There are a number of options on the ballot for changes to Nilbog starting with the 2023 season. Read below for some of the pros and cons of each choice.
Oct 5, 2022 Editorial:
Per request, a breakdown of scoring changes for TEs and WRs can be found at this Google Sheets link.
The spreadsheet has scoring for the top 32 TEs and the top 48 WRs of the 2021 season as a reference. There are column’s for each player’s PPG under the current scoring; PPG if the TE half point premium is passed; and scoring if both the premium and half point per first down (PPFD) is passed.
Rushing points are not included for any player except Deebo Samuel.
| TE Rank Under Current Scoring | Average Gain From TE Premium | Average TE Premium % Gain |
| #1 – #8 | 2.48 PPG | 22% |
| #9 – #17 | 1.97 PPG | 24% |
| #17 – #32 | 1.35 PPG | 26% |
| TE Rank Under Current Scoring | Average Gain From Half-PPFD | Average Half-PPFD % Gain |
| #1 – #8 | 1.52 PPG | 11% |
| #9 – #17 | 1.14 PPG | 11% |
| #17 – #32 | 0.65 PPG | 10% |
| WR Rank Under Current Scoring | Average Gain From Half-PPFD | Average Half-PPFD % Gain |
| #1 – #16 | 1.93 PPG | 13% |
| #17 – #32 | 1.52 PPG | 14% |
| #33 – #48 | 1.07 PPG | 13% |
Point Per First Down
PPR creates as many problems as it solves. It drastically changes how certain running backs and receivers are valued, places emphasis on small, dink-and-dunk plays over more exciting boom-or-bust ones, and awards points when a player simply touches the ball. Luckily, there’s an alternative that patches up the issues in both PPR and traditional scoring. It’s time to introduce the true solution to the PPR-vs.-standard debate: point per first down…
PPR creates a “double dip” effect. When a player catches a football, he already generates fantasy value with the yards he picks up. But a PPR system creates odd scenarios. For example, a 4-yard reception is no more valuable to a real football team than a 4-yard run, yet under PPR scoring, the catch would be worth 1.4 points while the carry would be worth 0.4—less than a third of the value. A zero-yard reception is given as many points as a 10-yard rush. Hell, a player could catch a pass, run 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, get tackled, and still be awarded with 0.5 points. It’s just bizarre.
This is where PPFD comes in. Sometimes, a 4-yard reception really is worth more than a 4-yard rush: when that pass picks up a first down. Rewarding a player a point for a receiving or rushing first down is a promising way to increase scoring, balance out position groups, and decrease touchdown dependency—without a double dip.
The Ringer, 2018
Pros:
- Fairly judges plays that were deliberately intended to be short yardage plays by a team’s offensive coordinator by rewarding a player picking up a first down for their team.
- Creates a higher scoring, more exciting fantasy football atmosphere.
- Reduces a player’s touchdown dependence in favor of more reliable production.
- Increases parity of WRs. WRs need a boost to be comparatively as valuable as the dominant ball carriers.
- A 1 yard run on 3 and 1 should be more valuable than a 9 yard run on 3rd and 24.
Often times, when watching football through a fantasy football lens, we’re rooting for our player to reach the end zone and score a touchdown. With PPFD scoring, you can introduce dozens of mini-goal lines to each game that you watch.
faNTASYPROS.COM
Cons:
- Half point per reception already accomplishes many of the pros above, such as a decrease in touchdown dependence and an increase in WR value.
- If a player’s team achieves a first down, they have already opened up more fantasy scoring opportunities for that player. There is no need to award the first down itself.
- Makes counting fantasy points for a player more difficult if looking at stat lines.
- Several sources state that there would be little difference in RB and WR placements compared to standard scoring – so what is the point?
Tight End Premium
Over the past few seasons, more leagues are looking to implement “TE-Premium” scoring as a compromise to increase TE scoring. In case you are not familiar, TE-Premium scoring allows additional points to the TE position, typically by adding an additional half-point per reception. In half-PPR leagues, RB and WRs get .5 pt per reception, while TEs would receive a full 1.
The theory is that giving TEs more points will make them more fantasy relevant, and overall, it’s effective in raising the scoring of TEs. In a 2020 TE-Premium league, Travis Kelce would have outscored all the WRs. Excluding the top two TEs (who each jumped 3 positions when compared to WRs), the average TE gains 13 ranking spots against their WR counterparts. Overall, TE-Premium scoring will make TEs more viable players for the Flex Positions in normal Fantasy Football Leagues.
The Fantasy Footballers
Pros
- Increases TE parity compared to WRs.
- Makes TEs more viable at flex positions.
- Increases value of possession tight ends like Tyler Higbee.
Cons
- Increases disparity between top tight ends and middling tight ends.
- Devalues touchdown-hog tight ends like Robert Tonyan.
Increase/Decrease Roster Spots
Right now, the total number of roster spots is 17 per team – plus four taxi and two IR slots.
Deeper benches favor players who are more active and knowledgeable, who can make the weekly waiver wire plays for the guys who might be relevant next month or next year; since you can stash draft picks, they favor more informed players at the draft who are super into college football or the draft scene.
USER FROM /R/DYNASTYFF
Shallower benches are less interesting but can also make a mixed league more interesting, since the more engaged players can’t stash a bunch of up-and-coming guys. They favor people who are more savvy about matchups and can play the waiver wire.
The Case For Expanding Rosters
Rosters should be large enough for each GMs to roster multiple handcuff backups for their players. Almost every running back on an NFL roster should be on a Nilbog bench, as well as the majority of wide receivers. Expanding rosters will increase the value of 3rd round draft picks and favor a play style closer to NFL simulation.
The Case For Narrowing Rosters
Rosters should be just large enough to have backups for each starter. Fringe players and less valuable handcuffs should be available on the waiver wire as mid season sleepers and replacements. Shrinking rosters will increase the value of FAAB and favors a play style closer to traditional fantasy football re-draft leagues.
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