- Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson are ideal early choices: There is a significant gap between the top two running backs and the rest of the position, giving fantasy managers with either of the first two picks a clear advantage.
- Draft running backs early: A clear tier break emerges after the top group of running backs, making it important to secure two early. Roughly 12 or 13 of the first 22 picks should be running backs, with Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown standing out as a prime target in the late second round.
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This perfect draft strategy for managers picking No. 1-3 in 10-team, single-quarterback, PPR redraft fantasy football leagues is built using consensus average draft position (ADP) data from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo. Follow this round-by-round blueprint to maximize value at every pick.
Last updated: Tuesday, July 14
Round 1, Picks 1-3: Draft a running back or wide receiver
There is a significant gap between picking in the top two and picking third. Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are the top two running backs by ADP across ESPN, Yahoo! and Sleeper. Gibbs is the top-ranked back on ESPN, while Robinson holds that distinction on Yahoo! and Sleeper. If you have one of the first two picks, selecting one of those running backs is the clear play.
If you're picking third and either Gibbs or Robinson falls, take him. Otherwise, you'll have your choice of the top wide receivers.
Regardless of where you pick, you'll still have the flexibility to build a balanced roster in the later rounds.
Top Target: Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is the only running back to average at least 21 PPR points per game in each of the last two seasons, combining elite rushing efficiency, double-digit touchdown production and over 500 receiving yards. The departure of David Montgomery removes the main factor that had previously capped his goal-line ceiling. Detroit’s offensive line is the primary concern after dropping from second to 13th in PFF run-blocking grade last season. Two more starters were replaced this offseason, adding further uncertainty to an area central to Gibbs’ production. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has shown a willingness to feature a lead back heavily, so a dramatic shift in usage is unlikely. The same talented supporting cast that creates slight competition for touches also helps Detroit remain one of the league's best offenses. The other elite running backs at a similar ADP carry comparable or greater uncertainty, which keeps Gibbs at the top of the position.
Possible Targets: Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua, Ja'Marr Chase, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian McCaffrey
Round 2, Picks 18-20: Draft a running back
A running back is the right call in most second-round situations, regardless of who you took in the first round. A few teams have shown a firm commitment to a single running back in a strong offense, leading to significant consistency among the top running backs over the past two seasons.
In addition, some teams have recently made major investments in a running back, either via a first-round pick or a highly paid free agent. This creates a notable tier gap between the top 15 running backs and everyone else, and most of them will come off the board within the first two rounds or the early third round. That means roughly 12 or 13 of the first 22 or so picks will be running backs.
Ideally, you'll be one of the teams with two of these backs on your roster, or even three if you're comfortable relying on several mid-round wide receivers.
Top Target: Chase Brown
Brown has finished top 10 among running backs in fantasy points per game in each of the last two years. The setup in Cincinnati remains consistent, with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins keeping defenses from loading the box. On top of that, Brown ranks among the top running backs in both first-read and checkdown targets. The only real concern is Burrow's health, but when he was fully healthy down the stretch last season, Brown averaged 22.3 PPR points per game without even breaking a long run. That suggests even more upside if the Cincinnati offense fully clicks.
Possible Targets: Kenneth Walker, Kyren Williams, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Jeremiyah Love
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