Fantasy football has become an integral part of the NFL experience, with millions of fans creating and managing their own fantasy teams every year. While there are many different scoring systems and league formats, PPR (Points Per Reception) scoring has become increasingly popular due to its ability to reward players who are heavily involved in their team's passing game. To help you dominate your fantasy football league, we've put together 10 essential fantasy football cheat sheet tips specifically for PPR scoring.
1. Understand the Scoring System
Before we dive into the tips, it's essential to understand how PPR scoring works. In a standard PPR scoring system, players earn points for:
- Rushing yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Rushing touchdowns: 6 points each
- Receptions: 1 point per reception
- Receiving yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Receiving touchdowns: 6 points each
Some leagues may also award bonus points for milestones, such as 300 passing yards or 100 rushing yards.
Focus on Players with High Targets
In PPR scoring, players who receive a high volume of targets are more valuable than those who don't. Look for players who are heavily involved in their team's passing game, such as wide receivers who receive 10+ targets per game.
- Example: In 2020, Davante Adams led the NFL with 148 targets, making him a top-tier fantasy wide receiver in PPR scoring.
2. Target Running Backs with Passing Game Involvement
Running backs who are involved in their team's passing game are more valuable in PPR scoring than those who are not. Look for running backs who receive a high volume of targets and are used as pass-catchers out of the backfield.
Example: Christian McCaffrey
In 2019, Christian McCaffrey received 142 targets, making him one of the top fantasy running backs in PPR scoring. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a valuable asset in PPR leagues.
3. Wide Receiver Depth is Key
In PPR scoring, wide receiver depth is crucial. Look for teams with multiple talented wide receivers who can receive a high volume of targets.
Example: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a talented receiving corps, led by Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown. This depth made it difficult for fantasy owners to predict which receiver would have a big game, but it also made all three receivers valuable in PPR scoring.
4. Quarterbacks are Undervalued in PPR Scoring
In PPR scoring, quarterbacks are often undervalued. While they don't receive points for receptions, they do receive points for passing yards and touchdowns.
Example: Patrick Mahomes
In 2019, Patrick Mahomes threw for 4,740 yards and 38 touchdowns, making him a top-tier fantasy quarterback in PPR scoring.
5. Be Aware of Coaching Changes
Coaching changes can have a significant impact on a team's offense and, subsequently, their fantasy value. Look for teams with new coaches who have a history of utilizing certain positions or players in their offense.
Example: The Chicago Bears
In 2020, the Chicago Bears hired new head coach Matt Nagy, who has a history of utilizing running backs in his offense. This led to an increase in fantasy value for running back David Montgomery.
6. Injury Reports are Crucial
Injury reports can have a significant impact on a player's fantasy value. Look for players who are listed as questionable or doubtful, and adjust your lineup accordingly.
Example: Odell Beckham Jr.
In 2020, Odell Beckham Jr. was listed as questionable with a knee injury. Fantasy owners who started him despite the injury report were disappointed, as he was held to just two receptions for 25 yards.
7. Bye Weeks are a Key Consideration
Bye weeks can be a challenge for fantasy owners, especially in PPR scoring. Look for players who have favorable schedules and avoid those who have tough matchups or bye weeks.
Example: The Kansas City Chiefs
In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs had a favorable schedule, with only one tough matchup against the New England Patriots. This made their players, such as Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill, more valuable in PPR scoring.
8. ADP is Not Always Accurate
Average draft position (ADP) is not always accurate. Look for players who are being undervalued or overvalued, and adjust your draft strategy accordingly.
Example: Robert Woods
In 2020, Robert Woods was being drafted as a mid-tier wide receiver, despite being a top-tier fantasy option. Fantasy owners who drafted him later in the draft were rewarded with a high level of production.
9. Be Prepared for Breakouts
Breakouts can happen at any time in fantasy football. Look for players who are trending upwards, and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup.
Example: Justin Jefferson
In 2020, Justin Jefferson broke out as a top-tier fantasy wide receiver, despite being drafted as a mid-tier option. Fantasy owners who were prepared to make adjustments to their lineup were rewarded with a high level of production.
10. Stay Active on the Waiver Wire
The waiver wire is a key component of fantasy football. Look for players who are trending upwards, and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup.
Example: Alexander Mattison
In 2020, Alexander Mattison broke out as a top-tier fantasy running back, despite being drafted as a mid-tier option. Fantasy owners who were active on the waiver wire were able to pick him up and reap the rewards.
By following these 10 essential fantasy football cheat sheet tips, you'll be well on your way to dominating your PPR fantasy football league.
What is PPR scoring in fantasy football?
+PPR scoring stands for Points Per Reception. It's a scoring system in fantasy football that rewards players for each reception they make, in addition to their rushing and passing yards and touchdowns.
How do I determine which players are undervalued in PPR scoring?
+To determine which players are undervalued in PPR scoring, look for players who are being drafted later than their projected value. You can also use ADP (Average Draft Position) to determine which players are being drafted too high or too low.
How do I stay active on the waiver wire in PPR fantasy football?
+To stay active on the waiver wire in PPR fantasy football, set aside time each week to review the waiver wire and pick up players who are trending upwards. You can also use waiver wire rankings to determine which players are the most valuable.