Quarterbacks get points in fantasy football primarily through passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns, with deductions for interceptions and fumbles. While statistics like completion percentage and quarterback rating are important for real-world NFL analysis, they typically don’t directly award or deduct fantasy points in most standard leagues, although some specialized leagues may offer bonus points for these metrics.
For any fantasy football player, especially those who prioritize the quarterback position, grasping how these signal-callers rack up points is crucial for drafting, setting weekly lineups, and making trades. It’s not just about throwing for a lot of yards or touchdowns; other aspects of a quarterback’s performance can significantly impact your fantasy team’s success. This guide will dive deep into every facet of quarterback scoring, from the obvious to the often-overlooked, helping you master your league and dominate your opponents.
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The Foundation: Passing Production
The bedrock of a quarterback’s fantasy scoring comes from their arm. Every throw, completion, and yard gained through the air contributes to your team’s total.
Passing Yards: The Bread and Butter
Passing yards are the most fundamental way quarterbacks earn points. Most fantasy leagues award a set amount of points for every yard gained through the air. The standard is usually 0.04 points per passing yard, meaning 25 passing yards equals one fantasy point.
- How it works: When a quarterback throws the ball and it’s caught by an eligible receiver who advances it downfield, those yards are credited to the quarterback.
- Impact: Quarterbacks playing in pass-heavy offenses, or those who frequently throw for a high volume of yards, will consistently provide a solid floor of fantasy points. This is why quarterbacks on teams with weaker run games or those often trailing often rack up big passing yardage.
- Considerations:
- Volume: A quarterback who throws for 300 yards in a game will score more than one who throws for 200 yards, even if the 200-yard passer had more touchdowns.
- Efficiency vs. Volume: Some quarterbacks might have a lower yardage total but a higher completion percentage, indicating efficiency. However, in most leagues, raw yardage is king.
Passing Touchdowns: The Game-Changers
Passing touchdowns are the holy grail of quarterback scoring. These are the plays that often seal victories and are heavily rewarded in fantasy football.
- How it works: When a quarterback throws a touchdown pass to a teammate, it typically earns a significant point bonus. The standard is usually 4 or 6 points per passing touchdown, with 6 being more common in many formats.
- Impact: This is where quarterbacks can really separate themselves. A quarterback throwing for multiple passing touchdowns in a game can significantly boost your team’s score, especially if other positions are having an off week.
- Considerations:
- Red Zone Efficiency: Quarterbacks who are adept at leading their team downfield and finishing drives with passing scores are invaluable.
- Offensive Scheme: Teams that utilize their quarterback in scoring situations, particularly in the red zone, will see their quarterback’s fantasy value soar.
Beyond the Pass: Rushing Contributions
While known for their passing, many modern quarterbacks are also threats with their legs. Their ability to gain yards and score on the ground adds another significant layer to their fantasy scoring.
Rushing Yards: The Dual-Threat Advantage
Rushing yards are an increasingly important aspect of quarterback scoring. As the NFL has evolved, many quarterbacks are no longer just pocket passers; they are dynamic athletes capable of picking up significant yardage with their legs.
- How it works: Similar to passing yards, rushing yards are awarded for yards gained by a quarterback when they run with the ball. This can happen on designed runs, scrambles when a passing play breaks down, or even on quarterback sneaks. The typical scoring is 0.1 points per rushing yard.
- Impact: Quarterbacks who can effectively gain yards on the ground provide a crucial fantasy boost. This is especially true for quarterbacks in offenses that utilize read-option plays or have a mobile quarterback capable of extending plays.
- Considerations:
- Mobility: A mobile quarterback can turn broken plays into positive yardage, providing a valuable safety net and boosting their fantasy floor.
- Volume of Rushing Attempts: Quarterbacks who are given more opportunities to run the ball, whether designed or on scrambles, will naturally accumulate more rushing yards.
Rushing Touchdowns: The Underrated Score
Rushing touchdowns are often more valuable than passing touchdowns in fantasy football due to the scoring difference per touchdown.
- How it works: When a quarterback runs the ball into the end zone themselves, it counts as a rushing touchdown. These typically award 6 points, just like passing touchdowns.
- Impact: This is where a dual-threat quarterback can truly shine. A quarterback who throws for three touchdowns and runs for two has an explosive fantasy day. The ability to score on the ground adds a crucial element to a quarterback’s fantasy ceiling.
- Considerations:
- Goal-Line Usage: Quarterbacks who are frequently used in short-yardage or goal-line situations have a higher probability of scoring rushing touchdowns.
- Scrambling Ability: Even without designed runs, a quarterback who can scramble out of pressure and find the end zone adds immense fantasy value.
