Understanding PPR vs Standard Scoring in Fantasy Football: A Beginner’s Guide to Drafting Top Running Backs and Wide Receivers
Fantasy football can feel complicated, especially for beginners. Understanding the different scoring systems, like PPR and standard scoring, is key to improving your drafting and roster management skills. PPR stands for “points per reception,” which means players earn points every time they catch a pass. Knowing how these scoring types work helps you choose the best players and make smarter decisions in your fantasy league. This guide will break down the basics so you can enhance your overall performance.
Section 1: Decoding the Scoring Systems
A. What is PPR Scoring?
PPR stands for Point Per Reception. In a PPR league, players earn one point for each catch they make. This scoring method increases the value of pass-catching players, especially wide receivers and certain running backs. For example, if a wide receiver catches 8 passes for 80 yards and scores a touchdown, they score 8 points for the catches, 8 points for the yards (1 point for every 10 yards), and 6 points for the touchdown, totaling 22 points. This scoring system rewards players who are more involved in the passing game.
Understanding the difference between PPR and standard scoring is crucial for drafting effectively. In PPR, players who catch a lot of passes often score more points than in standard scoring. So, if you’re drafting a running back, you might prefer someone who is not only a good runner but also catches passes out of the backfield. For a deeper understanding of the value differences between players, check out our guide on scoring explained and player value differences.
B. What is Standard Scoring?
Standard scoring is simpler. Players earn points mainly for yards gained and touchdowns scored. In this system, a player gets 1 point for every 10 rushing or receiving yards and 6 points for each touchdown. For instance, if a running back rushes for 100 yards and scores a touchdown, they would earn 10 points for the yards and 6 points for the touchdown, totaling 16 points.
The main difference here is that standard scoring does not reward players for receptions. Thus, a running back who catches a lot of passes may not be as valuable in standard leagues as in PPR leagues. This scoring system may benefit running backs who primarily gain yards and score touchdowns but can undervalue pass-catching abilities.
C. Quick Comparison Chart
| Scoring Type | Points for Reception | Points for Yards | Points for Touchdowns | |——————-|————————-|———————-|—————-ிறேன்| | PPR | 1 point | 1 point per 10 yards | 6 points | | Standard | 0 points | 1 point per 10 yards | 6 points |
Actionable Tip: Consider a top running back like Christian McCaffrey. In PPR, he can score significantly more points due to his ability to catch passes. In a standard league, his value may decrease if he has fewer rushing touchdowns. Always check the scoring format before drafting.
Section 2: Impact on Position Strategy
A. Drafting Top Running Backs
In PPR leagues, running backs who catch passes are more valuable. When drafting, look for backs who are involved in the passing game. For example, players like Austin Ekeler and Christian McCaffrey can score many points in PPR because they catch a lot of passes. In standard leagues, however, you might prioritize running backs who score more rushing touchdowns.
Practical Example: Imagine you have the choice between two running backs: one who catches 50 passes and scores 5 touchdowns, and another who rushes for 1,200 yards and scores 10 touchdowns but catches only 10 passes. In PPR, the first running back could score more points overall due to receptions, while in standard scoring, the second running back might be more appealing.
B. Drafting Top Wide Receivers
Wide receivers gain more value in PPR leagues. A receiver who catches a lot of passes can score many points. For example, if a wide receiver catches 100 passes for 1,200 yards and scores 8 touchdowns in a PPR league, they score 100 points for receptions, 120 points for yards, and 48 points for touchdowns, totaling 368 points. In standard scoring, they would only earn points for yards and touchdowns, significantly lowering their total score.
Actionable Tip: When drafting receivers, look for players with high reception totals, such as those who play in high-volume passing offenses. Traits to consider include route-running ability, quarterback quality, and past performance.
