How Scoring Works
How fantasy points are calculated across all positions, scoring categories, and bonus rules.
How It Works
In season-long fantasy sports on Atlas, your team accumulates points based on the real-life statistical performances of your players. Each statistical category, from a quarterback's passing touchdown to a kicker's field goal, is assigned a point value. These values are highly customizable by your league's commissioner, but most leagues start with a standard, balanced scoring system.
The goal is to assemble a roster of players who you believe will generate the most fantasy points each week. Your weekly score is the sum of the points earned by the players in your starting lineup. Players on your bench also accumulate points, but they do not count towards your weekly total unless you start them. The team with the higher score in a head-to-head matchup earns a win for the week, advancing your position in the league standings.
Beyond standard scoring, commissioners can implement a variety of bonus rules to add another layer of strategy. These can include bonuses for long-distance touchdowns, penalties for turnovers, or rewards for milestone achievements (e.g., a 300-yard passing game). Understanding your league's specific scoring settings is one of the most critical factors for success.
Key Scoring Categories
Touchdowns, Yards, Interceptions
Core stats for Quarterbacks.
Touchdowns, Yards, Fumbles
Key for Running Backs and mobile QBs.
Touchdowns, Receptions, Yards
Crucial for Wide Receivers and Tight Ends.
Field Goals by distance, Extra Points
Points generated by your team's Kicker.
Sacks, Interceptions, Fumble Recoveries, TDs
Points from the entire defensive unit.
Milestones for yardage or long TDs
Extra points for exceptional plays.
Commissioner Settings
Commissioners have deep control over the league's scoring system. Here are some of the most common settings that can be customized:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Points Per Reception (PPR) | Awards a point (or fraction of a point) for every catch. Changes player valuations significantly. Default: 0. |
| Passing Touchdown Value | Sets the point value for a passing TD. Standard is 4 points, but 6 is also common. Default: 4. |
| Interception Penalty | Points deducted for an interception thrown. Common values are -1 or -2. Default: -2. |
| Yardage Bonuses | Award bonus points for reaching milestones like 300 passing yards or 100 rushing/receiving yards. Default: disabled. |
| Field Goal Distance Bonuses | Awards escalating points for longer field goals (e.g., 3 points for <40 yards, 4 for 40-49, 5 for 50+). Default: enabled. |
| Fractional Scoring | Awards points for every yard (e.g., 0.1 points per rushing yard) instead of in chunks (e.g., 1 point per 10 yards). Default: enabled. |
| Negative Points for Missed Kicks | Penalizes for missed field goals or extra points. Default: enabled. |
| Defensive Scoring Scale | Adjusts how many points a defense gets based on points or yards allowed. Default: standard scale. |
Strategy Tips
- 1Know Your League's Scoring. This is the most important rule. A player who is a top-10 asset in a PPR league might be outside the top 20 in a standard league.
- 2Target Volume. Fantasy points are a direct result of opportunity. Target players who get a high volume of touches, targets, or pass attempts, as they have the highest floor.
- 3Exploit Bonus Structures. If your league awards big bonuses for 40+ yard touchdowns, players known for explosive plays (e.g., speedy deep-threat receivers) get a significant value boost.
Available Sports
Customizable scoring is the backbone of season-long fantasy on Atlas, available for: