Last Updated: May 14, 2023

What Does PPR Mean in ESPN Fantasy Football?

Tracy Katzke

Contents

PPR is an acronym that stands for “point per reception.”

It is as simple as it sounds: For every reception a player on your fantasy team accrues, you earn a point. [1]

I’m Tracy, and I’ve been an NFL and fantasy football student for years. So I know the rules and available options regarding ESPN fantasy football.

In this post, I’ll explore your PPR options for ESPN fantasy football. Next, I’ll examine the possibilities if you want to create detailed and exquisite PPR settings. Lastly, I’ll address how PPR scoring differs slightly from non-PPR scoring.

To learn more about points per reception, continue reading with focused attention!

Shakespeare. That rhyme was pure Shakespeare!

Anyway, let’s get smarter!

Key Takeaways

PPR is an acronym that stands for “point per reception.” You earn a point for every reception a player on your fantasy team accrues.
Both varieties of ESPN fantasy football leagues – public and league manager leagues – allow for PPR competition.
Nearly all fantasy football leagues use PPR scoring.

PPR Options in ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues

You may join one of two ESPN fantasy football leagues: a public league or a league manager league.

Both leagues allow PPR competition, but only the LM league permits detailed PPR customizations.

Head over to this piece for a quick refresher on the two league variations.

Public Leagues

You may enjoy PPR competition in a standard public league.

All receptions by all pass catchers are worth one point. [2]

Select the option circled in red below during the sign-up process

League Manager Leagues

You may also enjoy PPR competition in LM leagues, but many variations are available.

For example, you can change the value of a reception.

Instead of one point per reception, you could allow for 0.5 or 2 points per reception.

You could also vary the values given per reception by position group.

For example, you could assign 1 point per reception for all positions other than TE, while giving 1.5 points per reception for TE. [3]

The possibilities are truly endless!

The History of Non-PPR, PPR, and Fantasy Football

Twenty years ago, when fantasy football was in its infancy, a non-PPR scoring system, the Standard scoring system, ruled the day.

The Standard scoring system is identical to PPR, except it awards no points for receptions.

In other words, players only receive points for yards and touchdowns.

The Standard scoring system awards points as follows: [4]

4 points per passing TD.
6 points per rushing or receiving TD.
6 points for a player returning the kick/punt for TD.
6 points for a player returning or recovering a fumble for TD.
2 points per rushing or receiving 2 pt conversion.
2 points per passing 2 pt conversion.
1 point per 10 yards rushing or receiving.
1 point per 25 yards passing.

However, in the fantasy football leagues of today, PPR scoring is almost exclusively deployed.

PPR scoring is identical to Standard scoring but includes one small addition:

1 point per reception.

Through this addition, PPR leagues diminish the luck and randomness involved with touchdowns – a problem inherent in Standard leagues.

Scoring touchdowns can be very fluky, so reward the consistency and volume of catching the ball. [5]

PPR scoring rewards players whose catches might not occur in the end zone but still bring tremendous value to their teams.

For example, a player who catches six passes for first downs per game is just as valuable as one who catches one fade route for a TD. [6]

Closing Thoughts

They say it is wise to avoid discussions regarding politics and religion due to people’s strong views.

As harmless as it seems, we should add PPR to the list.

Old-school fantasy players swear by the Standard scoring system, while the younger generation is attached to PPR.

In another piece, I will compare and contrast the two scoring systems and offer my opinion.

I may even propose yet a third scoring system for you to consider.

Until then, let me know your thoughts on PPR below.

Is it an improvement over the Standard scoring system?

Why or why not?

https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/what-ppr-means-fantasy-football-and-three-picks-target-draft
https://support.espn.com/hc/en-us/articles/360031085331-League-Scoring-Types-Standard-and-Non-PPR#:~:
https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/34370418/espn-fantasy-football-new-game-features-2022-including-keepers-scoring-options
https://www.si.com/fantasy/2022/07/21/whats-the-best-fantasy-football-scoring-system
https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-scoring-formats-an-argument-for-ppr
https://next.voxcreative.com/sponsored/9333087/ppr-leagues-are-everything-that-s-wrong-with-america-a-fantasy