Fantasy football scoring formats are in need of a change, as the PPR system has become like a weed that has infested the entire landscape. PPR was originally introduced to break up the running back-dominated fantasy drafts of the early 2000s, but it has become a popular scoring system without much logic behind it. PPR values catches more than carries, which goes against the basic principles of football where how you gain yards should not matter. Despite its flaws, PPR has taken over the fantasy football world, with virtually every league using this scoring format.
One of the main criticisms of the PPR system is that it rewards a catch for zero yards the same as a rush for 10 yards. This inconsistency in scoring can significantly change the fantasy value of players. For example, in the 2020 season, Alvin Kamara was the top fantasy running back in PPR even though Derrick Henry had a statistically better season in terms of rushing yards and touchdowns. Kamara’s 83 catches gave him a significant boost in PPR scoring, showcasing the flaws in this system.
To address the issues with PPR scoring, the article proposes a new scoring system called FDC, which stands for first downs converted. This format would award points for first downs, which reflect actual performance and contribution on the field rather than arbitrary scoring for catches. FDC would be a fairer way to score fantasy players based on their real-world impact on the game, whether through rushing or receiving. This alternative scoring system could provide a more balanced and realistic approach to fantasy football.
The Draft Value Quotient (DVQ) is another aspect of fantasy football discussed in the article. This player rating system assigns a universal number to each player, projecting when their production will match their draft pick value. The DVQ takes into account factors such as playing time, expected touches, coaching tendencies, past performance, and injury history. These ratings are updated regularly to provide an accurate reflection of a player’s value in fantasy drafts.
The article calls for a change in fantasy football scoring formats, emphasizing the superiority of the FDC system over PPR. The proposed FDC system, which awards points for first downs converted, is seen as a more logical and fair scoring method that aligns with a player’s on-field performance. The fantasy community is encouraged to advocate for the adoption of the FDC system in their leagues and push for more platforms to offer this alternative scoring format. By promoting the use of FDC, fantasy players can enjoy a more realistic and balanced fantasy football experience that values actual contributions on the field.
