NFL Fantasy Football Scoring Formats Explained

When playing fantasy football, understanding the scoring format is critical to building a winning strategy. The three most common formats are:

• Standard Scoring – Traditional format, emphasizes touchdowns and yardage.
• Half Point Per Reception (Half-PPR) – Adds value to receivers with moderate receptions.
• Full Point Per Reception (Full-PPR) – Strongly favors high-volume pass-catchers.

Standard Scoring

This is the most traditional format of fantasy football scoring. It rewards yardage and touchdowns but does not give any points for receptions.

• Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards
• Passing Touchdowns: 4 points
• Interceptions Thrown: -2 points
• Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 6 points
• Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
• Receiving Touchdowns: 6 points
• Fumbles Lost: -2 points

Best suited for leagues that want to emphasize touchdowns and big plays.

Half-PPR (Half Point Per Reception) Scoring

Half-PPR is a hybrid scoring format that balances the value between yardage and receptions. Each reception earns 0.5 points.

• All Standard Scoring Rules Apply
• Receptions: 0.5 points each

This format rewards consistency and pass-catching running backs while still valuing touchdowns and yardage.

Full-PPR (Point Per Reception) Scoring

Full-PPR scoring gives a full 1.0 point for every reception, placing a high premium on volume receivers and pass-catching backs.

• All Standard Scoring Rules Apply
• Receptions: 1.0 point each

This format dramatically increases the value of wide receivers, tight ends, and pass-catching running backs.

Kicker (K) Scoring

Kick scoring is generally consistent across all league formats.

• Extra Point (PAT): 1 point
• Field Goal 0–39 yards: 3 points
• Field Goal 40–49 yards: 4 points
• Field Goal 50+ yards: 5 points
• Missed PAT: -1 point (optional)
• Missed FG (under 40 yards): -1 point (optional)

Tip: Kickers on high-scoring or dome teams are usually more consistent.

Defense / Special Teams (DST) Scoring

Team defenses can score points for limiting opponents, forcing turnovers, and scoring touchdowns.

• Sack: 1 point
• Interception: 2 points
• Fumble Recovery: 2 points
• Safety: 2 points
• Defensive Touchdown: 6 points
• Special Teams Touchdown: 6 points
• Points Allowed:
• 0 Points: 10 points
• 1–6 Points: 7 points
• 7–13 Points: 4 points
• 14–20 Points: 1 point
• 21–27 Points: 0 points
• 28–34 Points: -1 point
• 35+ Points: -4 points

Tip: Top defenses usually come from teams with strong pass rush and opportunistic secondaries.

Final Tip: Always check your league settings for custom scoring! Understanding how your league scores can give you the edge on draft day and in weekly matchups.