Beginner NFL DFS: Scoring

In daily fantasy football, like in most things, getting the fundamentals down is integral toward laying a foundation of knowledge to build from as you progress as a player. For DFS, that means understanding the scoring rules.

Scoring

This is the scoring system for DraftKings daily fantasy football. You might find other versions of scoring, but this is a fairly straight forward setup.

Offense

Passing TD: +4 Pts
25 Passing Yards: +1 Pt (+0.04 Pts/ Yards)
300+ Yard Passing Game: +3 Pts
Interception: -1 Pt
Rushing TD: +6 Pts
10 Rushing Yards: +1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard)
100+ Yard Rushing Game: +3 Pts
Receiving TD: +6 Pts
10 Receiving Yards: +1 Pt (+0.1 Pts/Yard)
100+ Receiving Yard Game: +3 Pts
Reception: +1 Pt
Punt/Kickoff/FG Return for TD: +6 Pts
Fumble Lost: -1 Pt
2 Pt Conversion (Pass, Run, or Catch): +2 Pts
Offensive Fumble Recovery TD: +6 Pts

Strategy

Points per reception

Probably the most impactful scoring rule at DraftKings is the fact that players receive one-point for every reception. Of course, pricing will take into account a player’s ability as a receiver, but upside for reception numbers is important.

In cash games, finding receivers who have a high floor for receptions is a good way to find consistency at a volatile position. The same can be true for running backs who catch passes with regularity. Finding players with diverse ability, like receivers who are targeted all over the field and running backs who catch passes and get rushing attempts, is always optimal.

Interceptions & fumbles

Turnovers cost you negative one-point, which isn’t a big percentage of a player’s possible points. That fact makes it easier to roster players with some trouble with turnovers, especially quarterbacks. Last season Jameis Winston was an interception machine, but was still a good player on DraftKings for much of the season. On average, a quarterback who throws a lot of interceptions isn’t one you want, but there are exceptions in the right matchups.

Bonuses

If your quarterback throws for over 300 yards, he gets a +3 bonus. When a running back or wide receiver hit 100 yards, they also get a +3 bonus. You want those bonus points, but predicting them is tough. Paying up for a great player in a good matchup makes your odds of getting them to the bonus good, but means you will likely need to find value plays that have lower odds to hit the bonus. Finding strong upside plays across the board will add to the risk of a dud lineup, but will give you better odds of hitting the bonus multiple times. Those are better for GPPs and fit into GPP strategy.