What This Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet Covers
This fantasy football cheat sheet provides a durable, big-print style reference you can return to each season. It explains core rules, scoring settings, position requirements, and common league configurations in clear language. Topics include scoring types, roster construction, waiver priority, and lineup deadlines. Use this as a foundational guide that stays relevant across drafts, weekly matchups, and season-long strategy decisions.
Core Fantasy Football Concepts
Fantasy football translates real player performance into points that accumulate on your team’s scoreboard. You build a roster by drafting or acquiring players who earn points based on actual game stats. Leagues can vary in size, scoring, and rules, but the fundamentals remain consistent. This section defines key terms and mechanics you will encounter every season.
Key Terms Defined
- Keeper: Players you retain year-to-year outside the standard draft.
- Waivers: A queue system that determines who gets first claim on unowned players.
- Bench: Reserve players who do not start each week but can replace starters.
- IR (Injured Reserve): A disabled list spot for players expected to miss time.
- Playoff Berth: The number of teams that qualify for post-season play in your league format.
Position Requirements and Roster Construction
Standard leagues require you to start a mix of positions each week, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, kickers, and defenses/special teams. Flex positions can be filled by multiple position types. Understanding minimum and optional positions helps you plan drafts, trades, and weekly lineup moves.
Typical Starting Lineup Structures
| League Type | Starting QB | Starting RB | Starting WR | Starting TE | Starting K/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (1QB) | 1 | 2 | 3–4 | 1–2 | 1 (K+ST or flex) |
| 2QB | 2 | 0–1 | 2–3 | 1–2 | 0–1 |
| Superflex | 1 QB allowed as flex | 1–2 | 3–4 | 1–2 | 1 |
Variations exist, but these structures cover the majority of traditional and PPR leagues. Always verify your league’s specific roster settings before drafting or making lineup changes.
Scoring Formats and How They Affect Strategy
Scoring settings determine which stats matter most and how you value positions. Standard scoring awards points for touchdowns and select negative events, while PPR adds points for each reception. Half-PPR gives partial credit for receptions, and IDP leagues add individual defensive players. Choosing or adapting to a scoring format influences draft strategy and weekly decisions.
Common Scoring Categories
- Passing TD: Typically 4 points.
- Rushing/Receiving TD: Typically 6 points.
- Reception (PPR/Half-PPR): 1 point in PPR; 0.5 points in Half-PPR.
- Interception: Typically negative points (often -2).
- Sack: Often -2 to -1 points per sack.
Check your league settings, as values can differ. High-reception formats reward slot receivers and tight ends who catch frequently, while standard scoring emphasizes touchdown efficiency.
Weekly Lineup Decisions and Deadlines
Setting your lineup before the waiver deadline each week is essential. Most leagues lock rosters at a common cutoff, such as 8:00 PM local time on Sunday, before games start. Submitting before the deadline ensures your lineup counts and prevents last-minute changes from affecting your matchup. Plan for bye weeks, injuries, and performance trends when deciding starters.
Lineup Checklist (Before Deadline)
- Confirm roster requirements for each position.
- Check player practice reports and injury designations.
- Review matchup strength and recent performance trends.
- Validate waiver priority order if making claims.
- Submit lineup with time buffer before the cutoff.
Waivers, Trades, and Transaction Strategy
Waivers and trades are central to managing roster needs across the season. Understanding priority systems helps you acquire key players fairly. Clear documentation of trades and timely waiver placements reduce disputes and improve long-term outcomes.
Transaction Best Practices
- Monitor waiver claims daily and set alerts for key positions.
- Use single- and multiple-wire claims strategically.
- Propose trades with clear rationale and mutual benefit.
- Document all trades with details in your league group.
- Respect deadlines and communicate promptly with other managers.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is the difference between PPR and standard scoring?
PPR (Points Per Reception) rewards you for each catch, increasing the value of receivers and flex players. Standard scoring awards points primarily for touchdowns and yardage, placing more emphasis on quarterbacks and running backs.
How should I prepare for the draft?
Study rankings by position, understand your league’s scoring, set a needs-based draft order, and prepare cheat sheets with target boards. Consider mock drafts to practice decision-making under time constraints.
What should I do if a starter gets injured?
Check IR designations and practice reports immediately. Use your bench and waiver priority to find a replacement. Adjust your lineup as soon as possible to maximize points while complying with league rules.
Are dynasty leagues different from redraft leagues?
Yes. Dynasty leagues allow you to keep players across seasons, requiring long-term planning and roster management. Redraft leagues reset each year, focusing on that season’s draft and weekly decisions. Kickers and defenses can provide steady weekly points or create costly surprises. In standard leagues they are often mandatory but undervalued; in high-scoring or flex-heavy formats, factor matchup and schedule strength when choosing these units.