The Downsides: Penalties and Mistakes
Not all of a quarterback’s actions result in points. Certain mistakes can lead to deductions, impacting their overall fantasy score.
Interceptions: The Costly Turnovers
Interceptions are a direct penalty on a quarterback’s fantasy performance.
- How it works: When a quarterback’s pass is caught by an opposing player, it’s an interception. Most leagues deduct a fixed number of points for each interception, typically 1 or 2 points.
- Impact: A quarterback throwing multiple interceptions can significantly lower their fantasy output, even if they accumulate a lot of passing yards. This is why clean decision-making and accuracy are so important.
- Considerations:
- Risk vs. Reward: Some quarterbacks, particularly those who play in aggressive, downfield passing schemes, may throw more interceptions but also have a higher ceiling due to the volume of attempts.
- Defensive Pressure: Opposing defenses that generate significant pass rush and coverage pressure can force more interceptions.
Fumbles: Another Potential Point Drain
Fumbles are another costly error that can impact a quarterback’s fantasy score.
- How it works: A fumble occurs when a player in possession of the ball loses control of it. While more common for running backs, quarterbacks can also fumble the ball, often when being sacked or tackled. Similar to interceptions, most leagues deduct points for fumbles, typically 1 or 2 points per fumble, often with an additional deduction if the fumble is lost.
- Impact: Like interceptions, fumbles can chip away at a quarterback’s fantasy total, especially if they are prone to losing the ball.
- Considerations:
- Ball Security: Quarterbacks who prioritize ball security when under duress will minimize these negative point opportunities.
- Sack Fumbles: Quarterbacks who are often sacked are more susceptible to fumbling the ball.
Nuances and Bonus Opportunities
Beyond the core scoring categories, some leagues introduce additional ways for quarterbacks to earn points, adding layers of strategy.
Completion Percentage: Rewarding Accuracy
While not always a scoring category, completion percentage (often abbreviated as C-PCT) is a measure of a quarterback’s accuracy.
- How it works: Completion percentage is calculated by dividing the number of completed passes by the total number of pass attempts. In some specialized leagues, a high completion percentage might earn bonus points, or a low completion percentage might incur a penalty.
- Impact: This rewards quarterbacks who are efficient with their throws, consistently hitting their targets. It can provide a slight boost to quarterbacks who might not have the highest volume but are very accurate.
- Considerations:
- League Settings: Always check your specific league’s rules to see if completion percentage is a scoring factor.
- Quarterback Rating: While not a direct scoring category, a high completion percentage contributes to a higher quarterback rating (QBR), a real-world metric that also considers touchdowns, interceptions, and yards per attempt.
Two-Point Conversions: The High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Two-point conversions are a scoring opportunity that can add excitement and points.
- How it works: After a touchdown, teams can opt to attempt a two-point conversion (a play from the 2-yard line). If a quarterback throws a touchdown pass on a two-point conversion attempt, it often awards 2 points, mirroring the actual score. Some leagues may even award points for a quarterback rushing for a two-point conversion.
- Impact: This is another way for quarterbacks to contribute to your fantasy score, especially in leagues where two-point conversions are more frequent or rewarded.
- Considerations:
- Offensive Strategy: Teams that frequently attempt two-point conversions, especially when trailing, can provide more opportunities for their quarterback to score in this manner.
- League Rules: Ensure your league’s scoring reflects points for two-point conversion passes.
Bonus Points: Rewarding Elite Performance
Some fantasy leagues offer bonus points to reward exceptional performances in specific statistical categories.
- How it works: These bonuses can be awarded for achieving certain thresholds. For quarterbacks, common bonuses include:
- Passing Yardage Bonuses: e.g., 300+ passing yards, 400+ passing yards.
- Passing Touchdown Bonuses: e.g., 4+ passing touchdowns, 5+ passing touchdowns.
- Rushing Yardage Bonuses: e.g., 50+ rushing yards, 100+ rushing yards.
- Rushing Touchdown Bonuses: e.g., 2+ rushing touchdowns.
- Completion Percentage Bonuses: As mentioned earlier, some leagues might offer bonuses for a high completion percentage.
- Impact: These bonuses can be crucial for separating the good fantasy quarterbacks from the elite ones. A quarterback who hits multiple bonus thresholds in a single game can provide an enormous fantasy score.
- Considerations:
- League Customization: Bonus points are a common way for commissioners to tailor scoring to their league’s preferences. Always check your specific league’s rules.
- High-Ceiling Players: Quarterbacks who have the potential for huge statistical games are more likely to hit these bonus targets.
Standard Scoring Examples
To solidify your grasp, let’s look at how common scoring scenarios play out.
