Who Should I Start in Fantasy Football PPR?

2023-12-07

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Who Should I Start in Fantasy Football PPR?

Making the right start/sit decisions can be a challenge in fantasy football, especially when it comes to PPR (point-per-reception) leagues. In PPR, every reception is worth a point, making players who catch a lot of passes even more valuable. This article aims to provide you with insights and guidance on who to start and who to sit for the upcoming week, based on various factors.

When making start/sit decisions, it's important to consider several factors such as player matchup, team trends, recent performances, injuries, and weather conditions. Start players who have favorable matchups against weak defenses and who are expected to see a lot of targets. Pay attention to players who have been producing consistently well in recent weeks, as they are likely to continue their hot streak. It's also important to be aware of injuries and weather conditions that could potentially affect a player's performance.

Now that you have a general understanding of the factors to consider when making start/sit decisions, let's dive into some specific examples of players you should consider starting or sitting for the upcoming week.

Who Should I Start Fantasy Football PPR

Consider these key points:

Matchup matters
Target volume
Recent performance
Injury updates
Weather conditions
Player consistency
Team trends
Offensive scheme
Bye weeks
Gut instinct

Remember, fantasy football is a game of skill and luck. There is no guarantee that the players you start will always perform well. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of making the right start/sit decisions and winning your matchup.

Matchup matters

One of the most important factors to consider when making start/sit decisions is the player's matchup. A player's matchup refers to the defense they will be facing in the upcoming week. Some defenses are simply more difficult to score against than others. For example, a defense that allows a lot of passing yards and touchdowns will be a favorable matchup for wide receivers and quarterbacks. On the other hand, a defense that is strong against the run will be a tough matchup for running backs.

When evaluating a player's matchup, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Pass vs. run defense: Some defenses are better at stopping the pass than the run, and vice versa. If a player is facing a defense that is weak against the pass, they are more likely to have a good game. For example, in a PPR league, a wide receiver is more likely to catch a lot of passes and score points against a defense that struggles to cover wide receivers.
Home vs. away: Teams often perform better at home than they do on the road. This is due to a number of factors, such as crowd noise and familiarity with the stadium. When evaluating a player's matchup, it is important to consider whether they will be playing at home or on the road.
Recent performance: A player's recent performance can also be a good indicator of how they will perform in a given matchup. If a player has been producing consistently well in recent weeks, they are more likely to continue their hot streak, even if they have a tough matchup. On the other hand, if a player has been struggling in recent weeks, they are less likely to have a good game, even if they have a favorable matchup.

By considering all of these factors, you can get a good idea of how a player is likely to perform in a given matchup. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Target volume

In PPR leagues, target volume is one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a player's potential. Target volume refers to the number of times a player is targeted by his quarterback for a pass. The more targets a player receives, the more opportunities he has to catch passes and score points. As a general rule of thumb, players who see 8 or more targets per game are considered to have high target volume.

High target volume receivers: Wide receivers and tight ends who consistently see a high number of targets are valuable assets in PPR leagues. These players are more likely to catch a lot of passes and score points, even if they don't have the best quarterback throwing to them. Some examples of players with high target volume in recent years include Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, and Travis Kelce.
Target share: In addition to looking at a player's total target volume, you should also consider their target share. Target share is the percentage of a team's total targets that a player receives. Players with a high target share are more likely to be heavily involved in their team's passing game and have a consistent flow of targets. For example, if a wide receiver has a target share of 25%, it means that he is targeted on 25% of his team's pass attempts.
Game script: The game script can also impact a player's target volume. For example, if a team is trailing in a game, they are more likely to pass the ball more in an attempt to catch up. This can lead to increased target volume for wide receivers and tight ends. On the other hand, if a team is winning by a large margin, they are more likely to run the ball more to kill the clock. This can lead to decreased target volume for wide receivers and tight ends.
Offensive scheme: A player's target volume can also be affected by the offensive scheme that his team runs. Some teams run pass-happy offenses that generate a lot of passing yards and touchdowns. This can lead to high target volume for wide receivers and tight ends. Other teams run more run-heavy offenses that focus on establishing the running game. This can lead to decreased target volume for wide receivers and tight ends.

