Max PF (Maximum Points For) is commonly used in dynasty and keeper leagues to help determine draft order in a way that reduces lineup manipulation. While the idea of Max PF exists across multiple sports on Sleeper, the way it’s calculated in fantasy basketball is different from NFL, especially in Lock-In formats.
What Is Max PF?
Max PF represents the best possible score a team could have achieved in a given week, based on the league’s scoring rules. Many leagues use Max PF to help discourage unethical tanking by removing incentives to intentionally set poor lineups.
Why Max PF Only Uses the Starting Lineup
Some leagues ask why Max PF doesn’t simply include the entire roster using one consistent method.
In Lock-In formats:
Max PF for starters evaluates potential outcomes for specific games, not just a weekly total.
Bench and non-locked players are evaluated based on peak weekly performance.
Combining these approaches would require separate systems operating together, which would lead to inconsistent and misleading results.
Additionally, including the entire roster would not fully prevent unethical tanking—managers could still attempt to manipulate outcomes by rostering intentionally low-scoring players.
For these reasons, Max PF in fantasy basketball is intentionally based on the starting lineup only, using logic consistent with how Lock-In gameplay works.
How This Differs From NFL Max PF
In fantasy football:
Players only play one game per week
There are no lock-in selections
Max PF calculations are therefore simpler and more consistent across the roster
Because fantasy basketball players play multiple games per week—and Lock-In choices matter—the same approach used in NFL is not feasible.
Important Notes for Leagues Using Max PF
Because Max PF behaves differently across sports and formats, we strongly recommend that leagues:
Clearly define how Max PF is calculated in league rules
Align on what constitutes ethical vs. unethical tanking
Review these rules before the season begins
Sleeper isn’t able to retroactively resolve league-level disputes related to Max PF or draft order, but we’re always happy to explain how scoring works so leagues can make informed decisions.