- 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 Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane standing out as a prime target in the early second round.
- Load up at wide receiver: A 10-team league has room for three set-and-forget wide receivers, and you build that core in Rounds 3 through 6, starting with the New England Patriots‘ top new wide receiver A.J. Brown.
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Fantasy football draft season is here, and preparation is everything. This perfect draft strategy for 10-team, single-quarterback PPR redraft leagues uses a consensus of current average draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo to provide a round-by-round blueprint for building the strongest roster possible.
Last updated: Monday, Sept. 7
Round 1, Picks 1-10: Draft a running back or wide receiver
The decision in Round 1 is simple: pick your highest-ranked player. There are no tight ends or quarterbacks with a first-round ADP, so the choice is between the top running backs and the top wide receivers. Luckily, there are enough good options at both positions over the next few rounds to pivot later, regardless of which you take here.
The best early options are the top running backs because of their talent, past production in both the run and pass game, and age. While injury is a possible concern for every running back, it is difficult to find a scenario where they don't have significant volume. Wide receiver production, by contrast, can be more tied to quarterback play.
Any team that can't land one of the elite running backs early in the first round should pivot to wide receiver, but for this example, we'll stick with a running back here.
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. David Montgomery's departure 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, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb
Round 2, Picks 11-20: 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 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.
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