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PPR vs Standard Trading Strategy

Adjust your trading strategy based on league format and position scarcity

13 min readUpdated October 30, 2025

Key Takeaways

PPR formats significantly increase WR and pass-catching RB value

Standard leagues favor bell-cow RBs and volume-dependent players

The QB13 vs RB13 point gap varies 3+ points between formats

Trade leverage shifts dramatically between PPR and Standard

PPR vs Standard: Fundamental Differences

Understanding Scoring Differences

Points Per Reception (PPR) scoring awards 1 point for every catch. This fundamentally changes position value relative to Standard scoring where receptions don't count.

PPR (Full Point Per Reception)

  • ✓ Every catch = 1 point
  • ✓ WR value increases significantly
  • ✓ Pass-catching RBs elevated
  • ✓ Slot receivers tier up
  • ✓ Elite WRs dominate early rounds

Standard (No PPR)

  • ✓ Only yards & TDs count
  • ✓ RB value increases relative
  • ✓ Bell-cow backs premium
  • ✓ Snap count matters less
  • ✓ High-volume threats dominate

Position Value Shifts in 2025

Wide Receiver Value Analysis

PPR Advantage

In full-PPR leagues, elite wide receivers with 100+ targets see massive value increases. Every catch is guaranteed points, making possession receivers highly valuable.

  • • High-volume WRs worth 20-30% more
  • • Slot receivers jump multiple tiers
  • • Target share is primary value metric

Standard Disadvantage

In Standard leagues, WR value drops significantly. Only yards and TDs matter, reducing the value of possession receivers without end-zone opportunities.

  • • Volume-dependent WRs lose value
  • • Red zone opportunity priority increases
  • • YAC specialists become less valuable

Running Back Value Comparison

Standard League RBs

The most important players impacted by PPR removal. Bell-cow running backs with limited receiving work become more valuable in Standard leagues.

  • • Pure rushing volume highly prized
  • • Pass-catching RBs lose 15-25% value
  • • Red zone touches are primary metric

PPR League RBs

Pass-catching running backs see significant uptick in value. The very best fantasy RBs in PPR are almost always those with strong receiving skills.

  • • Receiving RBs premium valued
  • • Target share quality metrics rise
  • • Pass-game involvement decides tier

Quarterback Value Shift (2025 Data)

Critical Scoring Format Impact

Half-PPR Format: The difference between QB13 and RB13 is approximately 3 fantasy points per game.

Full-PPR Format: That same difference drops to just 1 fantasy point per game.

This means QB value relative to RBs decreases in full-PPR formats, making late-round QB strategy more viable.

Adjusting Your Trading Strategy by Format

Trading Strategy for PPR Leagues

Buy Possession Receivers

Target WRs with 100+ target projections regardless of TD projections. Every catch = 1 point.

Example: In a PPR league, a WR with 120 targets and 5 TDs is worth more than a WR with 80 targets and 10 TDs.

Upgrade Pass-Catching RBs

RBs with 50+ target projections are worth 15-25% more in PPR than Standard. Trade for them aggressively.

Trade Upside: Package a Tier 2 WR for a pass-catching RB with volume.

Sell High-Volume WR Targets

After explosive games with 10+ catches, sell for maximum value to teams with WR injuries.

Timing: Sell immediately after 12+ catch performances.

Leverage Slot Receiver Scarcity

Pure slot receivers gain 20-30% value in PPR. Use this for trade leverage against depth-hungry teams.

Advantage: Trade depth for elite slot WRs with safest floors.

Trading Strategy for Standard Leagues

Prioritize Bell-Cow RBs

Pure volume runners are premium in Standard. Handcuff these backs aggressively.

Strategy: Trade WR depth for elite rushing-focused RBs.

Target Red Zone Receivers

In Standard, TD-dependent WRs are worth 20-30% more than possession receivers. Focus on end-zone opportunities.

Metric: Red zone target share and yards per catch matter less.

Sell Slot Receiver Premium

Pure slot WRs lose 15-25% value in Standard. Sell them for more valuable positional upgrades.

Trade Execution: Package slot WRs + depth for bell-cow RBs.

Avoid Pass-Catching Backs

Pass-catching RBs lose their premium value in Standard. Trade them away after good weeks.

Sell Timing: After games with 5+ receptions, move them for pure rushers.

Draft Strategy Impact on Trading

How Draft Strategy Affects Mid-Season Trades

PPR Draft Approach

In PPR, elite WRs at top-end talent levels still outnumber top-end RBs in early rounds, even in the 2025 season. This means by mid-season, you'll have RB scarcity compared to teams that prioritized RBs early.

Trade Implication: You have more WR depth to trade for premium RBs later in the season.

Standard Draft Approach

In Standard, the RB vs WR value calculation changes. Teams will have drafted more RBs early, leading to different mid-season scarcities. WR value on the trade market increases.

Trade Implication: Possession WRs become valuable trade targets, not trade pieces.

Format-Based Trading Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using Standard Strategy in PPR

Trading away WR depth for RBs in PPR is backwards. WR depth is valuable in PPR; use it to trade for other positions.

Mistake #2: Overvaluing Pass-Catching RBs in Standard

In Standard leagues, receiving ability is secondary. Focus on volume, not skill. Don't overpay for receiving backs.

Mistake #3: Not Adjusting Half-PPR Strategy

Half-PPR is the middle ground. Don't treat it like Standard or Full-PPR. Possession WRs still have value, but not as much as full-PPR.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Target Share in Standard

Even in Standard, target share matters. It predicts future red zone opportunities. Don't completely ignore volume.

Format Trading Quick Reference

PPR League Priorities

  • ✓ Buy high-target WRs
  • ✓ Acquire pass-catching RBs
  • ✓ Trade for slot receiver depth
  • ✓ Sell TD-heavy WRs early
  • ✓ Target 100+ target projections

Standard League Priorities

  • ✓ Prioritize bell-cow RBs
  • ✓ Trade for red zone WRs
  • ✓ Sell pass-catching RBs
  • ✓ Move slot receiver depth
  • ✓ Focus on volume & TDs

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