A TE1 in fantasy football refers to a tight end that ranks between 1st and 12th at their position. There are generally twelve teams in a fantasy football league, the TE1 is meant to fill your top tight end position in your fantasy lineup.
This type of term is used to rank players that are lower in the rankings as well. For example a TE2 would be a tight end that ranks from 13th to 24th at their position.
While a TE3 would be a player that ranks 25th to 36th at the tight end position.
When using these types of terms in fantasy football it is usually referring to a player’s ranking in the coming week or over the course of a season.
Alternative meanings for TE1 in fantasy
TE1 in fantasy football means a tight end that is ranked in the top twelve positions but it can be used in other contexts as well.
When talking about football rosters some fans will use terms like TE1 to describe the ranking of players on the roster.
For example, a TE1 in that context would refer to the number one tight end on the depth chart. In other words, putting a one beside a position means they are a starter.
This is especially common for the quarterback position in which the starter is often called QB1.
Terms like TE2 outside of fantasy football would refer to the second-string tight end.
Generally, this term is better suited when used at positions that have one starter. This way the one designates a starter and the two designates the backup.
At positions like wide receiver a player that is WR3 may still be a starter in the offense.
That all being said it is important to remember that when talking about fantasy football a term like TE1 refers a player’s fantasy ranking and not their position on the depth chart.
Traits you want in a TE1
Now that you know what a TE1 is in football you may be wondering what sort of things you should look for in tight ends in this tier.
High involvement in the offense
One of the key things you want from your TE1 in fantasy football is high involvement in the offense.
On many teams, the tight end can fade into the background and become the fourth or even fifth option for the quarterback.
This sort of usage likely means your tight end is not going to get many targets. To find a tight end that can produce consistently in fantasy football you want them to play a significant role in the offense.
Red zone target
One factor that plays a large role in a tight end’s productivity in fantasy football is touchdowns. More so than any other position tight ends are incredibly touchdown reliant.
These players are not going to accumulate many yards throughout a game so touchdowns are often going to be their main way of scoring points.
To do this effectively TE1s need to be a red-zone target for their offense. If their offense is going to gameplan their tight end getting the ball in the red zone he is going to be much more likely to score touchdowns.
Yards after the catch ability
Another key trait fantasy managers want in their TE1 is the ability to gain yards after the catch. Yards after the catch can greatly increase an eligible receiver’s production and often increase their touchdown production as well.
It is no secret that the majority of tight ends are going to be the most elusive when they have the ball in their hands. That being said modern-day tight ends have become much more athletic due to the increased emphasis on passing in football.
This has resulted in some seriously fast and agile tight ends. Getting one of these players on your fantasy team can turn a routine catch into a big play.
That is all for TE1s in football to learn some other fantasy football terms see our guides to what is a RB1 in fantasy football or what is an RB2.
