Fantasy Football Glossary
10 Personnel
Offensive grouping with 1 RB, 0 TE, 4 WR; spread looks.
10-Yard Split
The first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash; reflects burst/acceleration.
11 Personnel
Offensive grouping with 1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR; common base set.
12 Personnel
Offensive grouping with 1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR; often run/play-action heavy.
21 Personnel
Offensive grouping with 2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR; includes fullback/H-back usage.
2PT
Two-point conversion.
2QB
A lineup requirement that forces starting two quarterbacks each week.
2TE
A lineup requirement to start two tight ends.
3-Cone Drill
Combine agility drill measuring change of direction.
3WR
A lineup requirement to start three wide receivers.
4-Minute Offense
An offensive play type or package; relevant for predicting usage and fantasy opportunities.
4-Point Passing TD
A scoring rule awarding 4 points for a passing TD (common default).
40-Yard Dash
NFL Combine speed test over 40 yards.
6-Point Passing TD
A scoring rule awarding 6 points for a passing TD.
Achilles
Tendon injury; often long recovery and performance uncertainty.
ACL
Anterior cruciate ligament injury; often season-ending with long rehab.
Add/Drop
Transaction: add a player and drop another to keep roster size constant.
Adjusted Line Yards
Run-blocking metric estimating OL contribution (source-dependent).
ANY/A
Adjusted Net Yards Per Attempt. A QB efficiency metric incorporating sacks, TDs, and INTs.
aDOT
Average depth of target: average air yards on a player's targets.
ADP
Average Draft Position; the average pick number at which a player is selected across drafts.
Air Raid
An offensive system emphasizing high-tempo, pass-heavy play calling.
Air Yards
Total yards the ball travels in the air on targets (before catch).
Air Yards Per Game
Average air yards per game.
Air Yards Per Route
air yards divided by routes run (primarily for receiving stats).
Air Yards Per Snap
air yards divided by snaps played (context-dependent).
Air Yards Per Target
Air yards divided by targets.
Air Yards Rate
air yards per relevant denominator (snap, route, play, or dropback depending on context).
Air Yards Share
A player's share of team air yards.
All-Play
Format where each team effectively plays every other team weekly; record reflects total wins vs all teams.
Anchor RB
Draft strategy that secures one elite running back early, then waits on the position.
Anchor WR
Draft strategy emphasizing one elite WR early, then building around that anchor.
Angle Route
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
ANY/A
Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt; QB efficiency including sacks, TDs, and INTs.
Assist
In IDP scoring, an assisted tackle credited when two or more defenders share a tackle on the same play. Some leagues score assists separately from solo tackles (often worth fewer points)
Assisted Tackle
A tackle where multiple defenders share credit (IDP stat).
Assists Per Game
Average assisted tackles per game.
Assists Per Snap
assisted tackles divided by snaps played (context-dependent).
Assists Rate
assisted tackles per relevant denominator (snap, route, play, or dropback depending on context).
Assists Share
assisted tackles as a percentage share of the team total (definition depends on stat source).
Att
Abbreviation for attempts (pass attempts or rush attempts depending on context).
Auction Draft
Draft format where managers bid a fixed budget on players.
Auto-draft
A fallback state for managers who fail to make a pick within the draft timer. The system typically selects based on ADP or Custom Rankings .
Auto-Substitution
Rule where a backup automatically replaces an inactive starter (platform/league dependent).
Away Split
Performance in away games vs home games.
AY/A
Adjusted Yards per Attempt; QB efficiency including TDs and INTs.
Back-Shoulder Fade
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Backfield Target Share
Share of team RB targets captured by a specific RB.
Backfield Wheel
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Bell-cow RB
A running back who handles the majority of a team's rushing and receiving workload.
Bench
Roster players not in the starting lineup.
Bench Depth
Number and quality of players on your bench.
Bench Points
Points scored by bench players; used as a tiebreaker in some leagues.
Bench Press
Combine strength test counting reps at 225 lbs (historical).
Bench Spot Value
How valuable each bench slot is for stashes and churn.
Bench Stash
Holding a player on the bench for potential future value.
Best Ball
Draft-and-forget format where the system automatically starts the highest scorers.
Best Ball Lineup Optimization
Best ball rule where highest-scoring eligible lineup is used automatically.
Blind Bidding
Waiver system where managers submit hidden FAAB bids; high bid wins.
Bonus Scoring
Extra points for reaching thresholds (e.g., 100 yards, 300 yards).
Boom/Bust
A volatile scoring profile with high spike weeks and low dud weeks.
Bootleg
An offensive play type or package; relevant for predicting usage and fantasy opportunities.
Box Safety
A safety aligned closer to the line; often higher tackle opportunity.
