Quarterbacks earn points in fantasy football primarily through passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing yards. They can also score with rushing touchdowns and by converting two-point conversions. The exact scoring values can vary depending on the specific league settings, but these core categories form the basis of quarterback scoring.
Fantasy football quarterbacks are the engines of many fantasy teams. Their real-world performance directly translates into fantasy points, making them a crucial position to draft and manage. But how exactly do these signal-callers rack up the points needed to win your weekly matchups? This guide breaks down every way a quarterback can contribute to your fantasy score.
Image Source: static.fantasypts.com
The Foundation: Passing Production
The vast majority of a quarterback’s fantasy points come from their arm. Here’s a look at the key passing metrics.
Passing Yards: The Bread and Butter
Passing yards are the most fundamental way quarterbacks score. For every 25 yards thrown, a quarterback typically earns one fantasy point. This might seem small, but over a full game, those yards can add up significantly.
- High Volume Passers: Quarterbacks on teams with pass-heavy offenses often accumulate more passing yards. This can be due to scheme, a lack of a strong running game, or even falling behind in games, forcing them to throw more.
- Efficiency vs. Volume: Some quarterbacks are incredibly efficient, averaging more yards per attempt. Others might have lower yards per attempt but throw much more, leading to a higher overall yardage total. Both can be valuable.
Example Scoring:
- A QB throwing for 300 yards earns 12 points (300 / 25 = 12).
- A QB throwing for 450 yards earns 18 points (450 / 25 = 18).
Passing Touchdowns: The Big Plays
Passing touchdowns are the most valuable single play for a quarterback in fantasy football. Most leagues award 4 or 6 points for each passing touchdown. This distinction is critical, as a few touchdown passes can dramatically inflate a quarterback’s score.
- Touchdown Rate: Quarterbacks who throw a high number of touchdowns are fantasy gold. This often correlates with strong offensive lines, talented receivers, and good red-zone offenses.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Teams that consistently move the ball into the red zone are more likely to score touchdowns. A quarterback who can execute in these tight situations is invaluable.
Example Scoring (assuming 4 points per passing TD):
- A QB with 3 passing TDs earns 12 points (3 * 4 = 12).
- A QB with 5 passing TDs earns 20 points (5 * 4 = 20).
Completions and Completion Percentage: The Consistency Factor
While not always directly awarded points, completions and completion percentage are important indicators of a quarterback’s performance and can impact scoring in some leagues.
- Bonus Points: Some leagues offer small bonuses for a high number of completions (e.g., 0.5 points for every 5 completions) or for achieving a high completion percentage (e.g., 0.1 points for exceeding 65% completion).
- Efficiency Metric: A high completion percentage generally means the quarterback is making accurate throws and not forcing passes. This often leads to fewer turnovers and sustained drives.
Example Scoring (league bonus: 0.1 pts per completion, 0.1 pts for every 1% over 65%):
- A QB with 25 completions and a 70% completion rate:
- Completions: 25 * 0.1 = 2.5 points
- Completion Percentage Bonus: (70 – 65) * 0.1 = 0.5 points
- Total Bonus Points: 3.0 points
Interception Penalty: The Cost of Mistakes
The flip side of passing touchdowns are interceptions. An interception penalty is a deduction of points, typically 1 or 2 points, for each pass thrown to an opposing player.
- Risk vs. Reward: Quarterbacks who throw a lot of interceptions can see their fantasy scores significantly lowered, even if they are accumulating a lot of yards. This is why raw yardage isn’t always the best indicator of a QB’s fantasy value.
- Ball Security: Players known for their ball security are more reliable fantasy options.
Example Scoring (assuming -1 point per interception):
- A QB with 2 interceptions loses 2 points (2 * -1 = -2).
- A QB with 4 interceptions loses 4 points (4 * -1 = -4).
Fumble Penalty: Another Way to Lose Points
Beyond interceptions, quarterbacks can also lose points due to fumbles. A fumble penalty, usually 1 or 2 points, is assessed when the quarterback loses control of the ball, and the opposing team recovers it.
