- Ja’Marr Chase is the top option at 1.01: Chase was the clear top wide receiver last season and enough stayed the same for the Cincinnati Bengals that we can expect minimal regression.
- Add a quarterback and tight end early: By finding multiple elite players at both positions, it’s easier to stand out while also stockpiling running backs and wide receivers in the later rounds.
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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
This perfect draft strategy for 10-team, single-quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy football leagues uses a consensus of current average draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo! to deliver a round-by-round guide for managers picking first overall. To find more information about any player mentioned in this article, click on the player's name to find their fantasy football player profile.
Last updated: Wednesday, August 20
Round 1, Pick 1: Draft a wide receiver
Chase is the top player on the board, so he should be the first overall pick. It’s fine to pick a wide receiver or running back and build around them in the later rounds, but Chase is both the safer option and has the most upside.
Top Target: Ja'Marr Chase
Chase led all wide receivers in fantasy points and fantasy points per game last season. He’s consistently graded as a top-10 wide receiver, with his fantasy performance elevated by his environment. The Bengals made no changes to the coaching staff impacting Chase, the quarterback room, the wide receiver room or the tight end room. This puts Chase in one of the most pass-friendly environments in the NFL, catching passes from the best passer. While we should expect regression from anyone who finishes first in fantasy points, the lack of changes in Cincinnati should help minimize the regression.
Possible Targets: Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, CeeDee Lamb, Brian Thomas Jr.
Round 2, Pick 20: Draft a quarterback
In 10-team leagues, it can be easier to end up with both a quarterback and tight end that you’re happy with, while still ending up with a well-rounded lineup. However, all of the top quarterbacks and tight ends will be gone by the 40th pick, so the only way to end up with an elite quarterback and tight end is by drafting them with these picks.
Top Target: Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels averaged 23.7 fantasy points per game last season in games he both started and finished, which ranked third-best among all quarterbacks. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were the two quarterbacks ahead of him, but they both set career lows in rushing attempts per game. Those rates typically decline with age. The Commanders gave Daniels significant upgrades with Deebo Samuel Sr. at wide receiver and Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. Those moves could be enough to move Daniels to the top of the quarterback ranks by the end of the season.
Possible Targets: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes
Round 3, Pick 21: Draft a tight end
As mentioned above, to add both a quarterback and a tight end early, they need to be selected with these two picks.
Top Target: Trey McBride
McBride became the Cardinals' primary tight end in the middle of the 2023 season, and he’s been an elite fantasy option at the position ever since. He averaged at least 15 PPR points in both seasons once he became the starter. McBride led the league in both receptions per game (6.9) and receptions per route (0.21) last season. His yards per game (71.6) and targets per game (8.7) were both second-best. The Cardinals kept the coaching staff and players on the offense essentially the same as last season, making it easier to expect more of the same from McBride. If anything, we can expect a few more touchdowns after his low touchdown total from last season.
Possible Targets: George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft
Round 4, Pick 40: Draft a running back
After passing on running backs in the first three rounds, it makes sense to pick two back-to-back. There will be several strong wide receiver options available in Round 6, but there won’t be as many running backs available that are values.
Top Target: Kenneth Walker III
Kenneth Walker III has graded among the best running backs in the league, including a 91.3 rushing grade last season. His 0.42 avoided tackles per attempt last season were the most in PFF’s 19 years of statistics for all running backs with at least 50 carries. The next-most with any player with at least 150 carries in a season was 0.31, which is a tie that includes 2014 Marshawn Lynch and 2020 Nick Chubb. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will have an offense that plays to Walker’s strengths with his zone scheme and will prioritize getting him the football more than last season. However, he’s missed 10 games over the previous three seasons due to injury, and his play was negatively affected in several more while playing through injury. If he can stay healthy, he will have his best fantasy season yet, but staying healthy is a big if.
Possible Targets: Omarion Hampton, R.J. Harvey, Alvin Kamara, D'Andre Swift, James Conner
Round 5, Pick 41: Draft a running back
As mentioned above, it makes sense to pick back-to-back running backs to have a solid starting lineup because waiting for Pick 60 is a little long for a second running back.
