Fantasy Football Glossary
Your complete guide to fantasy football terminology and acronyms
ADP (Average Draft Position)
The average round and pick number a player is selected across all fantasy drafts. Used as a guide for player value and draft strategy.
Auction Draft
A draft format where managers bid on players with a set budget, rather than selecting in a predetermined order. Allows all managers equal opportunity to acquire any player.
Bench
Players on your roster who are not in your starting lineup for a given week. They do not score fantasy points that week but can be activated for future weeks.
Boom-or-Bust
A player with high scoring volatility. They may score 30+ points one week and less than 5 points the next. High ceiling, low floor.
Bust
A player who significantly underperforms their draft position or expectations. Often refers to high draft picks who fail to produce.
Ceiling
The maximum potential fantasy points a player could realistically score in a single game or season. Used to evaluate upside potential.
Cheat Sheet
A pre-draft player rankings list used as a reference during the draft. Often customized based on league scoring and personal preferences.
Defense/Special Teams (DST)
A roster position representing an entire team's defense and special teams unit. Scores points based on sacks, interceptions, touchdowns, and points allowed.
Dynasty League
A league format where managers keep their entire roster year-to-year. Emphasizes long-term player development and rookie draft picks.
FLEX Position
A roster spot that can be filled by a running back, wide receiver, or tight end (sometimes includes QB in superflex leagues). Adds strategic depth to roster construction.
Floor
The minimum fantasy points a player can reasonably be expected to score. High floor players provide consistency and safety.
Handcuff
A backup running back who would become a starter if the team's RB1 gets injured. Often drafted by managers who own the starter.
Head-to-Head
A league format where teams compete directly against one opponent each week. The team with more points wins the matchup. GridIron Duels uses this format.
IR (Injured Reserve)
A roster designation for injured players. Players on IR don't count against your active roster limit but cannot be activated until removed from IR.
Keeper League
A league where managers can keep a limited number of players from their previous season's roster. Combines elements of redraft and dynasty leagues.
Mock Draft
A practice draft used to prepare for your actual league draft. Helps familiarize you with player values and draft strategy.
PPR (Point Per Reception)
A scoring format that awards one point for every reception (catch) a player makes. Increases value of pass-catching players, especially running backs and possession receivers.
QB1, RB1, WR1, TE1
Refers to players who finish in the top 12 (or number of teams in your league) at their position. Indicates starter-level production.
Redraft League
The standard fantasy football format. Each season begins with a fresh draft, and no players are kept from the previous year.
Roster
Your complete team of fantasy players, including both starters and bench players.
Sleeper
A player drafted in the middle to late rounds who has potential to significantly outperform their ADP. Often overlooked but high-upside options.
Snake Draft
The most common draft format. The draft order reverses each round (1-10, then 10-1, then 1-10 again). Used in GridIron Duels League Mode.
Standard Scoring
A scoring format that awards points only for yards gained and touchdowns, without PPR bonuses. Emphasizes big plays and touchdowns.
Stud
An elite, top-tier fantasy player. Typically first or second-round draft picks who consistently produce at a high level.
Superflex
A roster position that can be filled by any offensive player, including quarterbacks. Dramatically increases quarterback value.
Target Share
The percentage of a team's total pass attempts directed at a specific receiver. Higher target share generally indicates more opportunity and fantasy value.
Tier
A grouping of similar-valued players at the same position. Used to identify value during drafts and make start/sit decisions.
Touchdown Regression
The statistical principle that players who score an unusually high or low number of touchdowns will likely regress toward the average the following season.
Value-Based Drafting (VBD)
A draft strategy that compares a player's projected value to the replacement-level player at the same position. Helps identify which positions to prioritize.
Waiver Wire
The pool of unowned players available for acquisition. Managing the waiver wire effectively is crucial for season-long success.
Zero RB Strategy
An advanced draft strategy where managers wait on drafting running backs, instead loading up on elite wide receivers and tight ends early. Controversial but can be effective.
Ready to Apply Your Knowledge?
Join GridIron Duels and put these fantasy football concepts into action!
Create Free Account