Scenario 1: The Pocket Passer Masterclass
- Stats:
- Passing Yards: 350 (350 * 0.04 = 14 points)
- Passing Touchdowns: 3 (3 * 6 = 18 points)
- Interceptions: 1 (1 * -2 = -2 points)
- Fumbles: 0 (0 points)
- Total Score: 14 + 18 – 2 = 30 fantasy points
Scenario 2: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
- Stats:
- Passing Yards: 280 (280 * 0.04 = 11.2 points)
- Passing Touchdowns: 2 (2 * 6 = 12 points)
- Rushing Yards: 75 (75 * 0.1 = 7.5 points)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 1 (1 * 6 = 6 points)
- Interceptions: 0 (0 points)
- Fumbles: 0 (0 points)
- Total Score: 11.2 + 12 + 7.5 + 6 = 36.7 fantasy points
Scenario 3: The High-Volume, High-Risk QB
- Stats:
- Passing Yards: 420 (420 * 0.04 = 16.8 points)
- Passing Touchdowns: 2 (2 * 6 = 12 points)
- Rushing Yards: 20 (20 * 0.1 = 2 points)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 0 (0 points)
- Interceptions: 2 (2 * -2 = -4 points)
- Fumbles: 1 (1 * -2 = -2 points)
- Total Score: 16.8 + 12 + 2 – 4 – 2 = 24.8 fantasy points
Scenario 4: With Bonuses
- Stats:
- Passing Yards: 310 (310 * 0.04 = 12.4 points)
- Passing Touchdowns: 4 (4 * 6 = 24 points)
- Rushing Yards: 60 (60 * 0.1 = 6 points)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 0 (0 points)
- Interceptions: 0 (0 points)
- Fumbles: 0 (0 points)
- Bonuses:
- 300+ Passing Yards: +3 points
- 4+ Passing Touchdowns: +5 points
- Total Score: 12.4 + 24 + 6 + 3 + 5 = 50.4 fantasy points
These examples highlight how different statistical profiles can lead to vastly different fantasy outcomes.
How to Maximize Quarterback Scoring
To consistently score well with your quarterback, consider these strategies:
- Target Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: Quarterbacks who can contribute with both their arm and their legs offer a higher fantasy ceiling and a more stable floor. Look for players with a history of good rushing yards and touchdowns.
- Analyze Offensive Schemes: Quarterbacks in pass-heavy offenses or those that utilize the quarterback in the red zone tend to score more. Teams that are often trailing might also pass more.
- Consider Opponent Matchups: Target quarterbacks facing defenses that struggle against the pass or are prone to giving up big plays. A weak secondary can lead to inflated passing yardage and touchdown numbers.
- Watch for Vegas Lines: Over/under totals and point spreads can be indicators of potential offensive output. Games with higher projected point totals often feature more fantasy-relevant scoring.
- Be Aware of League Settings: The most crucial step is to know your league’s scoring rules inside and out. The value of a completion percentage bonus, a two-point conversion score, or a quarterback rating bonus can shift a player’s fantasy value significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do quarterbacks get points for yards after the catch (YAC)?
A1: Yes, yards after the catch are included in a quarterback’s passing yards. The statistic tracks the total yardage gained by a receiver after they catch the ball, and this yardage is credited to the quarterback who threw the pass.
Q2: How do two-point conversions affect quarterback scoring?
A2: In most leagues, if a quarterback throws a successful two-point conversion pass, they receive points for it, typically 2 points. Some leagues might also award points if a quarterback runs for a two-point conversion. Always check your specific league settings.
Q3: Are there leagues where completion percentage or quarterback rating directly award points?
A3: Yes, while not standard in all leagues, some fantasy leagues offer bonus points for achieving a high completion percentage (e.g., over 70%) or for a high quarterback rating (QBR). Conversely, very low completion percentages might incur penalties.
Q4: What is the impact of a fumble lost versus a fumble not lost on fantasy points?
A4: Typically, a fumble itself will result in a point deduction (e.g., -1 or -2 points). If the fumble is lost by the team, meaning the opponent recovers it, there may be an additional deduction or a more severe penalty depending on league rules.
Q5: Do quarterbacks get points for a rushing attempt if they don’t gain yards?
A5: Generally, no. Quarterbacks only earn rushing yards for positive yardage gained on a run. A zero-yard gain or a loss on a rush does not award points, though it would still count as a rushing attempt.
By thoroughly understanding how quarterbacks accumulate fantasy points, you gain a significant edge in drafting, setting lineups, and making strategic moves throughout your fantasy football season. Master these scoring mechanics, and you’ll be well on your way to league victory.