Utilizing tiers is the best way to ensure that you generate value with each pick in 2021 fantasy football drafts, especially throughout the early rounds. 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 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.
Last Updated: Aug. 25, 2021
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TIER 1: ELITE TALENT AND WORKLOADS
| 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 | Aaron Jones | Packers | RB4 |
| 5 | TE | Travis Kelce | Chiefs | TE1 |
| 6 | WR | Davante Adams | Packers | WR1 |
| 7 | WR | Tyreek Hill | Chiefs | WR2 |
| 8 | RB | Derrick Henry | Titans | RB5 |
| 9 | RB | Ezekiel Elliott | Cowboys | RB6 |
| 10 | WR | Stefon Diggs | Bills | WR3 |
| 11 | RB | Saquon Barkley | Giants | RB7 |
| 12 | RB | Austin Ekeler | Chargers | RB8 |
From the early position, focus on the dual-threat running backs and then pivot to the elite receivers and tight ends ahead of Henry and Elliott, who both are at or approaching the 1,500-attempt marker.
Barkley could start slow but provides RB1-overall upside once he is rolling. If you don't like the risk associated with Barkley, Diggs is the easy pick.
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