Half-point PPR is arguably the best scoring system for those who want to include receptions — it doesn't overvalue or undervalue pass-catchers like full-point PPR and standard scoring do.
Utilizing tiers is the best way to ensure that you're finding value with each pick, especially throughout the early rounds of .5-PPR fantasy drafts. I'll break down how and why to target certain position groups in each tier, along with backup plans for those who choose to go another direction.
The following are my top 250 players in half-PPR drafts broken into tiers. All strategy is based on 12-team leagues. For those looking for rankings beyond the top 250, rankings in other formats or rankings by the rest of PFF's fantasy analysts, find those at our rankings page here.
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Last Updated: Aug. 31, 2021
Tier 1: The best of the best
| Rank | Position | Name | Team | Position Rank |
| 1 | RB | Christian McCaffrey | Panthers | RB1 |
| 2 | RB | Dalvin Cook | Vikings | RB2 |
| 3 | RB | Alvin Kamara | Saints | RB3 |
| 4 | RB | Derrick Henry | Titans | RB4 |
| 5 | RB | Austin Ekeler | Chargers | RB5 |
| 6 | RB | Saquon Barkley | Giants | RB6 |
| 7 | RB | Ezekiel Elliott | Cowboys | RB7 |
| 8 | RB | Aaron Jones | Packers | RB8 |
| 9 | WR | Davante Adams | Packers | WR1 |
| 10 | RB | Jonathan Taylor | Colts | RB9 |
| 11 | TE | Travis Kelce | Chiefs | TE1 |
| 12 | WR | Tyreek Hill | Chiefs | WR2 |
The beginning and middle of any first round will heavily feature running backs regardless of scoring system. There will be slight variations in the rankings, but it won’t be extreme. Most of the great running backs are both good rushers and good receivers, so they will do well regardless.
Every running back here is expected to lead their team in snaps on all three downs with one exception — Derrick Henry only played 38 snaps on third down last season compared to 130 by Jeremy McNichols. The 2,000-yard rusher still ran the ball on over half of those third-down snaps. The gap between Henry and the top three backs varies by scoring system, but he ranks fourth regardless due to talent and expected volume.
The end of the first round will see a few receivers go off the board. It would be fine to double up on running backs, but these three players are much safer bets to end the season near the top of their positions. Travis Kelce ended the last five seasons as the top tight end in fantasy, while Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill have ranked in the top 10 in fantasy points per game at wide receiver each of the last four years.
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