Fantasy Football Returner
What is Returner in Fantasy Football?
A returner is a football player who returns a kicked ball. That return could either be on a punt or a kickoff. Returners are also sometimes called return specialists or kick and punt returners. The returner is a part of the special teams unit.
Returner Fantasy Scoring
In fantasy football, the returner is grouped into a unit along with all of the defense and special teams (D/ST). In standard scoring leagues, fantasy points earned by returners go towards their team’s defensive and special team’s point total, and not the individual player’s points. One way the defense/special teams earns points is through touchdowns. That could either be on a defensive score or a return touchdown. This is the only way a returner can earn their points in the standard scoring system, as they are not awarded points for gaining yards.
Dual Positions
Many returners are actually players that play another position as well. It could be a wide receiver or a running back that is doubled up as a returner due to their speed or quickness. That means you could start a wide receiver in the receiver slot and still earn points for their returns.
How to Draft Returners in Fantasy Football
Given the dual status of returners, it might be a good idea to draft a player that does both roles instead of focusing on one. If you draft a wide receiver who also returns punts, that can give you an extra couple points here and there. You never know; it could be what decides a crucial game for you!
Though returners can be important in a game’s outcome, it is not recommended to draft a player that exclusively returns the football. Even the best returner will not produce enough points to make a full draft pick worth it. The NFL’s lead returners most years have around four return touchdowns, or 24 fantasy points. That comes out to being about 1.5 points per game, so not a worthwhile investment.
FAQ
How do returners score points in fantasy football?
Returners score points in fantasy football by scoring touchdowns on returns in leagues using the standard scoring system. While the standard scoring system does not award points for return yardage, some custom scoring systems do. However, even in a standard scoring system, returners can score points while playing other positions on offense. Most returners in football are also running backs or wide receivers, which are both points-earning positions.
What is a returner in fantasy football?
In fantasy football, a returner is a player who catches and returns a kicked ball. This return can occur either on a punt or on a kickoff. As a member of the special teams, returners are grouped with the defense and scored per team rather than per player. Returners are also uniquely one of the few football positions that can be filled by a different position. The role is usually filled by running backs or wide receivers.
Do returners get fantasy football points?
In the standard scoring system, the returner is part of the Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) unit instead of an individual position. Since points are not granted for return yardage, returners can only score fantasy points by returning for a touchdown. These points are given to the team’s D/ST unit rather than the individual player. However, some custom scoring systems allow for returners to gain points for return yardage.