Players to Target in Points-Per-Reception (PPR) Leagues

When it comes to fantasy football there are so many league options that one can dive their selves into. That is a good thing though, because like trying to find your favorite ice-cream flavor the more the merrier. For example, there are some that prefer standard leagues, others that prefer stock market leagues, and yet others prefer what I am about to discuss here today in PPR, otherwise known as a point-per-reception leagues.

PPR leagues are not drastically different over a normal standard league that you can find online or join with some buddies in person, yet it could be the cream that you have been looking to put into your coffee for quite some time. The only difference is that in PPR leagues, the player that receives the ball, be it the wide receiver, running back or tight end gets a fantasy football points (usually 1-point per reception). You might be thinking, big whoop, but let me tell you, it really can add up.

Before I get into what players you may want to keep an eye out for in 2009 in PPR leagues I just want to give you an example. Randy Moss went very high in most leagues last year, some even in the first round, while his teammate Wes Welker could be had a handful of rounds later. Moss caught 11 touchdowns while Welker caught a measly three, or so you think. Their yardages were both comparable, Welker coming in with just 157 yards more than Moss, which in most leagues is around 15 fantasy points. With Moss leading the way in touchdowns that gave him a 48 point advantage; and with the 15 points now figured in we are looking at a 33 fantasy point edge to Moss. Now comes the eye-opener. When you add in the points-per-reception.

Last year Welker had 111 receptions while Moss had only 69. That is a 42 point fantasy edge to Welker, making him the better fantasy football option in PPR leagues, where Moss would be the preference in standard leagues. Now do you see why it is a bit important to do a little research before jumping into these types of leagues? Don’t worry though, that is what the Bruno Boys are here for, as I am about to give you a list of players that you will want to consider taking higher than you normally would in standard leagues if you decide to play in PPR leagues this fall, a high recommendation may I add from this Bruno Boys.

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Running Backs

“Whoa”, you might say. “Running Backs? We are talking about receivers, right? Wrong. Anyone that can catch the ball during the game has an advantage in PPR leagues. The game has evolved so much recently in the NFL that you must take into account what backs are catching balls out of the backfield.

Did you know that there were eight running backs that went for 50 or more receptions last year, and a handful of them were the running backs that you would have loved to have been starting regardless of your leagues scoring format.  Here are the players to consider that would be ranged from either a RB1 or RB2 in deeper, 12-team leagues that would deserve a bit more consideration and a bump in your player rankings if you're partaking in a PPR league. Their (receptions from 2008) are included.

Matt Forte (63), Maurice Jones-Drew (62), Brian Westbrook (54), LaDainian Tomlinson (52), Marion Barber (52), Reggie Bush (52), Steve Slaton (50, Marshawn Lynch (47), Chris Johnson (43), Frank Gore (43), Steven Jackson (40) are the main names that jump off the page. But there are a few to consider for comeback players that had down years in 2008 but are talented rushers and great passing catchers. This list includes Darren McFadden (29) and Joseph Addai (25). All of these players are players that should be considered to be notched up a few slots from normal standard leagues as Matt Forte's 63 receptions in 2008 was over 42 more than Adrian Peterson's reception total. That 42 point difference, or in other words 7 touchdowns is enough to consider other options with the top overall pick in PPR leagues.

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WIDE RECEIVERS

There is no doubt about it, wide receivers are the most thought of positions in PPR leagues, the extra points more than help support my own personal theory of not drafting a quarterback too early. A key part to a fantastic fantasy football championship run is what wide receivers would do best to fill your starting squad and not your opponents. This is especially important when considering that a lot of leagues are now going to the 3 wide receiver starting set, a personal favorite of mine.

The following list are players that you would consider a WR1-WR3 but gets an added boost in rankings in PPR leagues:Andre Johnson (115), Wes Welker (111), Brandon Marshall (104), Larry Fitzgerald (96), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (92), Eddie Royal (91), Anquan Boldin (89), Roddy White (88), Dwayne Bowe (86), Antonio Bryant (83), Reggie Wayne (82), Hines Ward (81), Derrick Mason (80), Greg Jennings (80), Calvin Johnson (78), and Steve Smith (78). Those are all players who very well could approach at least 80 catches this year and a few others that had down season can as well in Randy Moss (69) and Terrell Owens (69). There are always a handful of players that jump out and have great years and there are those you have to worry about, such as the Denver Broncos tandem that lost Jay Cutler. And then you have an Anthony Gonzalez who could benefit greatly from the departure of Marvin Harrison. Stay tuned to the Bruno Boys for updated information as we progress closer to the season.

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