Spending up means choosing a higher-priced player over a cheaper alternative, using more of your lineup's salary budget at that spot. You may also hear it called paying up.
Why It Matters
When you spend up at running back, distinguish carries from receiving opportunities; at receiver, examine targets and opportunities near the goal line. The salary premium should reflect the workload and scoring potential you expect in this matchup. Paying for last week's touchdowns can leave you with less opportunity than a cheaper player offers.
Example
Say an $8,800 running back is projected for 20 carries and five targets, while a $7,200 back is projected for 14 carries and two targets. Spending up costs $1,600 for the stronger expected workload. Compare that upgrade with the receiver downgrade needed to afford it, remembering that targets are opportunities, not guaranteed catches or additional touches.
Pro tip
Build a version with your preferred expensive player and another without. Before choosing, check whether either version relies on a cheap player whose expected role still depends on unresolved injury news.
Hear Us Break It Down
Hand-picked moments from our free live streams where our hosts break down this term.
Spend up when the expensive player's expected production and dependable workload improve your complete lineup. A reliable role can justify the salary, but the upgrade loses its appeal if affording it forces you into cheap players with little opportunity to score.
Are expensive players less owned in GPPs?
No. Expensive players can be popular when their projections stand out or strong cheap options make them easy to afford. They can also be overlooked when other builds look more appealing. Use projected ownership, rather than salary alone, to judge how many opponents might roster them.
Can you spend up on more than one player?
Yes. You can choose several expensive players if you have enough salary left to complete a valid lineup. Combining multiple expensive players with very cheap options is called a stars and scrubs build, but spending up does not always require that approach.
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