Fantasy football enthusiasts, gather 'round! We've got some exciting updates to the Bonus Points System (BPS) for the upcoming 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season. Personally, I think these changes are a breath of fresh air, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
The BPS is a crucial element in determining those extra points that can make or break your fantasy team's performance. This season, the focus is on rewarding flair and attacking prowess while limiting the overlap between defensive contribution points (DC) and bonus points.
Rewarding Flair and Dribbling
One of the most intriguing changes is the removal of the BPS reduction for players who are tackled. In previous seasons, players like wingers and full-backs, known for their dribbling skills, were penalized for taking on opponents. This change aims to encourage and reward these creative players, who often add an exciting dimension to the game.
Take Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, for example. With 156 tackles in the 2025/26 season, he could be a prime beneficiary of this rule change. It's a fascinating strategy shift, and I can't wait to see how it impacts the overall game dynamics.
Adjusting the Balance for Defenders
Defenders, especially center-backs, have traditionally dominated the bonus point scene due to their high number of clearances, blocks, and interceptions (CBI). However, this season, the BPS system has been tweaked to address this imbalance. Now, a player will earn 1 BPS for every three CBI, instead of the previous ratio of two CBI.
This adjustment aims to slightly reduce the likelihood of center-backs picking up bonus points, creating a more balanced playing field for defenders and attackers alike. It's an interesting move, and I'm curious to see how it affects the overall defensive strategies employed by fantasy managers.
Goalkeepers Get a Boost
Goalkeepers, often the unsung heroes of fantasy teams, are also in for a treat with the new BPS system. Previously, they earned 3 BPS for saving a shot from inside the box and 2 BPS for saving a shot from outside the box. However, this didn't account for saves made without a shot being taken, such as deflected crosses.
To address this, the new system awards goalkeepers 2 BPS for any save, with an additional 1 BPS for saving a "big chance." This includes situations where the player is expected to score, such as a penalty. It's a welcome change, as it recognizes the importance of goalkeepers' contributions beyond just shot-stopping.
A Deeper Dive
What makes these changes particularly fascinating is the underlying strategy to encourage a more attacking-minded approach. By limiting the crossover between DC and bonus points, the game encourages managers to build teams with a focus on flair and goal-scoring potential. It's a subtle shift, but one that could have a significant impact on the overall league dynamics.
Additionally, the adjustment to the CBI ratio for defenders is a clever move. It ensures that defensive actions are still rewarded, but in a more balanced way, preventing a single type of player from dominating the bonus point landscape.
Final Thoughts
The 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season promises to be an exciting one, with these tweaks to the Bonus Points System adding a new layer of strategy and unpredictability. From rewarding dribbling skills to adjusting the balance for defenders and goalkeepers, these changes showcase a thoughtful approach to enhancing the fantasy football experience.
As we gear up for the new season, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Will these changes lead to more attacking-minded teams? How will managers adapt their strategies? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: it's going to be a thrilling ride!