By considering all of these factors, you can get a good idea of which players are likely to have high target volume in a given week. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Recent performance

A player's recent performance is a good indicator of how they are likely to perform in a given week. Players who have been producing consistently well in recent weeks are more likely to continue their hot streak, even if they have a tough matchup. On the other hand, players who have been struggling in recent weeks are less likely to have a good game, even if they have a favorable matchup.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when evaluating a player's recent performance:

Consistency: Look for players who have been consistently producing week after week. Avoid players who have had a few big games but have also had some duds. Consistency is key in fantasy football.
Usage: Consider a player's usage in recent weeks. Are they getting a lot of targets, carries, or touches? Are they being used in the red zone? Players who are heavily involved in their team's offense are more likely to produce.
Matchups: Take into account the matchups that a player has faced in recent weeks. If a player has been producing well against tough matchups, it is a good sign that they are a talented player who can perform well regardless of the opponent.
Injuries: Make sure to check the injury report before making any start/sit decisions. Even a minor injury can affect a player's performance. If a player is listed as questionable or doubtful, it is best to avoid starting them.

By considering all of these factors, you can get a good idea of which players are likely to have a good game in a given week. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Injury updates

Injuries are a part of fantasy football, and they can have a significant impact on your team's performance. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest injury news and make informed decisions about which players to start and sit.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when evaluating injury updates:

Severity of the injury: Some injuries are more serious than others. A player who is dealing with a minor injury, such as a bruise or a sprain, is more likely to play than a player who is dealing with a major injury, such as a broken bone or a torn ligament.
Timeline for recovery: It is important to know how long a player is expected to be out with an injury. If a player is expected to miss multiple weeks, you will need to find a replacement. However, if a player is expected to miss only one or two weeks, you may be able to get by with starting them in your lineup.
Practice participation: Pay attention to a player's practice participation during the week. If a player is limited in practice or does not practice at all, it is a sign that they may not be ready to play in the upcoming game. On the other hand, if a player is a full participant in practice, it is a good sign that they are on track to play.
Game-time decision: Some players are listed as questionable or doubtful on the injury report. This means that their status for the upcoming game is uncertain. In these cases, it is best to wait until closer to game time to make a decision about whether or not to start the player.

By considering all of these factors, you can make informed decisions about which players to start and sit based on injury updates. This information can help you avoid starting players who are injured or unlikely to play and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can also have a significant impact on a player's performance. Some players are more affected by bad weather than others. For example, wide receivers and quarterbacks are more likely to struggle in windy or rainy conditions. Running backs, on the other hand, are less likely to be affected by bad weather.

Wind: Wind can make it difficult for quarterbacks to throw the ball accurately and for wide receivers to catch the ball. It can also lead to more turnovers. In windy conditions, it is best to start players who are less reliant on the passing game, such as running backs and tight ends.
Rain: Rain can make the field slippery, which can make it difficult for players to run and catch the ball. It can also lead to more fumbles. In rainy conditions, it is best to start players who are good at running and catching the ball in wet conditions.
Snow: Snow can make it very difficult to play football. The field can be slippery and the ball can be difficult to see. In snowy conditions, it is best to start players who are good at running and catching the ball in snowy conditions.
Extreme heat: Extreme heat can also affect a player's performance. Players can become dehydrated and fatigued more easily in hot weather. In extreme heat, it is best to start players who are in good shape and who are used to playing in hot weather.

By considering the weather conditions, you can make informed decisions about which players to start and sit. This information can help you avoid starting players who are likely to be negatively affected by the weather and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Player consistency

Player consistency is one of the most important factors to consider when making start/sit decisions. Consistent players are those who produce week after week, regardless of their matchup or the game script. These players are the foundation of any successful fantasy football team.

There are a few things you should look for when evaluating a player's consistency:

Games played: Consistent players are those who play in a majority of their team's games. Avoid players who are injury-prone or who have a history of missing games.
Fantasy points per game: Look at a player's fantasy points per game average. Consistent players will have a high average, even if they have a few down games.
Floor and ceiling: Some players have a high ceiling, meaning they have the potential to score a lot of points in any given week. However, these players also have a low floor, meaning they can also score very few points. Consistent players have a high floor and a solid ceiling. This means that they are less likely to have a bad game and are more likely to produce consistently week after week.
Recent performance: A player's recent performance can also be a good indicator of their consistency. Players who have been producing consistently well in recent weeks are more likely to continue their hot streak. On the other hand, players who have been struggling in recent weeks are less likely to have a good game.

