Short answer: Yes. In a big way.
When I first started looking at the numbers, I assumed Tight End Premium (TEP) scoring would boost all tight ends more or less equally. But once I crunched the data, the reality was clear: TEP disproportionately benefits high-volume, possession-style tight ends, and it can drastically reshape your draft board.
If you’re playing in a TEP league and not adjusting for it, you’re likely undervaluing some major difference-makers—and possibly overvaluing others.
How TEP Impacts Tight End Value
At first glance, it seems like TEP should be a rising tide that lifts all boats. In practice, it lifts some boats more than others.
TEP scoring substantially boosts possession-style tight ends (think high-reception, low-TD profiles) far more than typical TD-dependent options. That means your draft strategy should shift to prioritize volume-heavy tight ends who command regular targets.
2024 Case Study: McBride vs. Andrews
Let’s compare two extremes from 2024: one volume-heavy (Trey McBride) and one TD-reliant (Mark Andrews).
Trey McBride – 2024 Season Stats
- 111 receptions
- 1,146 yards
- 2 receiving TDs, 1 rushing TD
| Format | PPG | TE Rank |
| Standard | 8.3 | TE5 |
| 0.5 PPR | 11.77 | TE3 |
| PPR | 15.24 | TE2 |
| PPR + 0.5 TEP | 18.71 | TE2 |
| PPR + 1.0 TEP | 22.18 | TE2 |
- McBride jumped from TE5 to TE2 and gained +13.88 PPG with 1.0 TEP scoring.
Mark Andrews – 2024 Season Stats
- 55 receptions
- 673 yards
- 11 TDs
| Format | PPG | TE Rank |
| Standard | 7.87 | TE4 |
| 0.5 PPR | 9.5 | TE5 |
| PPR | 11.11 | TE6 |
| PPR + 0.5 TEP | 12.72 | TE6 |
| PPR + 1.0 TEP | 14.34 | TE6 |
Andrews dropped from TE4 to TE6 and gained only +6.47 PPG with 1.0 TEP.
These contrasting profiles highlight a major takeaway: TEP leagues reward consistency and volume more than touchdown volatility.
2025 Preview: Biggest Risers and Fallers
Using Mike Clay’s projected stats for the 2025 season, let’s take a look at the biggest risers and fallers in TEP leagues compared to standard scoring leagues.
Biggest Projected Risers in TEP Leagues
These players gain the most positional value due to high projected reception totals.
| Player | Std. Rank | TEP Rank |
| T.J. Hockenson | TE7 | TE4 |
| Evan Engram | TE14 | TE8 |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE19 | TE11 |
| Jake Ferguson | TE18 | TE12 |
Biggest Projected Fallers in TEP Leagues
These players rely more on touchdowns and lose relative value in TEP formats.
| Player | Std. Rank | TEP Rank |
| Mark Andrews | TE5 | TE10 |
| Dalton Kincaid | TE10 | TE15 |
| Kyle Pitts | TE15 | TE23 |
Is This Data Predictive?
Touchdowns are notoriously volatile, but receptions and target share are far more stable year to year. That means TEP scoring rewards the safer, more consistent options—and reveals which flashy names might be overrated (anyone remember Robert Tonyan?).
Draft Value: Who to Target
Let’s compare projected TEP scoring finishes with current ADP to find value picks.
| Player | TEP Projected | ADP |
| David Njoku | TE5 | TE9 |
| Evan Engram | TE8 | TE10 |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE11 | TE17 |
| Colston Loveland | TE16 | TE26 |
Draft Value: Who to Avoid
Players who are being drafted higher than their projected TEP production.
| Player | TEP Projected | ADP |
| Jonnu Smith | TE9 | TE6 |
| Mark Andrews | TE10 | TE7 |
| Dalton Kincaid | TE15 | TE11 |
| Kyle Pitts | TE23 | TE16 |
Final Takeaways
- TEP scoring does not treat all tight ends equally.
- High-volume, reception-heavy players rise the most.
- TD-dependent tight ends lose relative value.
- Use this data to find sneaky values and avoid overpriced names.
TEP isn’t just a scoring twist—it’s a potential draft-shaping, trade-dominating factor. Adjust accordingly.
Want help adjusting your TEP draft board or need trade advice? Follow me @ComanagerJohn and let’s dominate your fantasy football league.
By John Youngblood