Section 3: Roster Management Strategies for Beginners
A. Adjusting Your Draft Strategy
When you know your league’s scoring system, adjust your draft strategy accordingly. For PPR leagues, prioritize players who catch passes. This might mean selecting a wide receiver or pass-catching running back earlier than you would in a standard league.
Common Pain Point: Beginners often rely on generic cheat sheets. Instead, customize your cheat sheet based on your league’s scoring format. If your league is PPR, players who catch passes have more value than those who do not.
B. In-Season Management
Managing your roster during the season is just as important as drafting. Make trades based on the scoring system, focusing on acquiring players who excel in your league’s format. For example, if you are in a PPR league and see a wide receiver who is catching a lot of passes but not scoring many touchdowns, they may still be a valuable asset.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Pay attention to free agents who are becoming more involved in their team’s passing game. In PPR leagues, even a third-string receiver who starts catching passes can become a valuable addition to your roster.
C. Understanding Standard vs PPR Scoring in Fantasy Football
Understanding how scoring affects player evaluations helps you form a winning strategy. In summary, PPR rewards receptions, while standard scoring emphasizes yardage and touchdowns. If you can grasp these differences, you can adapt your game plan effectively for either format.
Section 4: Actionable Tips and Real-World Examples
A. Data-Driven Decision Making
It’s wise to look at real-life examples of how scoring changes can affect players’ rankings. For instance, in the 2021 season, Cooper Kupp had an outstanding year in PPR leagues due to his high reception totals. He scored significantly more points than in standard leagues, where his value dropped.
Utilizing Statistics: Use player statistics to refine your strategies. Check how each player performed in both scoring formats and adjust your draft picks accordingly.
B. Checklist for Beginners
Here’s a quick checklist for preparing for your fantasy drafts, adaptable to both PPR and standard scoring formats:
- Understand your league’s scoring system.
- Create a customized cheat sheet reflecting player value based on scoring format.
- Research player stats, focusing on receptions for PPR or touchdowns for standard.
- Practice mock drafts to get familiar with your strategy.
- Stay updated on player injuries and changes in team dynamics.
Try testing your strategies in both scoring formats to see which one yields better results. (Spoiler: You might find yourself loving PPR!)
FAQs
Q: How do the scoring differences change the value of key positions like wide receivers and running backs in my fantasy lineup?
A: Scoring differences significantly impact the value of key positions in fantasy football. For instance, in full-point PPR leagues, wide receivers become more valuable due to their ability to accumulate points through receptions, leading to a scarcity of elite options. Conversely, running backs maintain high value due to their scoring opportunities and scarcity, particularly in lineups requiring multiple RBs. Adjustments in scoring systems, such as points per reception or yardage thresholds, can shift the emphasis between these positions, influencing draft strategies and lineup decisions.
Q: What in-game strategies should I adjust between PPR and standard scoring formats to maximize my points?
A: In PPR formats, prioritize drafting wide receivers and pass-catching running backs, as their value increases with points awarded for receptions. In standard scoring, focus more on running backs who score touchdowns and accumulate yardage, as receptions do not contribute to their points. Adjust your draft strategy accordingly to maximize points based on the scoring format.
Q: How can I avoid common drafting pitfalls when switching between PPR and standard scoring leagues?
A: To avoid common drafting pitfalls when switching between PPR and standard scoring leagues, focus on adjusting your player rankings accordingly. In PPR leagues, prioritize wide receivers and pass-catching running backs, as they gain additional points for receptions, whereas in standard leagues, running backs who score touchdowns and gain rushing yards are more valuable. Always be aware of the scoring system in your league to make informed draft decisions.
Q: In what ways do reception-heavy players impact overall team strategy differently across these scoring systems?
A: Reception-heavy players significantly alter overall team strategy in fantasy football by increasing the value of wide receivers and tight ends compared to running backs. In comparing fantasy football scoring systems, teams can build a high-scoring roster by prioritizing these positions earlier in the draft, leading to a more diverse selection of players and reducing the traditional emphasis on securing top running backs.