Do you allow for Bonus Points in your leagues? (1 Viewer)

[a_rackowski]

Yes or no and Why?

 

[Marek]

No. Personally, I think it's a little dumb. Someone who rushes for 100 yards versus someone who rushes for 98 yards doesn't deserve a special 5 points extra. It's completely arbitrary. 100 yards has no special significance other than "hey, it's three digits instead of two".

I generally prefer a raw comparison of performance as opposed to arbitrary bonuses. This is also why I prefer decimal scoring so that every yard counts as opposed to being the victim of rounding.

 

[Shrek]

We do in one of my leagues. Passing is 1 pt for every 25 yds up to 300 yards. Anything after 300 yds is 2 pts per 25 yds. Rushing is 1 pt for every 10 yds up to 150 yds, then 2 pts for each 10 yds thereafter, and receiving is 1 pt for every 10 yds up to 120 yds, then 2 pts for every 10 yds thereafter.

We do this because we agreed (as a league) that these occurences are fairly uncommon, and that if you are enough of a shark to project certain players who can attain these milestones on a regular basis, you deserve the small reward that comes with it. I disagree with Marek. There is nothing arbitrary about it. If a QB passes for over 300 yards, you see every sports show in the country talking about them. This is just a different wrinkle to keep things interesting.

 

[Marek]

There is nothing arbitrary about it. If a QB passes for over 300 yards, you see every sports show in the country talking about them.

Rewarding bonuses based on "talking points" does not qualify as necessity or reason to me, so yeah, it's completely abitrary. People "talking about it" doesn't make a difference in the bottom line. Doubling the worth of yardage past 100 yards is just another method of scoring players. I personally dislike it because, as I said, I would prefer a raw comparison of performance versus having to consider special circumstances that don't really gain the team anything extra in RL. A 150 yd game is a 150 yd game. The only reason for awarding bonuses is because "we choose to", which just doesn't float my boat. To each his own. The fact that they cross the 100 mark has no extra outcome on the game other than a talking point.So if you want to reward talking points, then go for it. Different strokes for different folks. I prefer mine to be purely performance driven as opposed to rewarding arbitrary circumstances. It's certainly a much more decisive victory when you can point to your players performance for the win as opposed to pointing to the odd-ball league scoring rules because your player played under a blue moon with a sticker on his helmet.

 

[tomarken]

There is nothing arbitrary about it. If a QB passes for over 300 yards, you see every sports show in the country talking about them.

Rewarding bonuses based on "talking points" does not qualify as necessity or reason to me, so yeah, it's completely abitrary. People "talking about it" doesn't make a difference in the bottom line. Doubling the worth of yardage past 100 yards is just another method of scoring players. I personally dislike it because, as I said, I would prefer a raw comparison of performance versus having to consider special circumstances that don't really gain the team anything extra in RL. A 150 yd game is a 150 yd game. The only reason for awarding bonuses is because "we choose to", which just doesn't float my boat. To each his own. The fact that they cross the 100 mark has no extra outcome on the game other than a talking point.So if you want to reward talking points, then go for it. Different strokes for different folks. I prefer mine to be purely performance driven as opposed to rewarding arbitrary circumstances. It's certainly a much more decisive victory when you can point to your players performance for the win as opposed to pointing to the odd-ball league scoring rules because your player played under a blue moon with a sticker on his helmet.

I have to agree, I think scoring bonuses are completely arbitrary and they take something away from the game. There's nothing "special" about rushing for 100 yards as opposed to 99 yards, no matter how much you may try to argue there is. Decimal scoring with no bonuses is the best way to go, that way every single yard is scored equally.

 

[a_rackowski]

There is nothing arbitrary about it. If a QB passes for over 300 yards, you see every sports show in the country talking about them.

