---
slug: vorp
title: VORP
depth_tier: entry
side: UNIVERSAL
category: Fantasy
source_id: "FAN-0013"
created: 2026-04-19
updated: 2026-04-19
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/vorp
aliases:
  - Value Over Replacement Player
  - VORP
  - value over replacement
---
# VORP

## Short Definition

Value Over Replacement Player—how much more a player scores than a freely available replacement, measuring positional scarcity and true draft pick value.

## Definition

Value Over Replacement Player measures how much more a player is projected to score than a freely available replacement at the same position—a player available on waivers or at the end of your draft. VORP answers the question of how much you actually gain by rostering a specific player rather than leaving that roster spot empty and relying on waiver wire alternatives.

The concept originates in baseball analytics and was adapted for fantasy football to address positional scarcity. In a 12-team league, the 13th-best running back is a replacement-level player. If the top running back projects 80 points above that threshold and the top quarterback projects 30 points above the QB replacement level, the running back has more VORP despite potentially projecting fewer total points.

VORP is most useful during drafts and when evaluating trades. In a draft, taking a player with high VORP means you are securing significant positional advantage; taking a player with low VORP means the player is good but easily replaceable. In trades, trading a player with high VORP for two players with low VORP combined may be a losing deal even if the point projections appear even.

The running back position historically has the highest VORP differential because the gap between elite and replacement-level rushers is steep and because the position is injury-prone, creating scarcity. Quarterback in most formats—where 12 starting quarterbacks are readily available—has historically had the lowest VORP, which is why fantasy analysts often advise drafting quarterbacks late.

## Example

"That quarterback projects 320 points—sounds great. But the 13th QB projects 290. His VORP is only 30 points. Meanwhile, that running back has 80 points of VORP. Draft accordingly."

## Common Confusion

VORP is not the same as total projected points. A quarterback projected for 350 points in a season might have low VORP if replacement-level quarterbacks project for 320—the positional scarcity is low. A running back projected for 200 points with replacement backs at 100 has far higher VORP. VORP rewards positions where the drop-off from elite to replacement level is steep.

## Related

- adp
- flex
- trade-value
- touch-share
- target-share

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/vorp