Who Should I Start in Fantasy Football PPR: Making the Right Choices
Fantasy football is a game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck. One of the most crucial decisions fantasy owners face each week is who to start in their PPR (points per reception) lineup. PPR leagues award additional points for each reception made a player, adding a unique twist to the decision-making process. In this article, we will explore some key factors to consider when deciding who to start in fantasy football PPR, along with five interesting facts to help guide your choices. Additionally, we will address 14 common questions that often arise in the minds of fantasy football enthusiasts.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Who to Start in PPR:
1. Matchup: Assess the strength of the opposing defense against the position you are considering. Look at their recent performance, points allowed, and any injuries that might affect their performance.
2. Target Share: Analyze the target share of each player on their respective teams. Players who consistently receive a high number of targets are more likely to accumulate receptions.
3. Game Script: Consider the expected game flow and whether a team is likely to play from behind or ahead. Teams playing catch-up often pass more frequently, providing additional opportunities for receptions.
4. Red Zone Usage: Evaluate the player’s involvement in red zone plays. Players who are targeted frequently in goal-line situations have a higher chance of scoring touchdowns, which can significantly boost their fantasy value.
5. Injury Status: Keep a close eye on injury reports leading up to game day. Players who are nursing injuries may have limited involvement or be at higher risk of aggravating their condition during the game.
Interesting Facts about Fantasy Football PPR:
1. Wide Receivers Reign Supreme: Wide receivers tend to dominate PPR leagues due to their higher target volume, making them valuable assets in this format.
2. Running Backs with Receiving Skills: Running backs who excel in catching passes out of the backfield are highly sought after in PPR leagues. They provide a consistent source of receptions, boosting their point production.
3. Tight Ends as Security Blankets: Tight ends often serve as reliable receiving options for quarterbacks, making them appealing choices in PPR leagues. Their ability to collect receptions provides a stable floor for fantasy points.
4. Slot Receivers Excel: Slot receivers, who typically run shorter routes and are targeted frequently, tend to excel in PPR leagues. They accumulate receptions at a higher rate, contributing to their fantasy value.
5. Targets Trump Efficiency: In PPR leagues, it is more important to focus on the number of targets a player receives rather than their efficiency. A high-volume target share increases the chances of accumulating receptions, regardless of a player’s catch rate.
Common Questions about Fantasy Football PPR:
1. Should I prioritize wide receivers or running backs in PPR leagues?
While wide receivers often have higher target volumes, running backs who are involved in the passing game can also provide significant value. Striking a balance between the two positions is key.
2. Is it worth starting a player with a tough matchup in PPR?
While a tough matchup can limit a player’s production, their involvement in the passing game can still provide a decent floor in PPR leagues. Consider other factors like target share and game script.
3. Should I always start a high-scoring wide receiver over a low-scoring running back?
Not necessarily. Evaluate the overall potential points of both players, their matchup, and their involvement in the passing game. Sometimes, a running back with a higher chance of receptions can outscore a wide receiver.
4. How important is a player’s catch rate in PPR?
While a high catch rate is desirable, it should not be the sole determining factor in deciding who to start. Focus on target volume and involvement in the passing game instead.
5. Can I start multiple players from the same team in PPR?
Yes, starting multiple players from the same team can be advantageous in PPR leagues, especially if they are involved heavily in the passing game. However, be cautious of potential e weeks or injuries affecting multiple players.
6. Should I prioritize tight ends in PPR leagues?
While tight ends can provide a reliable source of receptions, their scarcity and variability in fantasy production often make them a lower priority compared to wide receivers and running backs.
7. How do I assess a player’s target share?
Look at a player’s previous games and analyze their average number of targets. This will give you an idea of their involvement in the passing game.
8. Are rookie wide receivers viable options in PPR leagues?
Rookie wide receivers can certainly make an impact in PPR leagues, especially if they are highly touted and have shown promise in the preseason. However, their production can be inconsistent, so monitor their performance closely.
9. Should I start a player returning from injury in PPR?
It depends on the player and their injury status. If they are expected to receive a full workload and have a favorable matchup, they can still be a viable option in PPR leagues. However, be cautious if their involvement is uncertain.
10. Is it better to start a proven veteran or an emerging talent in PPR?
While proven veterans often provide a safer floor in PPR, emerging talents with high target shares can offer tremendous upside. Consider the matchup and the player’s role in their offense when making this decision.
11. How do I assess a player’s red zone usage?
Look at their past games and analyze their target share within the red zone. Players who consistently receive targets near the goal line are more likely to score touchdowns, providing valuable fantasy points.
12. Should I start a player with a higher catch rate over a higher yards-per-reception player?
Focus on volume in PPR leagues. A player with a higher catch rate may accumulate more receptions, leading to a higher point total, even if they have a lower yards-per-reception average.
13. How do I handle players in timeshares or committees?
Assess the player’s role in their respective timeshare or committee. If they are heavily involved in the passing game, they can still provide solid production in PPR leagues. Monitor their workload and matchups closely.
14. Can I rely solely on projections when making PPR start/sit decisions?
While projections can provide a baseline, they do not account for individual game situations or factors like injuries or game script. Use projections as a guideline, but also consider the factors mentioned earlier to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, deciding who to start in fantasy football PPR requires careful analysis of several factors such as matchup, target share, game script, red zone usage, and injury status. Understanding the unique dynamics of PPR leagues, including the dominance of wide receivers, the significance of running backs with receiving skills, and the value of tight ends and slot receivers, can help you make informed choices. By considering these factors and addressing common questions, you can maximize your chances of success in fantasy football PPR.