Rewarding bonuses based on "talking points" does not qualify as necessity or reason to me, so yeah, it's completely abitrary. People "talking about it" doesn't make a difference in the bottom line. Doubling the worth of yardage past 100 yards is just another method of scoring players. I personally dislike it because, as I said, I would prefer a raw comparison of performance versus having to consider special circumstances that don't really gain the team anything extra in RL. A 150 yd game is a 150 yd game. The only reason for awarding bonuses is because "we choose to", which just doesn't float my boat. To each his own. The fact that they cross the 100 mark has no extra outcome on the game other than a talking point.So if you want to reward talking points, then go for it. Different strokes for different folks. I prefer mine to be purely performance driven as opposed to rewarding arbitrary circumstances. It's certainly a much more decisive victory when you can point to your players performance for the win as opposed to pointing to the odd-ball league scoring rules because your player played under a blue moon with a sticker on his helmet.

I have to agree, I think scoring bonuses are completely arbitrary and they take something away from the game. There's nothing "special" about rushing for 100 yards as opposed to 99 yards, no matter how much you may try to argue there is. Decimal scoring with no bonuses is the best way to go, that way every single yard is scored equally.

GREAT POINTS! Thanks all around guys.

 

[Geaux Cowboys]

Bonuses are GREAT for just in-game watching purposes. You have goals to shoot for, gives extra excitement to when you get close to that bonus...trust me, it adds to the game, and is something my leagues have had in place since the existence for 10+ years. You start seeing the numbers, you start doing your own yard counts as it gets closer and closer...totally adds to teh experience. Does a guy with 100yds mean he had that much better of a game than a guy with 98? Of course not...but that adds to the excitement and the heartache that is a wild fantasy football season.

 

[Marek]

Bonuses are GREAT for just in-game watching purposes. You have goals to shoot for, gives extra excitement to when you get close to that bonus...trust me, it adds to the game,

That's all pure personal preference, and again, "it makes the game more exciting" is purely abitrary and has no effect on how the players actually performed. 100 yards is 100 yards. Like we said, to each his own. If the guys in a league want it, go for it. My leagues are exactly the opposite in that we're a tad more hard core. We want as few excuses / luck / abitrary rules to enter into determining the winner as possible.

 

[Geaux Cowboys]

we're a tad more hard core.

Again...purely arbitrary.

 

[Marek]

we're a tad more hard core.

Again...purely arbitrary.

True that. But at least the scoring system isn't.

 

[Shrek]

Good overuse of the word "arbitrary" in here...

Seriously, maybe people should remember that this is a game. There are several variations of poker, and each one has it's own merits and detractions. Just because you like one variation better than another doesn't mean that you are correct and everyone else is wrong. To each his own.

 

[Revo]

My league uses bonus points for long TDs. +1 pt for a 10-29 yard TD; +2 for a 30-49 yd TD; +3 for a 50+ yd TD. The thinking was -- why does every league credit kickers with bonus points for long FGs?

 

[Shrek]

Bonuses are GREAT for just in-game watching purposes. You have goals to shoot for, gives extra excitement to when you get close to that bonus...trust me, it adds to the game,

My leagues are exactly the opposite in that we're a tad more hard core. We want as few excuses / luck / abitrary rules to enter into determining the winner as possible.

at "more hardcore". Yeah, we're all playing a fantasy game based on someone's in-game performance. That is so hardcore. When you really get down to brass tacks, it's not a whole lot different than playing Dungeons & Dragons or Nintendo. It's a game. If you want to be hardcore, go put on some pads and a helmet.If you really think about it, all rules are "arbitrary". How did it become accepted standard to award 6 points for TD's? Why is it 1 point for every 10 yards of rushing or receiving? Someone had to determine those numbers. How did it come to be that the person with the worst record each week gets first crack at free agents?

And as far as luck goes, the whole game is luck. Yes, you can make predictions and tilt the odds in your favor. But if awarding a player an extra point because he rushed for 160 yards instead of 150 yards is the determining factor that beats you, you aren't quite as "hardcore" as you think you are.