Bracket Coverage
Double-teaming a receiver with help over the top; can reduce big plays.
Breakaway Run
A long run gaining a large chunk of yards (definition varies, often 15+).
Breakaway Run Rate
Share of runs that go for a long gain (definition varies).
Breakout
A player who significantly exceeds prior performance expectations.
Bridge QB
Temporary starting quarterback holding the role until a long-term option is ready.
Bring-Back
Including a player from the opposing team to correlate with a stack in a high-total game context.
Broad Jump
Combine explosiveness test (standing long jump).
Broken Tackle
A missed tackle by a defender that the ball carrier survives.
Bullying the Flex
Drafting extra RB/WR depth so your flex spot is consistently strong versus opponents.
Bunch
Clustered receiver alignment creating releases and pick concepts.
Bust
A player who fails to meet expectations relative to cost or draft position.
Buy Low
Trade tactic: acquire a player when value is depressed.
Bye Week
A week when an NFL team does not play.
Bye Week Fill-In
A short-term starter used to cover a bye week.
Bye Week Planning
Managing roster construction to survive bye weeks without dropping key players.
Bye Week Stack
A roster with many starters sharing the same bye, creating a weak week.
Byemageddon
A specific week in the NFL schedule where a high volume of teams (often 6+) are on bye simultaneously.
C
Center; snaps the ball and blocks interior.
Campus to Canton
A fantasy format linking college and NFL player ecosystems.
Cap Hit
The cost charged against your salary cap for a player.
Carries Per Game
Average rushing attempts per game.
Carries Per Route
rushing attempts divided by routes run (primarily for receiving stats).
Carries Per Snap
rushing attempts divided by snaps played (context-dependent).
Carries Rate
rushing attempts per relevant denominator (snap, route, play, or dropback depending on context).
Carries Share
rushing attempts as a percentage share of the team total (definition depends on stat source).
Catch Rate
Receptions divided by targets.
Catchable Target Rate
Share of targets considered catchable (tracking metric).
CB
Cornerback (IDP label; usually volatile scoring).
Ceiling
The maximum realistic scoring output of a player.
Chalk
A highly popular or obvious fantasy play in a given week.
Championship Week
The final week of your fantasy playoffs.
China Route
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Cmp
Abbreviation for completions.
Collusion
Unfair cooperation between managers to manipulate league outcomes.
Comeback Route
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Commissioner
The league administrator responsible for rules and operations.
Completions Bonus
Extra points awarded for reaching a threshold in completions (league-specific).
Completions Penalty
Negative points assigned based on completions (league-specific).
Completions Per Game
Average completions per game.
Completions Per Snap
completions divided by snaps played (context-dependent).
Completions Rate
completions per relevant denominator (snap, route, play, or dropback depending on context).
Completions Share
completions as a percentage share of the team total (definition depends on stat source).
Concussion Protocol
NFL process for concussion evaluation and clearance.
Conditional Waiver
A prioritized list of waiver targets that process in order.
Consolation Bracket
A playoff bracket for non-championship teams (often to set draft order).
Contender
A roster built to compete for a title in the current season.
Continuous Waivers
A rule where all adds run through waivers at scheduled times (no instant adds).
Contract
A league-defined multi-year agreement tying a player to your roster at a cost.
Contract Extension
Increasing a player's contract length (league-defined).
Corner Route
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Cover 0
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 1
Single-high safety coverage shell (man-heavy).
Cover 1 Robber
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 2
Two-high safety coverage shell (zone-heavy).
Cover 2 Man
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 2 Zone
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 3
Three-deep zone coverage shell.
Cover 3 Match
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 4 (Quarters)
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Cover 6
A defensive coverage concept that can influence target distribution and passing efficiency.
Coverage Snap
A snap where a defender is in coverage responsibility (tracking stat).
CPOE
Completion Percentage Over Expected; completion rate vs expectation given throw difficulty.
Curl
A named receiver route concept used in football; relevant for understanding player roles and target types.
Cut
Removing a player from a fantasy roster.
Cut Penalty
A contract-league rule where releasing a player has a cost (dead money).
D
Doubtful: player is unlikely to play.
D/ST
Defense and Special Teams roster position.
D/ST Depth
Bench strength at that position.
D/ST Explosive Plays Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of explosive plays (big gains) (context varies by source).
D/ST Fantasy Points Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of fantasy points (context varies by source).
D/ST Goal Line TDs Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of goal-line touchdowns (context varies by source).
D/ST Points Per Blocked Kick
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a blocked kick (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Blocked Punt
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a blocked punt (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Defensive TD
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a defensive/special-teams touchdown (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Fumble Recovery
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a defensive fumble recovery (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Interception
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a defensive interception (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Kick Return TD
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a kickoff return touchdown (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Punt Return TD
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a punt return touchdown (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Sack
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a sack recorded by the defense (league-specific).
