What are laterals in fantasy football, and how do they impact your team? Laterals, also known as pitches or shovel passes, are short, backward or sideways passes made by a ball carrier to another player. In fantasy football, they can add significant value, especially for running backs who excel at pass catching and are involved in screen plays or outside runs. This article will provide a comprehensive look at how laterals function within the realm of fantasy football, exploring their scoring implications, the types of players who benefit most, and how to analyze their impact on touch share and overall team performance.
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Fathoming Lateral Play in the NFL
Laterals are a dynamic element of American football. They are designed to keep plays alive, create mismatches, and extend gains beyond what a single player can achieve. Think of a running back receiving a handoff, then quickly pitching the ball to a trailing player – perhaps a faster receiver or another running back – who can then exploit open space. They are also frequently used in screen passes, where a quarterback throws a short pass to a player behind the line of scrimmage who is then expected to gain yardage with blockers in front.
While not as common as traditional handoffs or forward passes, laterals are a strategic tool used by offenses to add an element of surprise and versatility. They can be particularly effective against aggressive defenses that overcommit to stopping the run or blitzing. The risk associated with laterals is that an incompletion results in a turnover, but the reward can be significant yardage and even touchdowns.
The Value of Laterals in Fantasy Football Scoring
The impact of laterals on fantasy football scoring depends heavily on the league’s scoring system.
Standard Scoring
In standard scoring leagues, where points are awarded primarily for yards and touchdowns, a lateral functions similarly to a traditional run or reception.
- Rushing Yards: If a player receives a lateral and then gains yardage by running, those yards count towards their rushing total.
- Receiving Yards: If a player receives a lateral and then gains yardage by running or is tackled immediately after the catch, those yards count towards their receiving total.
- Touchdowns: Any touchdown scored after receiving a lateral counts as either a rushing or receiving touchdown, depending on how the ball was initially received and advanced.
The key here is that the yardage and touchdowns are attributed to the player who receives the lateral and advances the ball. The player who throws the lateral typically does not receive fantasy points for it unless it’s a forward pass that constitutes a completion for passing yardage and touchdowns.
PPR Scoring
PPR scoring leagues award a point for every reception. This is where laterals can become even more valuable, particularly for players who are primarily pass-catchers or receiving backs.
- Receptions: A lateral reception counts as a reception in PPR leagues. This means a player can rack up fantasy points simply by catching a lateral, even if they gain minimal or no yardage.
- Yardage and Touchdowns: As in standard scoring, any subsequent rushing or receiving yards and touchdowns after a lateral reception will also contribute to the player’s fantasy score.
For PPR scoring, a player who consistently catches laterals, even on short-yardage plays or as part of a screen game, can significantly boost their fantasy floor.
Identifying Fantasy-Relevant Lateral Usage
Not all laterals are created equal from a fantasy perspective. The players who benefit most are those who are either initiating or receiving these plays in situations that generate significant yardage or scoring opportunities.
Key Player Archetypes Benefiting from Laterals
Several player archetypes are more likely to be involved in lateral plays and thus carry fantasy relevance:
- Receiving Backs: These are running backs who excel in the passing game. They often line up as receivers or are frequently targeted out of the backfield. Their pass catching ability makes them natural recipients of laterals, especially on screen passes and swing passes that are essentially laterals. A strong receiving back can turn a short lateral into a big gain through their agility and open-field running.
- Shifty Running Backs: Players with excellent lateral quickness and agility can be valuable in lateraling situations. They can turn a near-dead play into a positive gain by successfully pitching the ball to a teammate in a better position.
- Versatile Offensive Weapons: Players who are used in multiple ways – as receivers, running backs, and even in jet sweep formations – are prime candidates for laterals. Their versatility often means they are involved in plays designed to get them the ball in space.
Situational Factors for Laterals
Certain game situations and offensive schemes also lend themselves to increased lateral usage:
- Screen Passes: A staple of modern NFL offenses, screen passes often involve short, lateral or backward passes to running backs or receivers who are intended to gain yardage with blockers ahead of them.
- Outside Runs/Option Plays: Some offenses incorporate laterals into their outside running game, allowing a ball carrier to pitch to a trailing player.
- Trick Plays: Laterals are often a component of elaborate trick plays designed to catch defenses off guard. While these are less predictable, they can result in significant fantasy points when successful.
- Red Zone Opportunities: In the red zone usage discussion, laterals can be used to get the ball to a quick player in space or to a player with better hands near the goal line.
Analyzing Touch Share and Volume with Laterals
When evaluating players, especially running backs, it’s crucial to consider how laterals factor into their overall touch share and volume.
- Volume: A player who receives multiple laterals per game, even if they don’t gain many yards on each, is seeing consistent involvement. This increased volume can be particularly valuable in PPR scoring leagues due to the reception point.
- Touch Share: A player who receives a significant portion of the team’s laterals might indicate a specific role in the offense. For instance, if the primary running back is consistently pitching to a specific backup, it could signal a change-of-pace role or a specialized pass-catching role for that backup. However, the most valuable players are those who contribute heavily to both carrying the ball and receiving laterals.
It’s important to distinguish between laterals initiated by a player and laterals received. A quarterback throwing a lateral that leads to a big gain for a receiver is great for the receiver, but it doesn’t necessarily increase the quarterback’s fantasy volume in the way a forward pass completion does.
Efficiency vs. Volume in Lateral Plays
The debate between efficiency and volume is a constant in fantasy football, and it applies to laterals as well.
- High-Volume Laterals: A player who is consistently involved in laterals, even on short gains, might provide a reliable fantasy floor, especially in PPR. Their touch share is high in these specific play types.
- High-Efficiency Laterals: Conversely, a player who only receives a few laterals a season but turns them into explosive gains or touchdowns can be a weekly difference-maker. Their impact comes from efficiency rather than consistent volume.
When drafting or making waiver claims, consider which type of player aligns best with your league’s scoring and your team’s needs. A player who is efficient with their limited lateral opportunities can be a great boom-or-bust option, while a high-volume receiver of laterals can offer more stability.
Case Studies: Players Who Shine with Laterals
Let’s look at some hypothetical examples of players whose fantasy value is enhanced by their involvement in lateral plays.
The Receiving Back Specialist
Imagine a player like Alvin Kamara (when he was at his peak). He’s not just a runner; he’s an elite pass-catcher. Teams will often utilize him on screen passes and swing passes that are essentially laterals out of the backfield. In PPR scoring, each of these receptions contributes to his fantasy total. If he can then break tackles and gain extra yardage after the catch, the yardage and potential touchdowns further amplify his value. His touch share in the passing game is immense, making him a prime candidate for positive fantasy outcomes stemming from laterals.
The Versatile Slot Receiver
Consider a player who lines up in the slot but also takes handoffs or is used on jet sweeps. A quick lateral pass to this player in open space can lead to big plays. Their pass catching ability is paramount. If their team’s offense frequently designs plays that involve these short, backward passes to get their versatile weapons the ball in space, their fantasy production can soar, especially if they are involved in red zone usage on these types of plays.
Downsides and Risks of Laterals
While laterals can offer fantasy upside, they also come with inherent risks that can hurt your team.
- Turnovers: A fumbled lateral is a live ball, and a turnover. This can lead to lost opportunities for your player to gain yardage and potentially score. A turnover resulting from a lateral, especially if it leads to a defensive touchdown, can be devastating for a fantasy manager.
- Limited Yardage: Not all laterals are designed for big plays. Many are short, intended simply to get the ball to a player in a slightly better position or to avoid a sack. In leagues that don’t heavily favor receptions (i.e., not full PPR), these low-yardage laterals might not offer much fantasy upside on their own.
- Predictability: If a team relies too heavily on laterals, especially in certain situations, opposing defenses can start to anticipate and shut them down. This can limit the volume and efficiency of these plays.
How to Scout for Lateral Usage in Fantasy Football
As a fantasy manager, actively looking for teams and players who utilize laterals can provide a competitive edge. Here’s how to scout for it:
Film Study
- Watch Game Film: Pay attention to how teams design their plays. Do running backs pitch the ball to trailing players? Are there frequent screen passes that involve laterals?
- Identify Key Players: Note which players are consistently involved in these lateral plays, either as throwers or receivers. This can highlight receiving backs or versatile weapons.
Statistical Analysis
- Target Share vs. Reception Share: In PPR scoring, a player with a high target share who also has a significant portion of those targets being laterals can be very valuable.
- ** Yards After Catch (YAC):** For players receiving laterals, strong YAC ability indicates they can turn a short toss into substantial yardage. This is crucial for overall yardage and touchdown potential.
- Pass-Catching Metrics for RBs: Look at metrics like targets per route run and reception percentage for running backs. A high percentage for a player seeing a lot of swing passes or screen passes points to their effectiveness with laterals.
Team Schemes
- Offensive Coordinators: Some offensive coordinators are known for incorporating creative plays, including laterals. Researching the schemes of different teams can reveal potential sources of lateral-based fantasy production.
- Red Zone Usage Patterns: Analyze how teams use players in the red zone usage. Are they getting the ball to playmakers via laterals or shovel passes in scoring position?
The Future of Laterals in Fantasy Football
As offenses continue to evolve, the use of laterals might become even more prevalent. With the emphasis on getting the ball to playmakers in space and the success of screen game strategies, we can expect to see more innovative uses of laterals. This means fantasy managers will need to stay attuned to these trends to maximize their team’s potential.
The ability of running backs to contribute in the passing game, particularly through pass catching, has made them increasingly valuable in fantasy. PPR scoring further accentuates this value. Therefore, players who can effectively receive and advance laterals will likely continue to be sought-after assets. Their consistent volume and efficiency on these plays can provide a reliable fantasy floor, and the potential for big plays means they can also be week-winners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do laterals count as rushing or receiving yards in fantasy football?
A1: Laterals count as either rushing or receiving yards depending on how the ball is received and advanced. If a player receives a lateral and then runs with it, the yards are rushing yards. If they catch the lateral and are tackled or the play ends there, they are receiving yards.
Q2: Are laterals more important in PPR or standard leagues?
A2: Laterals are generally more important in PPR scoring leagues because each reception, including a lateral reception, is worth a point. In standard leagues, the value comes more from the yardage and touchdowns gained after receiving the lateral.
Q3: How can I identify players who are likely to be involved in laterals?
A3: Look for receiving backs, versatile offensive players, and teams that frequently use screen passes or unconventional plays. Analyzing game film and player usage statistics can help identify these players.
Q4: What is the risk associated with laterals in fantasy football?
A4: The primary risk is turnovers. A fumbled lateral is a live ball that can result in a loss of possession and potentially points for the opposing team.
Q5: Should I draft a player primarily because they receive laterals?
A5: While laterals can boost a player’s fantasy value, they should be considered as part of a larger profile. Look for players who are already productive in other areas and happen to benefit from lateral plays. A player with strong touch share, volume, and efficiency who also receives laterals is an ideal target.
Q6: How does red zone usage relate to laterals?
A6: Teams sometimes use laterals or shovel passes in the red zone usage to get the ball to shifty players in space or to players with good hands near the end zone. This can create scoring opportunities that wouldn’t be available with traditional runs or passes.
Q7: What is a “shovel pass” in fantasy football?
A7: A shovel pass is a type of short, underhand forward pass that can sometimes be mistaken for a lateral. In fantasy, it functions similarly to a short reception or a lateral in that it gets the ball to a player quickly with the intention of them gaining yardage. The key fantasy distinction is whether it’s a forward pass (counting for QB passing stats) or a backward/sideways pass (counted as a reception for the receiver).