Fantasy Football Stats Analysis Glossary

Stands for Points Per Reception. A scoring format that awards 1 point (or 0.5 in Half-PPR) for every catch a player makes. This format significantly boosts the value of pass-catching running backs and high-volume receivers.

The area of the field between the opponent’s 20-yard line and the end zone. Red zone opportunities (targets, carries, or rushing attempts inside the 20) are extremely valuable, as they translate most directly into touchdowns.

A player’s ceiling is their maximum realistic fantasy output in a given week; their floor is their safe, minimum expected production. High-floor players are ideal for cash games; high-ceiling players are best suited for GPPs and tournaments.

The percentage of a quarterback’s pass attempts directed at a specific receiver. A player with a 25%+ target share is considered a top receiving option. High target share is a reliable indicator of consistent fantasy production.

The number of offensive plays a player participates in during a game or season. High snap counts indicate a player is on the field consistently, which is a prerequisite for fantasy relevance—especially for running backs splitting carries.

A running back metric combining carries and targets as a percentage of the team’s total offensive touches. Players with a high opportunity share are the featured backs on their team and carry the most fantasy upside.

The number of yards a running back gains after being initially contacted by a defender. High yards after contact signals an elusive or powerful runner who can create value even behind a poor offensive line.

The number of times a ball carrier forces a missed tackle or runs through a tackle attempt. Players with high broken tackle rates are considered self-reliant producers whose performance is less dependent on blocking.

The percentage of a team’s total rushing attempts handled by a specific running back. A player with a carry share above 55–60% is the clear lead back and carries significant standalone fantasy value in most formats.

How far past the line of scrimmage a receiver is typically targeted, either on individual routes or as a season-long average. Distinct from ADOT in that it can be measured on a per-route or per-scheme basis to analyze situational usage.

The percentage of passing plays on which a receiver runs a route. A player who is on-field but not running routes frequently (blocking, etc.) has less actual receiving opportunity than raw snap counts suggest.

The total distance the ball travels through the air from the line of scrimmage to where it is caught (or would have been caught on incomplete passes). Total air yards reflect a receiver’s role in the vertical passing game and their true workload.

Short for Average Depth of Target. It measures how far downfield a receiver is typically targeted. A high ADOT (15+ yards) indicates a deep threat role, while a low ADOT suggests a slot or check-down receiver.

A combined analysis of Average Depth of Target versus Yards After Catch. This pairing reveals a receiver’s profile: high aDOT/low YAC describes a deep threat, while low aDOT/high YAC describes a slot receiver who creates after the catch.

Short for Receiver Air Conversion Ratio. It divides receiving yards by air yards to measure how efficiently a receiver converts their air yard opportunities. A RACR above 1.0 means the receiver is gaining more yards than his air yards suggest.

A college prospect metric that combines a player’s share of their team’s receiving yards and touchdowns. A Dominator Rating above 30% historically predicts success at the NFL level and is widely used in dynasty redraft analysis.

A play-by-play performance score assigned by Pro Football Focus analysts. Grades range from 0–100, with 70+ considered above average. PFF grades help identify players who perform well regardless of traditional box score stats.

Short for Weighted Opportunity Rating. Developed by Josh Hermsmeyer, it blends target share (weighted at 1.5x) and air yard share to give a composite score of a receiver’s true opportunity within their offense.

The sportsbook-projected combined score for both teams in a given game. A high game total (47+) suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring contest, creating more opportunities for all skill position players—especially WRs and TEs.

A team’s individually projected point total derived from the game total and the point spread. A high implied total (24+) means a team is expected to score frequently, boosting the value of that team’s offensive players in fantasy lineups.

The flow of a game, particularly relating to the score. Teams that fall behind tend to pass more (negative game script), benefiting WRs and QBs, while teams that lead lean on running backs (positive game script).

The concept that some positions have fewer high-quality starters available than others, making elite players at those spots more valuable. Tight end is the clearest example—the gap between TE1 and TE12 far exceeds that at wide receiver.

Short for Average Draft Position. The typical round and pick at which a player is selected across a large sample of fantasy drafts. ADP is used to identify value picks—players going later than their projected performance warrants.

A backup running back drafted specifically because they would inherit a workhorse role if the starter gets injured. Owning a starter and his handcuff protects an investment and is particularly valuable in leagues with limited waiver flexibility.

The strategic advantage gained by starting a player your opponents are unlikely to have. In tournaments (GPPs), low-ownership players with high ceilings provide leverage—a big game differentiates your lineup from the field.