D/ST Points Per Safety
Team-defense scoring awarding points for a safety (league-specific).
D/ST Premium
Extra value a position gains due to lineup requirements or scoring settings.
D/ST Receptions Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of receptions (context varies by source).
D/ST Red Zone TDs Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of red zone touchdowns (context varies by source).
D/ST Replacement Level
Baseline waiver-level production at that position.
D/ST Scarcity
How limited strong options are at a position relative to starters required.
D/ST Streaming
Weekly rotation at that position based on matchup.
D/ST Touchdowns Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of touchdowns (context varies by source).
D/ST Yards Allowed
A per-player or position-group measure of yards (context varies by source).
Daily Waivers
Waivers that process every day at a set time.
DB
Defensive back group (IDP).
DE
Defensive end (IDP position label).
Dead Cap
Cap space consumed by cut penalties or retained salary (league-defined).
Deep Target
A target thrown far downfield (definition varies, often 20+ air yards).
Deep Threat Role
A receiver role emphasizing downfield targets and higher volatility.
Defense Points Allowed
D/ST scoring based on points allowed, often in tiers.
Defense Yardage Allowed
D/ST scoring based on yards allowed (if enabled).
Defensive Touchdown
A TD scored by a defensive player or unit.
Designed Run
An offensive play type or package; relevant for predicting usage and fantasy opportunities.
Devy (Developmental)
A sub-format of dynasty where a specific roster segment is dedicated to stashing collegiate prospects prior to their NFL eligibility.
Dime Package
Defense with 6 DBs to defend passing.
Dispersal Draft
A specialized event triggered when multiple managers leave a league; their combined players and picks are pooled and redrafted by new owners .
Diversified Bye Weeks
A roster built to spread bye weeks to reduce lineup disruption.
Division Record
Record versus division opponents; used for divisional tiebreaks.
DL
Defensive line group (IDP).
DNP
Did Not Practice injury designation.
DNP
Did Not Practice. A status from the midweek practice report used for predictive modeling.
Dome Game
A game played indoors; reduces weather-related volatility for passing and kicking.
Dome Split
Performance in dome games vs outdoor games.
DOT
Depth of target; how far downfield targets are thrown.
Double Flex
A lineup with two flex spots.
Doubtful
Indicates a chance of playing; typically a precursor to being inactive.
Draft
The process of selecting players to form fantasy rosters.
Draft Lottery Odds
The probability distribution used to randomize rookie/keeper draft order.
Draft Pick Value
A pick's worth in trades based on expected player quality and scarcity.
Draft Queue
A list of players you pre-rank in a draft room.
Drop Add Delay
Rule preventing immediate re-adding of a recently dropped player (league-defined).
Drop Candidate
A player you would consider cutting to make room for an add.
Dropback Pass
An offensive play type or package; relevant for predicting usage and fantasy opportunities.
DT
Defensive tackle (IDP position label).
DVOA
Defense-adjusted Value Over Average. An efficiency metric comparing success on every play to the league baseline, adjusted for opponent strength.
Dynasty
A fantasy format where managers retain rosters indefinitely. Success depends on long-term valuation of rookies and draft picks.
Early Season Split
Performance in early-season weeks vs later weeks.
Early Window
Sunday early games time slot; lineup locks earlier for those players.
Early-Down Carry Share
A player's share of team total rushing attempts in opportunities on 1st and 2nd down.
Early-Down Route Participation
Percent of dropbacks where the player ran a route during opportunities on 1st and 2nd down.
Early-Down Snap Share
Percent of team snaps played during opportunities on 1st and 2nd down.
Early-Down Target Share
A player's share of team total targets in opportunities on 1st and 2nd down.
Early-Down Touch Share
A player's share of team total touches (carries + receptions) in opportunities on 1st and 2nd down.
ECR
Expert Consensus Ranking; aggregated rank from many analysts.
EDGE
Edge rusher role/label; pass rusher off the edge.
Emergency Starter
A last-minute replacement due to injury/inactive news.
Empire
A dynasty variant where a portion of the entry fees is held in a "side pot" that only pays out when a manager wins back-to-back championships or multiple titles in a fixed window.
Empty Set
Formation with no RB in the backfield; often increases quick passing.
End Zone Target
A target thrown into the end zone.
End Zone Targets Per Game
Average end zone targets per game.
End Zone Targets Per Route
end zone targets divided by routes run (primarily for receiving stats).
End Zone Targets Per Snap
end zone targets divided by snaps played (context-dependent).