Top Target: Omarion Hampton
Hampton should be viewed as one of the top rookie running backs from the last few seasons and a lead running back on a run-heavy team. He averaged at least eight carries of 5 or more yards per game in the previous two seasons. However, the presence of Najee Harris and the lack of receiving potential will likely prevent Hampton from being an immediate top-10 fantasy running back. He will likely be a fantasy starter early on in his rookie season. The more the Chargers change their offense to fit Hampton in terms of more zone runs and more running back targets, the better his fantasy value will be.
Possible Targets: R.J. Harvey, Alvin Kamara, D'Andre Swift, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard
Round 6, Pick 60: Draft a wide receiver
This team needs wide receivers after only drafting one in the first five rounds. To round out the starting lineup, it makes sense to pick two wide receivers in these rounds.
Top Target: Travis Hunter
The sky is the limit for Hunter, a truly unique athlete. He is arguably the best wide receiver and best cornerback in the 2025 draft class. That uniqueness makes it difficult to project how much he can help a fantasy manager at the wide receiver position. Fantasy-relevant wide receivers are consistently playing a minimum of 75% of offensive snaps, and there is a chance Hunter falls below that threshold. His role on offense could be restricted in a way that makes Hunter unstartable, but Hunter could also become the top wide receiver in the NFL and fantasy. He is arguably the most risky player to pick in fantasy drafts, offering both significant risk and reward.
Possible Targets: Jameson Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, George Pickens
Round 7, Pick 61: Draft a wide receiver
As mentioned above, it makes sense to pick wide receivers here. Luckily, several options are either the top wide receiver on their team or young number two options who have shown significant potential.
Top Target: Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams was a highly talented college player, but an ACL injury and suspension led to a quiet first two seasons in the NFL. Detroit began using Williams more on short and intermediate passes in 2024, allowing him to capitalize on his speed after the catch. By mid-season, he consistently gained at least 8 PPR points per game, making him a reliable fantasy starter. He accomplished this despite Detroit having several other offensive weapons. The Lions have a new offensive coordinator who has always given a lot of praise to Williams, which could further increase his fantasy value this season.
Possible Targets: Tetairoa McMillan, Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, George Pickens, Rome Odunze
Round 8, Pick 80: Draft a running back
With a top-four quarterback and tight end, the goal of the rest of the draft is simply adding high-upside running backs and wide receivers. There are multiple options at this pick that will be at the next pick too, so it’s fine to add the best player available at both positions.
Top Target: Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren has been a borderline fantasy starter when healthy for the past two seasons and is projected to continue in that role for the 2025 season. His fantasy upside is increased by the possibility of maintaining a significant role over new competition, Kaleb Johnson, primarily in the passing game and potentially in the run game. However, there's also the risk that he could lose playing time if Johnson outperforms the previous competition, Najee Harris. This leaves Warren's fantasy value somewhat volatile and dependent on how the competition plays out.
Possible Targets: Jordan Mason, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Quinshon Judkins, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rhamondre Stevenson
Round 9, Pick 81: Draft a wide receiver
As mentioned above, it’s fine to pick the best running back and wide receivers with these picks.
Top Target: Ricky Pearsall
Ricky Pearsall was a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. After missing the first six weeks of the season, Pearsall became the team’s slot receiver over the rest of the season. He showed some sparks in his first few games, finishing with three to four receptions in his first three games. He was a non-factor in his next five games but ended the season strong with 14 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns in his final two games. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel but have Brandon Aiyuk coming back from injury. The 49ers should have one of the best offenses in the league, but it will be crucial for Pearsall to surpass either Aiyuk or Jauan Jennings on the depth chart to have enough volume to be fantasy relevant. He is a fine late-round lottery ticket given the 49ers' offense and Pearsall’s talent.
Possible Targets: Deebo Samuel, Jakobi Meyers, Jauan Jennings, Stefon Diggs, Jordan Addison
Round 10, Pick 100: Draft a wide receiver
There are a few good options at running back and wide receiver here. Many players currently available should also be available in Round 12, as many other managers will be selecting quarterbacks, tight ends, kickers or defenses in some home leagues. It’s, again, fine to keep this team balanced with both a wide receiver and a running back.
