How It Works
Points Over Projection (POP) is DFS-style fantasy football where you win by outperforming expert projections. Draft a lineup under the salary cap, lock at slate start, and rack up POP: your players’ actual fantasy points minus their projected points.
POP Formula
For each player: FantasyPoints = Σ (stat_value_i × weight_i) + bonuses POP_Player = FantasyPoints − Projection (from ESPN snapshot at lock) For your lineup: POP_Lineup = Σ POP_Player across your roster
Projection snapshots are captured from ESPN at contest lock for fairness. Scoring weights/bonuses can vary by contest (see the contest page).
Example: Full POP Calculation
Suppose a contest uses PPR scoring with DK-style yardage bonuses (+3 at 300 pass / 100 rush / 100 receive).
| Player | Projection | Actual Line | Fantasy Pts | POP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB A | 20.0 | 312 pass yds, 2 pass TD, 1 INT | 312×0.04 + 2×4 − 1×1 + bonus +3 = 22.48 | +2.48 |
| RB B | 15.5 | 84 rush yds, 1 rush TD, 3 rec, 18 rec yds | 84×0.1 + 6 + 3×1 + 18×0.1 = 18.2 | +2.7 |
| WR C | 18.0 | 9 rec, 104 rec yds, 1 rec TD | 9×1 + 104×0.1 + 6 + bonus +3 =28.4 | +10.4 |
| TE D | 12.0 | 4 rec, 44 rec yds, 0 TD | 4×1 + 44×0.1 = 8.4 | −3.6 |
| Lineup Total | 65.5 | — | 77.48 | +11.98 POP |
Your POP is positive if your players beat projections; negative if they underperform. Contest winners are ranked by total POP (ties broken by total fantasy points).
Salary Cap & Roster
- Typical cap: $50,000 (varies by contest).
- Standard roster: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX (RB/WR/TE), 1 DEF.
- Each player has a salary; your lineup must be ≤ cap to submit.
Lock & Timeline
- Enter contest and build lineup before start time.
- At lock, your lineup & the ESPN projection snapshot are frozen.
- Scoring updates live; POP finalizes when all games on the slate end.
Join a Contest
Browse open slates on the Contests page. Select a contest to view salary cap, rules, player pool, and payouts, then click Enter to create your entry.
FAQ
Where do projections come from?
All player projections are sourced directly from ESPN and snapshot at contest lock.
Can I edit my lineup after entering?
You can edit any time before lock. After lock, entries are frozen (no late swap unless noted).
Do projections ever change mid-contest?
ESPN may update projections, but contests use the locked snapshot taken at start time.
Ready to play?
Pick a slate, draft for upside, and beat the projection.