Alright, so I’ve been messing around with fantasy football for a while now, and this year I decided to really dive into PPR leagues. PPR, for those who don’t know, stands for “points per reception.” It means your players get points not just for yards and touchdowns, but also for every catch they make. Sounds simple, but it changes things up!
Getting Started: The Draft
First things first, the draft. I usually go into drafts with a general strategy, but this time I had to totally rethink it. Wide receivers and running backs who catch a lot of passes suddenly become WAY more valuable.
I joined a 12-team league with some buddies, and we did a snake draft. Here’s how I approached it:
- Early Rounds: I snagged a top-tier running back first. Even in PPR, a stud RB is still gold. Then, I focused on WRs known for high reception numbers. Think guys who are their QB’s favorite targets.
- Middle Rounds: This is where I loaded up on pass-catching running backs. These guys might not be the main rushers, but they get tons of points in PPR. I also looked for tight ends who are consistent receivers.
- Later Rounds: I grabbed a reliable quarterback and then just filled out my roster with players who had upside, especially guys who might get more receptions than expected.
Making Moves: Waivers and Trades
The draft is just the beginning, though. During the season, I kept a close eye on the waiver wire. I looked for players who were suddenly getting more targets, maybe because of an injury or a change in the offense.
I also wasn’t afraid to make trades. I paid attention to which teams needed help at certain positions and offered trades that benefited both of us. Sometimes I’d trade a player who wasn’t getting many receptions for someone who was, even if the other player was technically “better” overall.
Setting My Lineup: The Weekly Grind
Every week, setting my lineup was a bit of a puzzle. I had to consider not just the matchups, but also how many targets each player was likely to get. Some weeks, a receiver with a tough matchup but a high target volume was a better start than a “bigger name” receiver who wasn’t getting as many looks.
Results: So, Did It Work?
Honestly, it was a rollercoaster! Some weeks, my PPR strategy paid off big time. Other weeks, my guys just didn’t get the targets I expected. But overall, focusing on receptions definitely made a difference. I made the playoffs, which is always the goal!
My take away, pay more attention to the small detail, that can effect the big result.
It’s a fun, slightly crazy way to play fantasy football, that will be great!