 

[Marek]

at "more hardcore". Yeah, we're all playing a fantasy game based on someone's in-game performance. That is so hardcore. When you really get down to brass tacks, it's not a whole lot different than playing Dungeons & Dragons or Nintendo. It's a game. If you want to be hardcore, go put on some pads and a helmet.

Wow, no need to be so insecure. Most people feel the same way about 8 team leagues vs 12. It's just not as satisfying. But as I've said 10 times now, to each his own. Why do you give two cents about my opinion? Go play what you have fun with. That's all that matters. It's not like I'm trying to convince you that you're "wrong". Just explaining why I think it's silly and more rewarding without it. The internet is very serious business to some, it would seem!!!

And as far as luck goes, the whole game is luck.

Hence why you frequent the FBG forums? But sure enough, luck does play a big role.

If you really think about it, all rules are "arbitrary". How did it become accepted standard to award 6 points for TD's? Why is it 1 point for every 10 yards of rushing or receiving? Someone had to determine those numbers. How did it come to be that the person with the worst record each week gets first crack at free agents?

If you can't make the distinction between "how something is scored" versus "what is scored", then we don't even have a foundation for a discussion. This thread is about "what is scored', not how much value is placed on each scoring element. IMO, talking points don't deserve to be scored. Nor does the number of media interviews T.O. gets. It seems completely unrelated to the true performance of the player. And to answer your question, yes, you're right, there are plenty of scoring variants that have questionable setups. Anyhow, I've said plenty and we're just re-tracing what's already been said. I leave ya to it. Peace.

 

[Maelstrom]

A league a friend of mine is in is setting their initial rules, and the commish wants to put in outrageous bonuses for really good to great games. Stuff like:

20 points for a QB that throws for 450 yards in a game, RB/WR over 200 yards, etc.

I told him I'd never want to be in a league like that, because basically you are enabling 1 player to win a game, and it really overemphasizes the stud players, as if they aren't emphasized enough. A WR that gets a 200 yard game is not out of the question, and is already getting 20 points for the yards and probably 10 for the receptions (1 ppr). Add 20 points to that and you have a 50 point game from one player, where only 30 of that is actual performance based.

Now I agree that it would make watching that game really exciting, and if that's the purpose, or the commish wants to make sure that a team with a guy that goes off doesn't lose that week due to the rest of his scrubs, that's just fine. But it's not for me and I just shake my head.

 

[Shrek]

A league a friend of mine is in is setting their initial rules, and the commish wants to put in outrageous bonuses for really good to great games. Stuff like: 20 points for a QB that throws for 450 yards in a game, RB/WR over 200 yards, etc.I told him I'd never want to be in a league like that, because basically you are enabling 1 player to win a game, and it really overemphasizes the stud players, as if they aren't emphasized enough. A WR that gets a 200 yard game is not out of the question, and is already getting 20 points for the yards and probably 10 for the receptions (1 ppr). Add 20 points to that and you have a 50 point game from one player, where only 30 of that is actual performance based.Now I agree that it would make watching that game really exciting, and if that's the purpose, or the commish wants to make sure that a team with a guy that goes off doesn't lose that week due to the rest of his scrubs, that's just fine. But it's not for me and I just shake my head.

See, to me, this is quite a bit overboard. Bonuses can be incorporated without getting crazy. There are only a handful of 450+ yd games from QB's anyway- what, maybe 1 or 2 a year?- so there's no need to get crazy about it. As far as a WR getting a 200+ game, that is just as rare.

 

[tomarken]

at "more hardcore". Yeah, we're all playing a fantasy game based on someone's in-game performance. That is so hardcore. When you really get down to brass tacks, it's not a whole lot different than playing Dungeons & Dragons or Nintendo. It's a game. If you want to be hardcore, go put on some pads and a helmet.

If you really think about it, all rules are "arbitrary". How did it become accepted standard to award 6 points for TD's? Why is it 1 point for every 10 yards of rushing or receiving? Someone had to determine those numbers. How did it come to be that the person with the worst record each week gets first crack at free agents?

