Fantasy football has taken over the world, and it seems to only be growing in popularity. One of the reasons it’s so popular is because there’s a league for everyone. Out of all the various league types, “PPR” is arguably the most popular.
So, what is PPR in fantasy football?
PPR is a scoring system in fantasy football that means “Points Per Reception.” It awards players with fantasy points for each catch they make in a game. This scoring system adds value to players involved in the passing game, making it an exciting alternative to standard scoring formats.
PPR leagues are good options for fantasy managers who like to place more emphasis on the passing game and enjoy higher-scoring matchups. Within the PPR format, there are half-point and full-point PPR leagues.
We’ll go into detail on each of these and much more throughout the rest of this article – so stick around!
What Is PPR in Fantasy Football?
PPR is a scoring variation in fantasy football leagues. In a PPR league, players earn additional points for every reception they make during a game, which often leads to higher-scoring matchups compared to standard leagues.
This scoring system places an emphasis on players who frequently receive passes, which alters team managers’ drafting, trading, and positioning strategies.
The PPR scoring system was implemented in response to the traditional, “non-PPR” scoring format, where receptions were not rewarded with points.
The addition of reception points in PPR leagues balances the value of different player positions by rewarding pass-catching running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends for their reception statistics.
In PPR leagues, team managers often target players with a high number of receptions, as these players accrue more points and lead to greater overall success.
This shift in focus lends itself to different tactics when comparing PPR to standard leagues, such as weighing the importance of reception-heavy players over those with fewer receptions but higher yardage or touchdowns.
The choice to participate in a PPR league versus a standard league depends on personal preference and the level of complexity desired. For those seeking a more nuanced scoring system that rewards receptions, PPR leagues may provide a higher level of engagement and fun.
However, it is essential to understand the differences between PPR and standard leagues to fully appreciate their impact on fantasy football strategies and player values.
PPR Scoring Breakdown
Fantasy football has various scoring systems, and one popular variation is the PPR system. PPR leagues award additional points to players for each reception they make, thus increasing the value of pass-catching players in the NFL.
In this section, we will briefly break down the PPR scoring system’s components, including offense, kicking, and defense/special teams (D/ST).
Offense
In PPR leagues, the primary difference from standard scoring is the addition of points for receptions. On average, a target for a receiver yields 1.84 PPR/target.
Here is an overview of PPR scoring for offensive players:
- 1 point per reception for all positions (RB, WR, TE)
- 1 point per 10 rushing or receiving yards
- 6 points per rushing or receiving TD
- 4 points per passing TD (for quarterbacks)
- 1 point per 25 passing yards (for quarterbacks)
- -2 points per interception or fumble lost
Kicking
Kicking scoring in PPR leagues remains similar to standard leagues. Points are awarded as follows:
- 3 points per field goal made
- 1 point per extra point made
- Bonus points for longer field goals (e.g., 5 points for a 50+ yard field goal)
D/ST
The scoring system for defense and special teams (D/ST) in PPR leagues stays consistent with standard leagues as well. Points are generally awarded based on the following criteria:
- 6 points per defensive or special teams touchdown
- 2 points per interception
- 2 points per fumble recovery
- 1 point per sack
- 2 points per safety
- Points awarded based on points allowed (e.g., 10 points for a shutout, 7 points for allowing 1-6 points, etc.)
PPR has become more popular in recent years, adjusting to the NFL’s increased emphasis on passing offenses. Understanding the specific scoring system for your league, whether PPR or standard, is crucial for drafting a successful fantasy team and making strategic choices throughout the season.
In PPR leagues specifically, be mindful of the heightened value of pass-catching players and consider this when setting your lineup and making trades.
PPR Draft Tips
In PPR fantasy football leagues, players earn points for each reception in addition to the usual fantasy points scored by their on-field performance. It’s an essential aspect of drafting to consider, as it can change the value of players, particularly running backs and wide receivers.
Here are some PPR draft tips to keep in mind:
First and foremost, focus on targeting players with high reception volumes. Wide receivers and running backs who catch more passes will be more valuable in PPR settings.
For example, a pass-catching running back might see a significant boost in value compared to standard scoring formats. Keep an eye on players known for their receiving skills and those on teams that run a high number of passing plays.
When it comes to drafting quarterbacks, the strategy doesn’t change too much from standard formats. However, be mindful of quarterbacks with reliable pass-catching options.
A quarterback with a strong receiving corps will ultimately rack up more points for the entire offense and, therefore, benefit your fantasy roster. This advantage might be a tiebreaker when choosing between two similarly ranked quarterbacks.
In a PPR league, wide receivers and tight ends are crucial components of a successful fantasy team. Targets and receptions become even more critical in PPR leagues, so make sure to prioritize these positions during your draft.
High-volume receivers, who frequently receive a significant number of targets per game, should be drafted ahead of big-play receivers, who may rely on infrequent deep passes for scoring.
Rookies and sleepers in PPR formats can offer a considerable advantage to your roster. Look out for rookie wide receivers and running backs who are projected to have significant roles in their respective offenses and could potentially see an increased number of targets.
Monitor depth charts, coaching tendencies, and player reports to identify undervalued options that could contribute to your team’s success.
Finally, it’s essential to know your league settings before drafting. In addition to PPR scoring, leagues can have various roster requirements, such as the number of starting running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Understand your league’s settings, as they will help you make better decisions when selecting players and crafting a well-rounded team ready to compete every week.
What Position Should You Draft First in PPR Leagues?
In PPR leagues, the value of certain positions may differ compared to standard leagues. PPR leagues reward points to players for every reception they make, which can significantly impact how you draft your fantasy football team.
