- Brian Thomas Jr. is poised to carry over his success into 2025: Across the last seven weeks of 2024, Thomas racked up the third-most fantasy points among wide receivers. Target him in the second round.
- Add a quarterback and tight end early: By finding multiple elite players at both positions, it’s easier to stand out before stockpiling running backs and wide receivers in the later rounds.
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Estimated Reading Time: 15 minutes
This perfect draft strategy for eight-team, single quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy football leagues uses a consensus of current average draft positions from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo! to deliver a general round-by-round guide for managers. To find more information about any player mentioned in this article, click on the player's name for their fantasy football player profile.
Last updated: Thursday, Aug. 7
Round 1, Picks 1-8: Draft a running back or wide receiver
The first-round pick should simply be the best available player. For those picking at 1.01 or late in the first round, that pick will be a wide receiver. For those picking in the early or middle parts of the first round, that will be a running back like Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs.
Top Target: Ja'Marr Chase
Chase led all wide receivers in fantasy points and fantasy points per game last season. He has consistently graded as a top-10 wide receiver, with his fantasy performance elevated by his environment. The Bengals made no changes to their coaching staff that would impact 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 that.
Possible Targets: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Thomas Jr., Puka Nacua, Nico Collins
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