- Holding Onto the Ball: Protecting the football is crucial. A fumble can negate positive yardage or a touchdown opportunity.
- Sack Fumbles: Sometimes fumbles occur when a quarterback is sacked. This is another reason why sack avoidance is important.
Example Scoring (assuming -2 points per fumble lost):
- A QB who fumbles the ball twice and loses both: 2 * -2 = -4 points.
Beyond the Pass: Rushing Contributions
While passing is paramount, many quarterbacks are dual threats, using their legs to gain yardage and score.
Rushing Yards: The Ground Game Advantage
Rushing yards are a valuable addition to a quarterback’s fantasy score. Typically, each 10 rushing yards earns 1 fantasy point. This makes mobile quarterbacks incredibly valuable.
- Scrambling Ability: Quarterbacks who can escape pressure and pick up yards with their legs add a consistent floor to their scoring potential.
- Designed Runs: Some quarterbacks are part of designed run plays, especially near the goal line.
Example Scoring:
- A QB rushing for 50 yards earns 5 points (50 / 10 = 5).
- A QB rushing for 120 yards earns 12 points (120 / 10 = 12).
Rushing Touchdowns: A Powerful Scoring Method
Similar to passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns are a significant scoring event. They usually award the same points as passing touchdowns (4 or 6 points).
- Red Zone Threat: Quarterbacks who are effective runners near the goal line are highly valuable. This often happens on “QB sneaks” or designed quarterback runs.
- Tied to Yardage: Rushing touchdowns are often accompanied by positive rushing yardage, making them a doubly beneficial play.
Example Scoring (assuming 6 points per rushing TD):
- A QB with 2 rushing TDs earns 12 points (2 * 6 = 12).
- A QB with 1 passing TD and 1 rushing TD (6-point TD leagues) earns 12 points.
Two-Point Conversions: A High-Leverage Play
Two-point conversions are a more niche but potentially high-impact scoring category. Successfully converting a two-point conversion (either by passing or running it in) usually awards 2 points.
- Late-Game Strategy: Teams often attempt two-point conversions when trailing late in a game to close the scoring gap.
- Risk and Reward: While not as consistent as touchdowns, a successful two-point conversion can provide a crucial scoring boost.
Example Scoring:
- A QB who completes two successful two-point conversion passes earns 4 points (2 * 2 = 4).
- A QB who rushes for a two-point conversion earns 2 points.
Other Scoring Considerations
Beyond the core metrics, some leagues include other scoring categories that can impact a quarterback’s fantasy value.
QB Rating Bonus
While the NFL’s official QB rating is a complex formula, some fantasy leagues may offer bonuses for achieving a certain QB rating threshold. This rewards efficiency and accuracy.
- High Efficiency: Quarterbacks who consistently make good decisions and accurate throws will likely have a high QB rating.
- League Specific: This is a less common scoring category, so always check your league’s specific rules.
Yardage Milestones and Bonuses
Some leagues offer bonuses for reaching specific yardage milestones, such as 300 or 400 passing yards, or 100 rushing yards. These can provide an extra layer of scoring excitement.
League Variations and Their Impact
It’s crucial to remember that fantasy football scoring is not universal. Your league settings can significantly alter a quarterback’s fantasy value.
Standard vs. PPR vs. Half-PPR
- Standard: Focuses on yardage and touchdowns.
- PPR (Point Per Reception): Awards 1 point for every reception a player makes. While this primarily benefits wide receivers and tight ends, a quarterback’s completion of a pass to a receiver still indirectly contributes to that receiver’s PPR score. Quarterbacks themselves don’t get points for completions in standard PPR leagues unless a specific bonus is added.
- Half-PPR: Awards 0.5 points per reception.
Scoring Point Values
The most significant variation is the point allocation for touchdowns and yardage.
- TD Values: Leagues can award 4, 5, or even 6 points for both passing and rushing touchdowns. Six-point TD leagues heavily favor quarterbacks who throw or run for scores.
- Yardage Increments: While 25 yards per point is common for passing, and 10 yards per point for rushing, these can vary. Some leagues might use 20 yards per passing point, making high-volume passers even more valuable.
