How Are Laterals Scored In Fantasy Football

How Are Lateral Passes Scored in Fantasy Football?

Fantasy football scoring can be complex, and lateral passes often present a source of confusion for many players. This guide will clarify exactly how lateral passes are handled in your fantasy league, regardless of the platform you're using. The short answer is: they usually don't score points directly. Let's dive into the details.

Understanding Fantasy Football Scoring

Before we tackle lateral passes, it's vital to understand the core scoring mechanisms of fantasy football. Most leagues award points based on traditional football statistics:

• Passing: Yards, touchdowns, interceptions
• Rushing: Yards, touchdowns
• Receiving: Receptions, yards, touchdowns
• Defense/Special Teams: Sacks, interceptions, touchdowns, etc.

These are the primary contributors to a player's fantasy score. The key to remember is that these stats are almost exclusively based on completed plays resulting in a gain of yards or a touchdown.

Lateral Passes and Fantasy Points: The Missing Link

Lateral passes, by their nature, don't typically result in a significant gain of yards. They're often short, horizontal passes designed to advance the ball a short distance, or to prevent a loss of possession. Because they rarely end in a substantial gain or a touchdown, they typically do not contribute directly to a player's fantasy score.

Exceptions and Clarifications:

While a lateral pass itself usually doesn't score points, there are a few indirect ways it could impact a player's score:

• If the lateral is followed by a touchdown: If a player receives a lateral and subsequently runs it into the endzone for a touchdown, that touchdown will count towards his fantasy score. The key is the completion of the touchdown, not the lateral itself.
• Yards Gained After a Lateral: Some leagues might attribute yards gained after a lateral to the player who receives it, but this is less common and would depend entirely on your league's scoring settings. Check your league's rules to be certain!
• League-Specific Rules: The most critical factor is your league's specific scoring rules. Some uniquely configured leagues might award points in unusual ways, including some involvement with laterals. Always refer to your league's settings to be absolutely sure.

Optimizing Your Fantasy Team: Focus on Key Stats

Instead of worrying about the negligible fantasy impact of lateral passes, concentrate on the statistics that do matter:

• Touchdowns: Prioritize players known for scoring touchdowns, regardless of how they get the ball into the end zone.
• Yards: High yardage players consistently provide a solid floor for your fantasy team's score.
• Receptions: Reliable receivers offer a consistent point contribution.

By focusing on maximizing these key metrics, you'll build a consistently strong fantasy football team, regardless of the intricacies of lateral pass scoring. Remember, understanding your league's scoring rules is paramount to success!