Beginner’s Guide To IDP Settings

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 Read up on how to make your IDP league the best it can be. These settings are ideal for keeping the players' value more balanced and keep the league fun and competitive!


Before we dive in, imagine watching a football game. However, this football game is different than what you are used to. Why? Well, each team has an offense, but there is no such thing as a defense. The offense just scores at will and the game is pointless and boring.

I know! I know! You are now questioning if I should be put in a mental hospital, or if I am just plain dumb. Who does this so-called fantasy football analyst think he is? I have breaking news for you. This is how most of the fantasy football community thinks. The focus is solely on offense and most everyone ignores the defensive side of the ball. I am here to help change that mentality by breaking down my favorite IDP settings.

If you are not playing in IDP leagues, well, I just feel sorry for you! That is right. I said it. I feel sorry for you. If you are a fan of the NFL you should know that two sides of the ball exist. This should be the case in fantasy football as well. I have been playing fantasy football for 13 years. I now have a passion for IDP leagues.

However, this has not always been the case. I have played in many IDP leagues where the scoring almost makes the defensive players obsolete. Their value becomes so low, kickers have a higher priority. No one will enjoy these types of leagues. Thus, why I think many fantasy football fans shy away from IDP and stick to only offensive players. We are here to help break that mold!

Balance - Balance - Balance

IDP leagues need to be balanced- even more balanced than standard leagues. What do I mean by balanced? One position should not be worth extremely more than another. Linebackers should not score an average of 10 points per game while your defensive lineman only average three points.

Furthermore, it is important to make sure the offense and defense are balanced too. If your offense is averaging 15 points per game but your defensive players are only averaging eight points per game, you have a problem.

Now, the One Million Dollar Question...How do you set up the league to make sure this disparity does not happen?

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That should cover it all. If I missed something or you prefer a different scoring setting, feel free to reach out on here or Twitter. Remember, these are all preferences. I will say it until I am blue in the face. Most of all, keep your scoring setting balanced among ALL positions on both sides of the ball! This will ensure more equal values and keep the league competitive and fun on offense and defense!


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Rob Schwarz, Jr.

I like to think that I am a good writer. I also like to think that I am funny. Neither are probably true, but I am here anyway. I do not do this for the money or the fame. I do not do this for the ladies (I am a married man after all). Nope, I do it for the love of the game!
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