Negative Scoring
As mentioned, interceptions and fumbles result in point deductions. The severity of these penalties can impact which quarterbacks you target. A QB who is turnover-prone might be a risky pick in leagues with harsh interception penalties.
Example of a Fantasy Scoring Table
To illustrate, let’s look at a common scoring system. Remember to always check your league’s specific rules.
| Statistic | Points Awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yard | 0.04 points | 1 point per 25 yards |
| Passing Touchdown | 4 points | (Can be 6 in some leagues) |
| Interception | -1 point | (Can be -2 in some leagues) |
| Rushing Yard | 0.1 points | 1 point per 10 yards |
| Rushing Touchdown | 6 points | (Can be 4 in some leagues) |
| Fumble Lost | -2 points | (Can be -1 in some leagues) |
| 2-Point Conversion | 2 points | (Passing or Rushing) |
Scenario: A QB has a great game: 350 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 60 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, and 1 interception.
- Passing Yards: 350 * 0.04 = 14 points
- Passing Touchdowns: 3 * 4 = 12 points
- Rushing Yards: 60 * 0.1 = 6 points
- Rushing Touchdown: 1 * 6 = 6 points
- Interception: 1 * -1 = -1 point
Total Score: 14 + 12 + 6 + 6 – 1 = 37 points
Deciphering QB Value
When evaluating quarterbacks for your fantasy team, consider these factors based on how points are scored:
- Volume: How many passing attempts and yards does the QB typically throw for?
- Touchdown Efficiency: Does the QB throw a lot of touchdowns, or are they more of a check-down artist?
- Rushing Upside: Does the QB have the ability to gain significant yards and score touchdowns with their legs? This adds a crucial floor and ceiling.
- Turnover Avoidance: How prone is the QB to interceptions and fumbles? This is critical in leagues with negative scoring.
- Offensive Line and Receivers: A strong supporting cast can boost a QB’s production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do quarterbacks get points for completions in fantasy football?
A1: In most standard fantasy football leagues, quarterbacks do not get direct points for individual completions. However, some leagues offer bonus points for reaching a certain number of completions or for achieving a high completion percentage.
Q2: What is the most valuable stat for a fantasy quarterback?
A2: While passing touchdowns are incredibly valuable, rushing touchdowns are often valued even higher in leagues that award 6 points for both. High passing yards and rushing yards contribute significantly, but touchdowns generally provide the biggest point boosts.
Q3: Can a quarterback score points without throwing a touchdown?
A3: Yes! A quarterback can score points through passing yards, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns, even if they don’t throw any passing touchdowns. A mobile QB with a lot of rushing yards and a rushing TD can still have a solid fantasy day.
Q4: How does an interception penalty affect a QB’s score?
A4: An interception penalty is a negative point deduction. Typically, leagues deduct 1 or 2 points for each interception thrown. This reduces the quarterback’s total score, making ball security a critical factor.
Q5: Are rushing yards scored differently than passing yards?
A5: Yes. In most fantasy leagues, rushing yards are scored at a higher rate than passing yards. For example, it might be 1 point per 10 rushing yards versus 1 point per 25 passing yards.
Q6: What are two-point conversions worth in fantasy football?
A6: Successfully converting a two-point conversion, whether by pass or run, typically awards 2 fantasy points. This is a less frequent scoring event but can be a nice bonus.
Q7: What does QB rating mean for fantasy points?
A7: The NFL’s QB rating is a complex metric. While not always directly used, some fantasy leagues may offer bonus points for quarterbacks who achieve a high QB rating, rewarding efficiency and accuracy.
Q8: How do fumbles impact a quarterback’s fantasy score?
A8: A fumble penalty occurs when a quarterback loses the ball and it’s recovered by the opponent. This results in a point deduction, usually 1 or 2 points, similar to an interception.
By understanding these various scoring categories, you can better evaluate quarterback talent and make informed decisions for your fantasy football team. Always remember to check your specific league’s scoring rules to maximize your team’s potential!