If you’re new to fantasy football, you’ve probably already heard some confusing terms like “PPR,” “waiver wire,” and “handcuff.” Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Fantasy football has its own language, and understanding a few key terms will help you navigate your league like a pro.
Here are some of the more common terms bandied about.
Basic Terms
- Draft – The event where managers select players for their team before the season starts. DataForce Fantasy Football offers multiple draft types, including auctions.
- Roster – Your team’s lineup, including starters and bench players.
- Waiver Wire – The pool of free-agent players available to be added to your team. At DataForce, you’ll bid on these teams every Wednesday evening, with play money.
- Free Agent (FA) – A player not currently on any team’s roster and available for FREE pickup. Free Agency begins in the week before the NFL season begins.
Scoring & League Types
- PPR (Points Per Reception) – A league format where players earn points for each catch, increasing the value of wide receivers and pass-catching running backs. All DataForce leagues currently use PPR scoring.
- Superflex – A league format where you can start a second quarterback in a flex position (see “flex position” below). DataForce offers a wide variety of lineup formats, including multiple Superflex options.
- IDP (Individual Defensive Players) – A league format that includes drafting and starting defensive players rather than just a team defense.
- Dynasty League – A league format that continues from year to year and allows you to retain many of the same players, in contrast to a Redraft league.
Player & Lineup Terms
- Handcuff – A backup player who would replace a starter in case of injury (e.g., drafting a star running back’s backup).
- Sleeper – A player who is expected to outperform their average draft position (ADP) and surprise managers.
- Bust – A highly drafted player who underperforms expectations.
- Boom-or-Bust Player – A player with high upside but inconsistent performances.
- Bye Week – A week during the season when a player’s NFL team is not playing, requiring you to adjust your lineup accordingly.
Game & Strategy Terms
- Streaming – The strategy of picking up players on a weekly basis instead of relying on a single starter all season (common for defenses and tight ends).
- Flex (Flex Position) – A lineup spot where you can start a running back, wide receiver, or tight end, offering lineup flexibility. In Superflex leagues, one or more flex positions allow starting additional quarterbacks.
- Trade Bait – A player you showcase in hopes of trading them for an upgrade. DataForce’s trade bait page can be found under the Trades menu button.
- Sell High / Buy Low – Selling a player when their value is at its peak or trading for a struggling player before they bounce back.
- Ceiling vs. Floor – A player’s best possible performance (ceiling) versus their worst expected performance (floor).
Season & Playoff Terms
- Playoff Push – The final weeks of the fantasy regular season, where teams make crucial moves to secure a playoff spot.
- Championship Week – The final week of your fantasy season where the league winner is determined. At DataForce, this is week 17 of the NFL season.
- Tanking – Intentionally losing to gain a better position in a future draft in a dynasty league. DataForce’s ruleset is designed so that tanking cannot improve your future draft position, and such tactics are a violation of fair-play rules.
Why DataForce Fantasy Football is Perfect for Beginners
Getting started with fantasy football doesn’t have to be overwhelming. DataForce Fantasy Football makes it easy for beginners by offering user-friendly tools and access to friendly, timely support.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy football is a lot easier once you understand the lingo. This glossary hardly presents all the lingo you’ll hear in the fantasy football world, but it’s a good start!
Got a fantasy term you’re unsure about? Drop it in the comments, and we’ll break it down!
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Lee Harmon
Commissioner