By considering all of these factors, you can get a good idea of which players are likely to be consistent producers in a given week. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Team trends

Team trends can also provide valuable insights when making start/sit decisions. Some teams are simply better than others at producing fantasy points. For example, teams with high-powered offenses are more likely to produce fantasy points for their players. On the other hand, teams with struggling offenses are less likely to produce fantasy points for their players.

Offensive rankings: Pay attention to a team's offensive rankings. Teams that are ranked highly in offensive categories, such as points per game, passing yards per game, and rushing yards per game, are more likely to produce fantasy points for their players.
Recent performances: Look at a team's recent performances. Teams that have been playing well in recent weeks are more likely to continue their success. On the other hand, teams that have been struggling in recent weeks are less likely to turn things around quickly.
Offensive scheme: Consider a team's offensive scheme. Some teams run pass-happy offenses that generate a lot of passing yards and touchdowns. This can lead to big fantasy point totals for wide receivers and quarterbacks. Other teams run more run-heavy offenses that focus on establishing the running game. This can lead to big fantasy point totals for running backs.
Injuries: Injuries can also have a significant impact on a team's offensive production. If a team is missing key players, it can lead to a decrease in fantasy point production for the entire team.

By considering all of these factors, you can get a good idea of which teams are likely to produce fantasy points in a given week. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Offensive scheme

A team's offensive scheme can have a significant impact on the fantasy value of its players. Some offensive schemes are more pass-happy than others, while others are more run-heavy. This can lead to different players being more valuable in different schemes.

Pass-happy offenses: Pass-happy offenses are those that attempt a lot of passes each game. These offenses typically feature quarterbacks who are prolific passers and wide receivers who are good at catching passes. In PPR leagues, wide receivers and tight ends are more valuable in pass-happy offenses because they are more likely to catch a lot of passes and score points.
Run-heavy offenses: Run-heavy offenses are those that attempt a lot of runs each game. These offenses typically feature running backs who are good at rushing for yards and touchdowns. In PPR leagues, running backs are more valuable in run-heavy offenses because they are more likely to get a lot of carries and score points.
Balanced offenses: Balanced offenses are those that attempt a relatively equal number of passes and runs each game. These offenses typically feature quarterbacks who are good at both passing and running, as well as running backs and wide receivers who are good at both rushing and catching passes. In PPR leagues, all offensive players can be valuable in balanced offenses, depending on their individual skills and usage.
Offensive line: The offensive line is also an important factor to consider when evaluating a team's offensive scheme. A strong offensive line can help protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running backs. This can lead to increased fantasy production for all offensive players.

By considering a team's offensive scheme and offensive line, you can get a good idea of which players are likely to be productive in a given week. This information can help you make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Bye weeks

Bye weeks are a part of fantasy football that can be difficult to manage. Every team has a bye week during the season, which means that all of their players are unavailable to play in that week. This can be a major headache for fantasy football managers, especially if they have a lot of players on teams with the same bye week.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for bye weeks:

Check the bye week schedule: Before the season starts, check the bye week schedule for all of the teams in your league. This will help you identify which players will be unavailable during each week.
Draft players with different bye weeks: When drafting your team, try to draft players from different teams so that you don't have too many players on bye in the same week. This will help you avoid having to make difficult start/sit decisions or having to drop players during bye weeks.
Stash players on your bench: If you have a player who is on a team with a bye week early in the season, you can stash them on your bench until their bye week is over. This will prevent you from having to drop them and potentially losing them to another team.
Make smart waiver wire pickups: During bye weeks, there will be a lot of players available on the waiver wire. This is a great opportunity to pick up players who are on teams with favorable matchups. You can also pick up players who are coming off of a bye week, as they will be well-rested and ready to produce.

By following these tips, you can prepare for bye weeks and minimize their impact on your fantasy football team.

Gut instinct

Sometimes, the best way to make a start/sit decision is to trust your gut instinct. This is especially true if you are torn between two players and you can't decide who to start. If you have a strong feeling that one player is going to have a good game, go with that player.

Listen to your inner voice: Your gut instinct is often based on a combination of factors that you may not be consciously aware of. These factors can include things like a player's recent performance, their matchup, and their overall talent level. If you have a strong feeling about a player, it's worth listening to it.
Don't overthink it: Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that are made quickly and without overthinking. If you spend too much time trying to analyze all of the data and make the perfect decision, you may end up making the wrong choice. Trust your gut and go with the player that you think is going to have the best game.
Be willing to take risks: Sometimes, you have to take risks in fantasy football. If you are always playing it safe, you will never win your league. If you have a gut feeling about a player, don't be afraid to start them, even if they are a risky pick. You may be surprised at how well they perform.
Don't be afraid to change your mind: It's okay to change your mind about a player if you get new information. For example, if you learn that a player is injured or that they have a tough matchup, you may want to change your mind about starting them. Trust your gut and make the decision that you think is best for your team.

