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Commissioner Guide: How to Choose and Set Up Scoring Settings for Your League

Scoring settings define what your league rewards. A change from standard to full PPR can make a mediocre RB into a starting option and a consistent slot WR into a top-10 pick. Before you set your scoring, understand what each choice does.

Scoring Settings Quick Reference

Setting Standard Half-PPR Full PPR
Reception value 0 0.5 pts/reception 1 pt/reception
Who benefits High-TD RBs and WRs; goal-line backs Balanced — rewards both volume and efficiency Slot WRs, pass-catching RBs, high-target TEs
Who loses value Pass-catching committee backs; slot WRs without YAC Pure goal-line backs who rarely catch Goal-line specialists without receiving roles
Best for Casual/recreational leagues; simplest to explain Competitive redraft and best ball; the industry default Full PPR dynasty; managers who understand target share deeply
QB TDs 4-point (most common); 6-point for superflex only Same Same

The Three Core Scoring Systems

Standard scoring (no PPR): Touchdowns and yardage only. The simplest format, but the least reflective of how the modern NFL is played. Standard elevates RBs (who generate yardage on carries) and TDs (volatile and unpredictable). It de-emphasizes slot WRs and pass-catching RBs whose value comes from volume rather than explosive plays.

Half-PPR (0.5 per reception): The most widely played competitive format. Balances reception volume and touchdowns. Half-PPR is the best starting point for most competitive leagues — it rewards the right football skills without making reception volume the only thing that matters.

Full PPR (1 point per reception): Each reception adds a full point. High-volume receivers — particularly slot WRs and pass-catching RBs — become significantly more valuable. Full PPR rewards managers who understand target share and usage patterns. The knock: it can make high-target receivers almost automatic regardless of efficiency — a player who catches 8 passes for 45 yards scores 12.5 full PPR without doing much.

Passing Touchdowns: 4 vs 6 Points

4-point passing TDs (most common): The standard. Keeps QB values in reasonable range relative to skill positions.

6-point passing TDs: Makes elite passers dramatically more valuable. Use only in 2-QB or superflex leagues where the QB position needs to be elevated to matter.

Superflex and 2-QB Scoring

Standard leagues start 1 QB. Superflex leagues have a flex position that can start a QB, effectively requiring 2 starting QBs.

In standard scoring, most managers wait until mid-rounds to draft a QB. In superflex, QBs become the most valuable position because the top QBs provide the largest positional advantage. Superflex is a popular choice for leagues that want deeper engagement with the QB position and managers who understand the sport more broadly.

Bonus Scoring

Common bonuses: 100+ rushing yards by an RB (+1–2 points), 100+ receiving yards (+1–2 points), 300+ passing yards (+1–2 points), 40+ yard TDs (extra points). Yardage bonuses reward big-game performances but add variance — a player at 99 yards gets nothing; one at 100 gets +2.

Recommendation: Only add bonuses if your league wants more variance and excitement. Standard clean scoring is easier to understand and produces more predictable results.

Defense and Kicker Settings

DST scoring: Highly variable because defensive performance is less predictable than offensive performance. Most competitive leagues start 1 DST. Some skip team defense entirely and use individual defensive players (IDP) instead.

Kicker scoring: Included in most recreational leagues, excluded from many competitive ones. Kicker scoring adds volatility and a position most managers do not enjoy researching. It is perfectly reasonable to drop the position for a more skill-focused league.

League type PPR QB TDs Format K/DST
Recreational (casual, first-timers) Half-PPR 4-point Standard Include both
Competitive redraft Half-PPR 4-point Optional: 100-yd bonuses Drop K, keep DST
Dynasty/keeper Half-PPR or full PPR 4-point (6 in superflex) Superflex or 2-QB Drop K, keep DST or IDP

For how to set up a keeper or dynasty league with the right settings from the start, see: How to Start a Fantasy Football League: The Complete Commissioner Guide. For the complete guide to choosing the right platform for your league, see: Fantasy Football Platforms: How to Choose the Right One for Your League.