this system can work. I played in a no TE spot league where you could still start a TE as a WR. I ended up drafting 4 TE’s and everyone thought I was crazy. But I had 2 stud rbs, 2 stud WR’s and Tony G or Kellen Winslow to choose between. Also drafted B. Marshall late and was deep thanks to my elite TE’s. I had the best record and ended up with 2nd thanks to Willis McGahee’s rib injury and John Kitna’s sup double digit performance in week 16.
Comment by T — July 2, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Yo T, great point! When you’re set with 2 RBs and 2 WRs from the elite level, you’re more free to dabble with multiple TEs. In other words, your first 4 rounds have to go JUST RIGHT, like the example you presented, for this method to really reap rewards. It’s not an approach for every draft situation. On a side note, Kitna can really kill you when things up front aren’t working, which seems to be the case often in Detroit.
Comment by Zap — July 2, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
I lucked into this strategy in Rotobowl last year, but I may force the issue this year depending on my draft position and how the draft is rolling.
Comment by JBeau — July 3, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Dumb.
Comment by Doug — July 16, 2008 @ 9:46 am