Top Target: Emeka Egbuka
Egbuka was a very talented receiver out of Ohio State, but he was consistently the second wide receiver in Ohio State’s offense. He averaged 2.75 yards per route run against zone defenses over the last three seasons, which places him over the 95th percentile among FBS receivers. With the Buccaneers, he will likely be the third option in the short term. The Buccaneers are one of six teams with two wide receivers with a PFF receiving grade above 84 over the last three seasons. While he might eventually become a top receiver on the team and in the league, the odds are stacked against him this season.
Possible Targets: Darnell Mooney, Josh Downs, Marvin Mims Jr., Michael Pittman Jr., Christian Kirk
Round 11, Pick 101: Draft a running back
As mentioned above, this is the time to add another running back and another wide receiver.
Top Target: Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason quickly went from undrafted rookie to the top backup running back for the 49ers, despite the team consistently spending mid-to-late round draft picks on running backs. An injury to Christian McCaffrey allowed Mason to be a starter to begin the 2024 season, and he was sixth in fantasy points per game over five weeks before he started dealing with injuries. Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where Aaron Jones Sr. is the main running back. The two will likely be in a committee that includes Mason receiving significant work in rushing situations while Jones gets more in passing situations. Jones is over 30 years old and has dealt with multiple injuries over the last two seasons. While Mason might not score enough weekly to start in fantasy in normal situations, if Jones is dealing with an injury or is showing more signs of age, we could see Jones as a weekly player to start.
Possible Targets: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rhamondre Stevenson, Javonte Williams, Tank Bigsby, Braelon Allen
Round 12, Pick 120: Draft a wide receiver
This team is very balanced at this point, and the goal should be to keep adding running backs and wide receivers. There is a clear tier gap after the first few top wide receivers from this round are no longer available, making wide receiver the position to target first.
Top Target: Darnell Mooney
Darnell Mooney had a strong start to his career with the Chicago Bears for a fifth-round pick, but then Chicago moved him to the slot, which didn’t end up working out. The Atlanta Falcons signed him in free agency prior to the 2024 season, moving him back to the outside, which caused him to be a frustrating WR3 option for fantasy teams. He had seven games with 80 or more receiving yards, and his career-high five touchdowns occurred during those seven games. However, he was held to three receptions for less than 40 yards in six of his games. Michael Penix Jr. has taken over as the Falcons' starting quarterback, and his quality of play will determine Mooney’s fantasy value. In a small sample, Penix has thrown deep at a high rate with high deep accuracy, which could lead to a huge season by Mooney, but if Penix regresses, then Mooney will be a fantasy backup.
Possible Targets: Marvin Mims Jr., Christian Kirk, DeMario Douglas, Brandon Aiyuk, Wan'Dale Robinson
Round 13, Pick 121: Draft a running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the top player with this pick. His ADP is currently much later than this on most sites, but he is also potentially getting drafted earlier than this in a lot of drafts, just depending on how up-to-date your leaguemates are with NFL news. Even if Croskey-Merritt isn’t available, it would be good to add another running back.
Top Target: Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has consistently improved as a running back from his time at Alabama State to New Mexico, where he significantly improved in both the run and passing game, averaging a first down on 37.2% of his runs and breaking long runs at a ridiculously high rate. After a brief stint at Arizona, he impressed at the Shrine Bowl with 97 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. He further cemented his potential at the combine, finishing in the 80th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump and broad jump. Selected by the Washington Commanders, he quickly moved up the depth chart in the preseason, even playing ahead of Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., suggesting he could be the primary early-down back, especially with trade rumors swirling around Brian Robinson Jr. While his role is likely to be primarily as an early-down runner in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, his talent makes him worthy of being one of the top 32 running backs drafted, though you may not have to draft him that high.
Possible Targets: Tank Bigsby, Braelon Allen, Jaydon Blue, Nick Chubb, Tyjae Spears
Round 14–18: Fill Depth
Use any additional picks to draft a kicker and team defense if required; otherwise, stock up on running backs and wide receivers.
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