Dominate Your Fantasy Football Draft: PPR Cheat Sheet & Strategy Guide

18 Jul 2024

Mock Draft 2024 Fantasy Football 7th Pick

So, you're staring at your fantasy football draft board, the clock is ticking, and you're sweating bullets. The dreaded question looms: who should I draft in PPR? Relax, take a deep breath. We've all been there. Navigating the treacherous waters of a Points Per Reception (PPR) draft can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and strategy, you can transform from a nervous wreck to a draft day champion.

PPR leagues add a whole new dimension to fantasy football. Suddenly, those reliable pass-catching running backs and slot receivers become gold. It’s not just about touchdowns anymore; every catch, every dump-off, every screen pass adds value. This changes the entire draft landscape. Players who might be benchwarmers in standard leagues become must-haves in PPR.

The core principle of PPR drafting revolves around maximizing points at every turn. Volume is king. You want players who are guaranteed to see a high number of targets, regardless of their touchdown potential. A running back who catches 5 passes for 40 yards in a game has already earned you 9 points in PPR, even without finding the end zone. This shift in scoring emphasizes consistency and rewards players who are heavily involved in their team's passing game.

Understanding the impact of PPR on player values is crucial. Running backs who excel in the receiving game see a significant boost in their draft stock. Wide receivers who consistently haul in a high volume of targets, even if they don’t score many touchdowns, become incredibly valuable. Tight ends who serve as their quarterback’s safety valve also gain importance. Ignoring the PPR element can lead to disastrous draft results.

Drafting successfully in PPR requires a different mindset than standard leagues. You need to adjust your rankings, prioritize pass-catching backs, and target high-volume receivers. Don't get caught reaching for a touchdown-dependent running back when a consistent pass-catching machine is still on the board. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to dominate your PPR draft and build a championship-caliber team.

Historically, PPR leagues have gained popularity as fantasy players sought a format that more accurately reflected real-life football performance. The PPR format rewards players involved in the passing game, adding a layer of strategy and complexity to drafting and managing a fantasy team.

Let's define PPR: for every reception a player makes, they earn one point. For example, if a receiver catches 7 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, they score 15 points in PPR (7 receptions + 80 yards/10 + 6 touchdown). This emphasizes the importance of players who see a high volume of targets.

Benefits of focusing on PPR potential include: (1) access to more consistent scorers, reducing reliance on touchdowns. (2) increased depth at the running back and wide receiver positions, as pass-catching specialists become viable starters. (3) a more engaging and strategic drafting experience.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Focusing on PPR

Advantages	Disadvantages
Rewards Consistent Players	Devalues Touchdown-Dependent Players
Deeper Player Pool	Can Be Volatile in Early Rounds
More Engaging Strategy	Requires More Research

Best Practices:

1. Prioritize pass-catching running backs.

2. Target high-volume wide receivers.

3. Don't overvalue touchdown-dependent players.

4. Adjust your rankings based on PPR scoring.

5. Consider the game script and target share of players.

FAQs:

1. What does PPR stand for? Points Per Reception.

2. How does PPR scoring work? One point per reception.

3. Who benefits most from PPR? Pass-catching running backs and high-volume receivers.

4. Should I change my draft strategy for PPR? Yes, prioritize receptions.

5. Are tight ends more valuable in PPR? Generally, yes.

6. How do I find PPR rankings? Many fantasy football websites offer PPR rankings.

7. Is PPR more fun than standard scoring? It depends on your preference.

8. How do I adjust my in-season waiver wire strategy for PPR? Target players with increasing target share.

Tips and Tricks: Look for running backs involved in the passing game and wide receivers with a high target share. Don't neglect tight ends, especially those who serve as their quarterback's safety valve.

In conclusion, drafting successfully in a PPR league requires a shift in mindset. Understanding the nuances of PPR scoring, prioritizing receptions, and adjusting your draft strategy accordingly are key to building a winning team. By focusing on players who consistently catch passes, you can build a roster that generates points week after week, regardless of touchdowns. Remember to research player target share, consider game scripts, and stay adaptable throughout the season. While PPR leagues add complexity, they also offer a more engaging and rewarding fantasy football experience. So, embrace the challenge, do your homework, and get ready to dominate your draft. Now go forth and conquer your PPR league!