And as far as luck goes, the whole game is luck. Yes, you can make predictions and tilt the odds in your favor. But if awarding a player an extra point because he rushed for 160 yards instead of 150 yards is the determining factor that beats you, you aren't quite as "hardcore" as you think you are.

Sure, choosing 1 point per 10 yards of rushing is an arbitrary decision. You could just as easily make it 1 point per 5 yards, or 20 yards, or 100 yards. The issue is that under a system like that, or one with bonuses, you are valuing individual yards differently, and that is what's wrong.For example, in a 1 pt per 10 yds scoring system, the first nine yards a player rushes for are worthless. Then the tenth yard is worth a point. Then the next nine go scoreless, then the 20th scores another point.

Yardage bonuses just exaggerate this even more. All of a sudden, the 100th yard a player rushes for is worth more than any of the first 99. Why do that?

Using decimal scoring with no bonuses is "arbitrary" in the sense that you don't have to score your league that way. You could just as easily pick any other scoring system you want. However, if you're looking for a fair and equitable way to score your league, it's the only way to go, and it doesn't make watching the games on Sunday any less fun.

If I lose to a guy because his players got more yards and TD's than mine, I'm ok with that. But I would hate to lose a game because of some arbitrary bonuses.

 

[Shrek]

If you can't make the distinction between "how something is scored" versus "what is scored", then we don't even have a foundation for a discussion.

My point was to show you how the word "arbitrary", which you used several times in a way that would seem to indicate that you despise it's presence in your league's scoring, permeates the entire game of FF. I have no problem making the distinctions between "Are you awarding bonuses for certain performance levels?" and "Does your league score negative points for fumbles?". The bonus system that the league I am talking about uses is a slight variant on what the thread asked for. But when you say that your league is "more hard core" because they don't use a bonus system, you are making a statement. I was presenting the other side of the argument.As far as frequenting the FF forums, I like hearing well thought out discussions, and of course I am looking for ways to tip the odds in my favor when I can. But how many times have you fielded a team of what you thought to be sure-fire studs, and somehow the guy with a team full of scrubs beats you that week? It happens because it's all basically luck. You can mitigate the luck factor by doing you homework, but in the end, luck still has a big impact.

This thread is about "what is scored', not how much value is placed on each scoring element. IMO, talking points don't deserve to be scored. Nor does the number of media interviews T.O. gets.

The thread title itself asks "Do you allow for Bonus Points in your league? example - 100yds rushing 5pts 150 rec - 5pts 300 passing 5pts". This incorporates both "what is scored" (rushing, receiving, passing) and "how much value is placed on each scoring element" (ie. 5 bonus points for 100 rushing yards, etc). And saying that talking points shouldn't be scored is taking the earlier comments out of context, as I'm sure you realize. You said that these numbers (100 yards rushing, 300 yards passing, etc) are arbitrary, and I was arguing that these plateaus are not arbitrarily chosen. They are widely recognized as important performance plateaus, which is demonstrated by the fact that people all across the country talk about it when it happens. It's not like someone says to themselves, "Let's create a new league, and we'll base the scoring on whatever Woody Paige talks about."

 

[mwaldo13]

Our scoring system:

- 1 pt for 10yds rushing or 10yds rushing or 25yds passing.

- 3 pts for passing TD's

- 6 pts for rushing/receiving TD's

Our league gives 5pt bonus for 100 yds rushing, 100 yds receiving and 300 yards passing. Also, there has always been a 3 point bonus for any TD 40+ yards.

After 10 years, I've just grown accustomed to the system. It's just another method to rank players. I think the benefit, as stated earlier, is to get a little more excitement when watching the games -- especially with other league members.

 

[Shrek]

at "more hardcore". Yeah, we're all playing a fantasy game based on someone's in-game performance. That is so hardcore. When you really get down to brass tacks, it's not a whole lot different than playing Dungeons & Dragons or Nintendo. It's a game. If you want to be hardcore, go put on some pads and a helmet.