In PPR leagues, the most important position to prioritize in the early rounds of the draft is running back. Top-tier running backs who double as pass-catchers are invaluable in this format. As the number of quality options at the running back position is limited, it’s crucial to secure a top candidate with your first or second pick.
Wide receivers also gain a boost in value in PPR leagues due to the added points from their receptions. While wide receivers may not necessarily be the first player you draft, they should be targeted early and often in the subsequent rounds, as their consistent catch volume can offer a strong foundation for your team’s overall points.
Quarterbacks and tight ends, though still important, are generally not recommended as first-round picks in PPR leagues. The depth at the quarterback position, as well as the relative scarcity of consistently high-performing tight ends, means that it’s typically more strategic to focus on running backs and wide receivers with your initial picks.
Best Types of Players for PPR Leagues
Running backs and wide receivers who excel at catching passes should be prioritized in this format. Players like Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler often thrive in PPR leagues due to their prowess in catching passes out of the backfield.
Other top running backs, such as Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, and Najee Harris, are also valuable assets in PPR formats due to their dual-threat abilities.
Wide receivers with high reception rates and target totals are just as valuable in PPR leagues. Players like Diontae Johnson, Justin Jefferson, and A.J. Brown have consistently proven their worth in this scoring system.
Although less crucial than running backs or wide receivers, tight ends who frequently catch passes can add significant value to your PPR lineup. In recent years, tight ends like Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and George Kittle have been go-to options.
Quarterbacks don’t see much of an impact from the PPR format; however, pass-heavy quarterbacks who target running backs and tight ends more frequently might be advantageous in PPR leagues.
Position slots such as kicker, defense/special teams, and individual defensive players (IDPs) are not directly impacted by the PPR scoring system; however, a strong passing game and high-scoring offense can open up more opportunities for scoring.
Is PPR or Standard Scoring Better?
When comparing PPR and standard scoring in fantasy football, it’s essential to consider the specific factors and league format that may influence which scoring system is better suited for a given scenario.
Neither PPR nor Standard Scoring can be deemed universally superior, as both systems offer unique advantages and strategies.
In PPR leagues, players earn additional points for each reception they make during a game. This scoring model places a higher value on wide receivers and pass-catching running backs, enhancing their overall fantasy impact.
For leagues seeking to increase the significance of these positions, PPR scoring may be a more fitting choice. On the other hand, standard scoring does not award points for receptions, resulting in a scoring system that generally favors running backs and quarterbacks.
This scoring format can lead to a more balanced approach, as it emphasizes the importance of touchdowns and yardage over receptions. In standard-scoring leagues, managers might prioritize players who excel at accumulating rushing and passing yards.
A modified option, called half-point PPR, offers a middle ground between the two scoring systems. Half-point PPR leagues award half a point per reception, which slightly increases the value of pass-catching players without entirely shifting the focus away from other positions.
Is PPR or Standard Scoring More Popular?
PPR scoring has gained popularity in the fantasy football community due to the added layers of strategy it adds to the game. The format rewards wide receivers and pass-catching running backs, making them more valuable in comparison to standard scoring formats.
Standard scoring, also known as non-PPR, awards fantasy points based on the yardage gained and touchdowns scored by a player without considering receptions. In this format, wide receivers and running backs who don’t catch many passes are more valuable, as their yardage and touchdowns hold more weight.
While both PPR and standard scoring formats have their loyal followers, the popularity of the two formats depends on the preferences of individual league members.
PPR leagues require a deeper understanding of player value and alter the draft strategy, while standard scoring systems may be easier for beginners to grasp.
With the rise of online platforms and the increasing number of league settings available, it’s difficult to determine a clear winner in the popularity contest between PPR and standard scoring systems.
However, the trend toward PPR leagues reflects the ever-changing landscape of fantasy football and the desire for increased strategic depth.
What Is Half-Point PPR?
Half-point PPR, also known as half-PPR, is a scoring system in fantasy football that awards players half a point for each reception they make during a game.
This is a middle ground between Standard non-PPR and full PPR leagues, which award 0 and 1 point per reception, respectively. The concept behind half-PPR is to balance the value of players, making both wide receivers and running backs equally valuable in fantasy football.
The introduction of half-PPR scoring has had a significant impact on drafting strategies for fantasy football players. Wide receivers and pass-catching running backs have seen their values increase, making them viable options earlier in the draft.
This scoring format also places a higher emphasis on players that can contribute in multiple ways, such as through both rushing and receiving.
Overall, half-point PPR helps create a more balanced fantasy football experience that enables managers to employ a variety of strategies when building their teams. This scoring system has become popular among fantasy football enthusiasts who prefer a balanced approach to point distribution among players.
What Is Non-PPR in Fantasy Football?
Non-PPR, or standard scoring, is a format in fantasy football that does not award points for receptions by pass catchers. Instead, this scoring system focuses on accumulating points based on an offensive player’s statistics involving yardage and touchdowns.
Non-PPR is often considered the more traditional scoring format in fantasy football leagues. In this scoring system, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends primarily earn points for their rushing and receiving yards, as well as for the touchdowns they score.
The absence of points for receptions means wide receivers who have high target shares but a low average depth of target are less valuable than they would be in a PPR scoring system.
Additionally, the focus on yardage and touchdowns means that a premium is placed on players who are able to consistently produce in those categories. For example, running backs who consistently gain yardage and score touchdowns are especially valued in non-PPR leagues.
Non-PPR scoring sets the stage for different draft strategies compared to PPR leagues. Due to its scoring format, managers in non-PPR leagues typically prioritize volume, yards, and touchdowns more heavily when evaluating players.
This may lead to some differences in player rankings between PPR and non-PPR leagues.
