Fantasy football is a thrilling and strategic game that allows fans to experience the excitement of the NFL season in a unique way. As fantasy managers, we meticulously analyze player performances, track statistics, and make crucial decisions each week. However, when it comes to overtime games, there’s often confusion about whether the points scored during the extra period contribute to our fantasy team’s success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the question: Does overtime count in fantasy football?

Understanding Scoring in Fantasy Football: Before delving into the impact of overtime on fantasy football, it’s important to grasp the basics of scoring. In most standard scoring formats, fantasy points are accumulated based on players’ performances in various statistical categories such as touchdowns, yards gained, receptions, and more. These points are typically tallied at the conclusion of regulation play, which consists of four quarters in an NFL game.

Does Overtime Count in Fantasy Football? The short answer is: It depends on your league’s settings. In most fantasy football leagues, points scored during overtime are included in the final fantasy scores. If a player scores a touchdown or gains yards during the overtime period, those statistics contribute to your fantasy team’s point total. This provides an additional layer of excitement and potential for comebacks in fantasy matchups that extend into overtime.

However, it’s essential to note that not all leagues follow the same rules. Some custom leagues may choose to exclude overtime points from fantasy scoring. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your league’s specific settings and rules, especially if your league operates with unique scoring regulations.

The Impact of Overtime on Player Performance: Overtime scenarios can significantly impact player performances and subsequently influence your fantasy team’s outcome. A player who has a standout performance during overtime—such as scoring a game-winning touchdown—can deliver a substantial boost to your fantasy point total. On the other hand, if your key player remains inactive during overtime, it could potentially affect your chances of victory.

Strategies for Leveraging Overtime Scenarios: When considering the impact of overtime on your fantasy team, it’s wise to incorporate a few strategies into your approach:

1. Research Team Tendencies: Gain insights into teams’ tendencies during overtime situations. Some teams may rely heavily on their star players, while others may spread the ball around more evenly.
2. Monitor Injury Updates: Stay updated on injury reports and player availability during overtime, as this information can impact your lineup decisions.
3. Flexibility in Lineup: Keep your fantasy lineup flexible and adaptable to account for potential overtime scenarios. Having backup options available can help you make quick decisions.
4. Know Your League’s Settings: Familiarize yourself with your league’s rules regarding overtime points. Understanding whether overtime points are included or excluded can help you make informed decisions.

Conclusion: In most standard fantasy football leagues, overtime points do count towards the final fantasy scores, adding an extra layer of excitement and strategic considerations to the game. However, it’s essential to be aware of your league’s specific settings, as not all leagues follow the same rules. By understanding the impact of overtime on player performances and incorporating strategic approaches, you can navigate overtime scenarios and maximize your chances of fantasy football success. So, the next time an NFL game heads into overtime, keep an eye on your fantasy players—they could be the key to victory!