Are you new to fantasy football? Here are some basics about some of the different league types/variations available to you when setting up or joining a new league.
Standard Scoring
This is your general run of the mill type of league and where every type of league draws its scoring rules from. Leagues are usually consist of 8, 10 or 12 teams. Points are awarded based on touchdowns and yards that are thrown, rushed, or caught. In general, teams consist of one QB, two RBs, two WRs, one TE, one Flex position (can be used for a RB, WR or TE), one D/ST, one K and your bench. There can be many variations to this standard lineup but this is typically the default.
PPR
PPR stands for points per reception and is typically done in a half of full point format. As the name suggests, extra points are awarded every time a player makes a reception. This boosts the scoring a little bit and gives another layer to the regular standard scoring. Tight ends become a bit more important and pass catching backs are coveted. This is by far my favorite type of league and the one I use in my own personal league.
Dynasty
This is a favorite among die-hard fantasy football fans. Instead of drafting a completely new roster each season, managers keep most or all of their roster from year to year and a rookie draft will take place for all the first year players entering the NFL. With this type of league, your decisions as a GM can have more long term consequences. Finding young talent and building out a roster is vital to your success. Going all in could yield a championship but cost you success for the next few seasons. An important note about dynasty leagues is that they are year round.
Keeper
Keeper leagues are similar but overall are a little different than a dynasty league. Similar to a dynasty league, managers can keep some, but not all, players for multiple seasons. Managers can designate a certain number of players (# set by the league manager) to keep until the next season. Unlike a dynasty league, keeper leagues still have your typical roster draft at the beginning of each season. Rules surrounding how long you can keep a player, the amount you can keep, and loss of draft capital. One of the most common rules is utilizing prior year draft spot. Let’s say you drafted Amon Ra St. Brown in the 5th round and designate him as one of your keepers. You now forfeit your 5th round pick in exchange for keeping him on your roster. This kind of league is a great introduction for those looking for a little more of a challenge before fully diving into a dynasty league.
IDP
IDP stands for individual defensive player. IDP leagues add a slot to your roster for a defensive player(s) and award points for tackles, forced fumbles, interceptions, etc. This can be fun if your league mates value the defensive side of the ball and want to branch out from just having the general D/ST position.