If you really think about it, all rules are "arbitrary". How did it become accepted standard to award 6 points for TD's? Why is it 1 point for every 10 yards of rushing or receiving? Someone had to determine those numbers. How did it come to be that the person with the worst record each week gets first crack at free agents?

And as far as luck goes, the whole game is luck. Yes, you can make predictions and tilt the odds in your favor. But if awarding a player an extra point because he rushed for 160 yards instead of 150 yards is the determining factor that beats you, you aren't quite as "hardcore" as you think you are.

Sure, choosing 1 point per 10 yards of rushing is an arbitrary decision. You could just as easily make it 1 point per 5 yards, or 20 yards, or 100 yards. The issue is that under a system like that, or one with bonuses, you are valuing individual yards differently, and that is what's wrong.For example, in a 1 pt per 10 yds scoring system, the first nine yards a player rushes for are worthless. Then the tenth yard is worth a point. Then the next nine go scoreless, then the 20th scores another point.

Yardage bonuses just exaggerate this even more. All of a sudden, the 100th yard a player rushes for is worth more than any of the first 99. Why do that?

Using decimal scoring with no bonuses is "arbitrary" in the sense that you don't have to score your league that way. You could just as easily pick any other scoring system you want. However, if you're looking for a fair and equitable way to score your league, it's the only way to go, and it doesn't make watching the games on Sunday any less fun.

If I lose to a guy because his players got more yards and TD's than mine, I'm ok with that. But I would hate to lose a game because of some arbitrary bonuses.

This is a good argument. I also like leagues with decimal scoring systems for this reason. But for the sake of discussion, let's look at one other side of that. Someone says this way is "more fair". How? Because it scores each and every yard? The other way is also fair, because everyone has to adhere to the same rules. Does it affect the way you draft that league? Drafts are based on predictions. I have been playing FF for about 11 years now and I have yet to see one yardage/TD prediction that was exactly right. So if Donald Driver gets 1199 yards this year instead of the 1200 I predicted he would, the fact that I am using something other than decimal scoring is not going to kill me.

I would also agree with your statement about arbitrary bonuses. But to me, an arbitrary bonus would be something like "20 points if one of your players drop kick an extra point" or "10 extra points for a FG of exactly 52 yards". Which is of course pretty ridiculous. I guess I just think that if a bonus system is in place before you draft, and everyone knows what it takes for a player to attain these bonuses, then everyone has an equal chance to draft them accordingly.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

We use to do this however we quickly changed to 1/10 rule for yards and went with TD pts based on length.

 

[NattyDread]

Yes, we do. Our base scoring system is:

QB: 4 pt TDs, 1 pt per 20 yd passing

RB: 6 pt TDs, 1 pt per 10 yd rushing or receiving, 1/3 pt per reception

WR: 6 pt TDs, 1 pt per 10 yd rushing or receiving, 1 pt per reception

As bonus, we give 3 pts for QBs at 300 yds and 3 pts to RBs and WRs for 100 yds rushing or receiving.

Why?:

1. The 100 yd and 300 yd milestones, however arbitrary, are recognized as exceptional in real football. So why not in fantasy as well?

2. It adds excitement to the games as a player reaching the yardage milestone can tip the balance of a contest.

3. When forming the league, wanted to devalue TDs a bit in favor of yardage, as TDs can swing wildly relative to yardage and are not necessarily indicative of the talent level of a player.

 

[zanti8]

i dont like any points for anything but scores and yards . no points for 100 per rush or 300 per pass . and no points for receptions .

 

[kolejo]

We do have a bonus of 5 pts for big TD games, 4 TD's for a QB to get bonus, 3 for RB's and WR's, also our scoring system goes from a 1 pt per 10 yards to .15 points per 10 yards after 100 for running backs and receivers, or michael vick when he runs around, but we also round up to the next point, so if you get a guy with 91 yards rushing he gets 10 points. also ppr and point per five rushes or pass completions

 

[fsufan]

no

Use to about 3 years ago but we stopped because most of the owners did not like it