Understanding Fantasy Football Scoring: Standard, PPR, and Half-PPR Explained
Before you draft, before you trade, before you start anyone — you need to understand how your league scores. Two leagues can look identical on paper but produce completely different player values if one is standard and one is full PPR. A player who is a top-10 WR in one format might be a borderline flex in another.
Scoring Format Quick Reference
| Scoring | Reception value | Who benefits | Who loses value | Key draft implication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0 | High-carry RBs; deep-threat WRs; TD-dependent players | Pass-catching RBs; slot WRs with modest YPC | Prioritize volume carriers and red zone shares; TDs are everything |
| Half-PPR | 0.5 pts | High-catch WRs and TEs; pass-catching RBs — but not as much as full PPR | Pure goal-line backs who rarely catch | Balance between volume and efficiency; most competitive leagues default here |
| Full PPR | 1.0 pts | Slot WRs (8–10 targets/game); pass-catching RBs; high-target TEs | Goal-line specialists without receiving roles | Target share becomes the most important metric; volume over raw efficiency |
How Fantasy Scoring Works
Every time a player does something real — runs for a touchdown, catches a pass, throws for a score — your fantasy team gets points. The core scoring shared across all formats:
- Rushing yards: 0.1 pts/yard (10 yards = 1 point)
- Receiving yards: 0.1 pts/yard
- Passing yards: 0.04 pts/yard (25 yards = 1 point)
- Rushing/receiving touchdown: 6 points
- Passing touchdown: 4 points (some leagues use 6)
- Interception thrown: −2 points
- Fumble lost: −2 points
The difference between formats is in what happens with receptions.
Standard Scoring (No PPR)
Receptions score zero extra points. A player who catches 8 passes for 65 yards scores 6.5 points from yards alone. A player who catches 2 passes for 65 yards also scores 6.5 points.
Who benefits: RBs with high rushing volume (20+ carries per game); goal-line backs who score TDs on short runs; deep-threat WRs who catch fewer passes but for more yards per catch.
Who gets hurt: Pass-catching RBs who catch 6–8 balls per game; slot WRs with high target volume but low yards-per-reception; third-down backs defined by their receiving role.
Half-PPR (0.5 Points Per Reception)
Each reception adds 0.5 points. A player who catches 8 passes in a game receives 4 bonus points from receptions.
Example: WR with 7 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs = 7.5 yards + 3.5 receptions = 11 points (vs 7.5 in standard).
Why it is the most common competitive format: Half-PPR balances two factors — it rewards volume (which reflects real opportunity) without making high-target players almost automatic. The 0.5 per reception rewards understanding target share while keeping touchdowns and efficiency relevant.
Full PPR (1 Point Per Reception)
Each reception adds 1 full point. A player who catches 8 passes in a game receives 8 bonus points.
Example: WR with 7 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs = 7.5 yards + 7 receptions = 14.5 points (vs 11 in half-PPR, 7.5 in standard).
Who benefits most: Elite slot WRs — players who see 8–10 targets per game on short routes accumulate massive reception bonuses. Pass-catching RBs — a back with 7 catches on 50 rush yards (5 points rushing) scores 7 reception points + 5 rushing = 12 full PPR without a single touchdown.
Strategic implications: Target share becomes the most important metric. “Volume over efficiency” applies — a player catching 8 short passes for 40 yards outscores one who catches 4 deep balls for 60 yards.
Other Scoring Variables
Passing TDs (4 vs 6 points): Most leagues use 4. At 6 points per passing TD, elite QBs become dramatically more valuable. Standard and half-PPR leagues typically use 4; superflex and 2-QB leagues often use 6.
Bonus scoring: Some leagues add 1–2 points for milestone performances (100+ rushing yards, 100+ receiving yards, 300+ passing yards). Optional — adds variance and rewards big performances.
Choosing a format: New or casual league → half-PPR. Experienced competitive league → half-PPR or full PPR. Dynasty or keeper → half-PPR is the standard.
For how scoring formats change your draft strategy specifically, see: Half-PPR Fantasy Football: How the Scoring Format Changes Your Draft and Lineup Strategy. For how to use scoring knowledge in sit/start decisions, see: Sit/Start Decision Framework: How to Set Your Lineup Every Week.