basics7 min

How Does Scoring Work?

Understanding PPR vs Standard scoring

The Two Main Scoring Systems

Before we dive into the details, you need to know there are two main scoring formats in fantasy football:

Standard Scoring - The original, simpler system

PPR Scoring - Stands for "Points Per Reception" (more popular these days)

The difference? In PPR, players get an extra point for every catch they make. That's it!

How Points Work (Standard Scoring)

Here's how your players earn points in a typical standard league:

Quarterbacks (QB):

  • 1 point per 25 passing yards (300 yards = 12 points)
  • 4 points per passing touchdown
  • -2 points per interception
  • 6 points per rushing touchdown

    • Running Backs (RB) & Wide Receivers (WR):

  • 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards (100 yards = 10 points)
  • 6 points per rushing/receiving touchdown
  • -2 points per fumble lost

    • Tight Ends (TE):

  • Same as RB/WR

    • Kickers (K):

  • 3 points for field goals under 40 yards
  • 4-5 points for field goals over 40 yards
  • 1 point per extra point

    • Defense/Special Teams (DST):

  • Points based on points allowed and turnovers
  • 6 points per touchdown
  • 2 points per sack, interception, or fumble recovery

    • PPR Scoring - What's Different?

    PPR (Points Per Reception) is exactly the same as Standard... except:

    Every reception = 1 extra point

    Example: A running back who catches 5 passes for 40 yards and 1 TD would score:

  • Standard: 4 points (yards) + 6 points (TD) = **10 points**
  • PPR: 4 points (yards) + 6 points (TD) + 5 points (receptions) = **15 points**

    • That's a huge difference! This is why in PPR leagues, pass-catching running backs and reliable receivers are more valuable.

    Half-PPR (The Middle Ground)

    Some leagues use Half-PPR, which is exactly what it sounds like:

    Every reception = 0.5 points

    This is a compromise between Standard and Full PPR. It rewards receivers but not as dramatically.

    Many experienced players think Half-PPR is the most balanced format.

    Real Scoring Example

    Let's see how a player's real game translates to fantasy points:

    Christian McCaffrey's actual game:

  • 15 rushes for 89 yards
  • 7 receptions for 55 yards
  • 1 rushing touchdown
  • 1 receiving touchdown

    • Standard Scoring:

  • 8.9 points (rushing yards)
  • 5.5 points (receiving yards)
  • 12 points (2 TDs)
  • **Total: 26.4 points**

    • PPR Scoring:

  • 8.9 points (rushing yards)
  • 5.5 points (receiving yards)
  • 7 points (receptions)
  • 12 points (2 TDs)
  • **Total: 33.4 points**

    • See the difference? In PPR, those 7 catches added 7 points!

    Which Scoring Should You Use?

    Standard Scoring is good if:

  • You want simpler scoring
  • You value touchdowns more than consistency
  • Your league prefers traditional football

    • PPR Scoring is good if:

  • You want more scoring and higher totals
  • You like that it values pass-catching backs
  • You want more consistent week-to-week scores

    • For Beginners:

    Start with whatever your league uses! You'll understand it better after a few weeks. Most leagues these days use PPR or Half-PPR.

    Tips to Remember

    1. Touchdowns are king - A TD is worth 6 points. That's as much as 60 rushing yards!

    2. Turnovers hurt - Interceptions and fumbles can quickly turn a good game into a bad one.

    3. Volume matters - Players who get more touches (carries + receptions) have more chances to score.

    4. Check your league settings - Make sure you know if you're in Standard, PPR, or Half-PPR!

    5. Don't overthink it - After 2-3 weeks, you'll start to get a feel for what's a good score and what's not.

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