By following these tips, you can learn to trust your gut instinct and make better start/sit decisions. This will help you increase your chances of winning your matchup and ultimately winning your fantasy football league.

FAQ

Have more questions about who to start in fantasy football PPR? Check out these frequently asked questions:

Question 1: How do I determine which players to start in PPR leagues?

Answer: In PPR leagues, you should focus on players who are likely to catch a lot of passes. This includes wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs who are involved in the passing game. You should also consider a player's matchup, recent performance, and injury status.

Question 2: Which player position is most valuable in PPR leagues?

Answer: Wide receivers are typically the most valuable players in PPR leagues. This is because they are more likely to catch a lot of passes and score points. However, tight ends and running backs who are involved in the passing game can also be very valuable.

Question 3: How do I determine a player's matchup?

Answer: A player's matchup refers to the defense they will be facing in the upcoming week. You can find a player's matchup by looking at the NFL schedule. Some defenses are simply more difficult to score against than others. When evaluating a player's matchup, you should consider factors such as the defense's pass rush, coverage ability, and overall strength.

Question 4: How do I evaluate a player's recent performance?

Answer: A player's recent performance is a good indicator of how they are likely to perform in a given week. You can evaluate a player's recent performance by looking at their statistics from the past few weeks. You should also consider the player's usage in the offense and any injuries or other factors that may have affected their performance.

Question 5: How do I determine a player's injury status?

Answer: You can determine a player's injury status by checking the injury report. The injury report is released by the NFL each week and it provides information on the health of all players in the league. You should pay attention to the severity of the injury, the expected timeline for recovery, and the player's practice participation.

Question 6: Can I start a player who is listed as questionable on the injury report?

Answer: Whether or not you start a player who is listed as questionable on the injury report is a difficult decision. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of the injury, the player's practice participation, and your own personal risk tolerance. If you are unsure about whether or not to start a player who is listed as questionable, it is best to err on the side of caution and sit them.

These are just a few of the questions that you may have about who to start in fantasy football PPR. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make informed start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Now that you have a better understanding of who to start in fantasy football PPR, let's discuss some additional tips that can help you improve your team's performance.

Tips

Here are a few additional tips that can help you make better start/sit decisions in fantasy football PPR:

Tip 1: Pay attention to the weather forecast.

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on a player's performance. For example, wide receivers and quarterbacks are more likely to struggle in windy or rainy conditions. Running backs, on the other hand, are less likely to be affected by bad weather. When making your start/sit decisions, be sure to consider the weather forecast for the upcoming week.

Tip 2: Look for players who are involved in the red zone.

Players who are involved in the red zone are more likely to score touchdowns. This is especially important in PPR leagues, where touchdowns are worth six points. When evaluating a player's potential, consider how often they are targeted in the red zone and how effective they are at converting those targets into touchdowns.

Tip 3: Don't be afraid to start a player against a tough matchup.

Sometimes, a player's individual talent is enough to overcome a tough matchup. If you have a player who is consistently producing well, don't be afraid to start them, even if they have a difficult matchup on paper. Just be sure to temper your expectations and don't expect them to put up huge numbers.

Tip 4: Trust your gut instinct.

By following these tips, you can improve your start/sit decisions and increase your chances of winning your matchup.

Remember, fantasy football is a game of skill and luck. There is no guarantee that the players you start will always perform well. However, by following these tips and the advice in the rest of this article, you can increase your chances of making the right start/sit decisions and winning your fantasy football league.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the various factors that you should consider when making start/sit decisions in fantasy football PPR. We have covered everything from player matchups and recent performance to injury updates and weather conditions. We have also provided you with some tips to help you make better start/sit decisions and improve your team's performance.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making start/sit decisions. The best decision for your team will depend on a variety of factors, including your team's needs, the player's matchup, and your own personal risk tolerance. By following the advice in this article, you can increase your chances of making the right start/sit decisions and winning your matchup.

Remember, fantasy football is a game of skill and luck. There is no guarantee that the players you start will always perform well. However, by following the tips and advice in this article, you can increase your chances of making the right start/sit decisions and winning your fantasy football league. Good luck!