12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy: The Blueprint for a Championship Roster

 

What's Your 12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy?

Fantasy drafts are tough. Every pick comes with tons of variables vying for your attention:

• Scoring rules
• Positional value
• Team needs
• ADP
• Upside
• Injury risk

It’s easy to be overwhelmed and make costly draft mistakes.

And let’s be honest: There’s nothing more painful than watching your early-round guys flop while your buddy coasts to the playoffs behind a couple of late-round steals.

The solution: A round-by-round draft strategy guide to maximize value with every pick.

This guide is your fix, a pick-by-pick roadmap built specifically for 12-team half PPR drafts. It’s designed to help you stay a step ahead, round after round.

We’re using our 3D Values and current ADP to pinpoint the smartest targets and fallback options.

Consider this your game plan heading into your draft.

Is this plan bulletproof? Of course not. Fantasy drafts zig when you expect them to zag.

But that’s why you pair this strategy guide with the Draft War Room, a customized, real-time fantasy football cheat sheet that recalibrates every time you're on the clock, factoring in 17 key value indicators to uncover the best pick.

Combine the Draft War Room with this round-by-round game plan, and you’ll be armed with the ultimate Half PPR fantasy football draft guide.

Note: This strategy guide assumes a 16-round draft and starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 K and 1 DST. The Draft War Room will help you adjust your strategy if your league settings are different.

    

Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 1, 2, or 3

Round 1

Top targets: Ja’Marr Chase

Although he loses a bit of value in half-PPR vs. full, Chase remains our No. 1 overall player in this format.

He scored 74.4 more half-PPR points than any other WR last season and also out-scored every RB.

Chase returns to the same pass-heavy Bengals offense alongside QB Joe Burrow in 2025.

Next best: Saquon Barkley

Barkley has recently passed Bijan Robinson in our half-PPR rankings after the Falcons lost OT Kaleb McGary for the season. The margins are slim!

Barkley will have trouble matching his historic 2024 season. But he'll remain the key cog of a high-scoring, dominant Eagles team.

And he could even score more TDs in 2025 after QB Jalen Hurts poached 11 one-yard TDs last year.

Other options

• Bijan Robinson

 

Rounds 2 & 3

Top targets: A.J. Brown & Kyren Williams

Brown is coming off a WR12 finish in half-PPR points per game, despite the Eagles attempting 29 fewer passes than any other team.

He drew a huge 31.4% target share in his 13 games, while setting career highs in yards per route and Pro Football Focus receiving grade.

The Eagles will likely throw at least a little -- and maybe a lot -- more in 2025. That could vault Brown back into the top-8 fantasy WRs. 

The Rams drafted another RB (Jarquez Hunter) and have talked about deploying more of a committee backfield this season.

But Williams could lose some work and still be a nice value here. He ranked fourth among RBs in expected half-PPR points per game last year, fueled by strong usage near the goal line. Williams led all RBs with 70 red-zone carries and ranked third with 20 carries inside the 5-yard line.

The three-year extension he signed in early August guarantees that Williams will remain a huge part of this offense.

Next best: Chase Brown & Tee Higgins

Brown got workhorse usage over the second half of last season, averaging 18.9 carries and 5.5 targets over his final eight games. He ranked fifth among RBs in half-PPR points during that stretch.

We're not projecting Brown to get quite that much work in 2025. But he should remain the clear lead back after the Bengals failed to add legitimate competition this offseason.

Higgins’ new four-year deal keeps him tied to one of the game’s best QBs and one of its pass-heaviest offenses.

That environment helped Higgins rank fourth among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year. It was his third top-12 finish among the last four seasons.

Yeah, the injuries can be annoying. But Higgins is a good bet for WR1-level production again in 2025. That’s nice to land in the second or third round.

Other options

• Bucky Irving
• Omarion Hampton
• Brock Bowers
• Trey McBride

 

Rounds 4 & 5

Top targets: Mike Evans & Breece Hall

The 32-year-old Evans has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he averaged a career-best 2.41 yards per route on his way to a WR9 finish in half-PPR points per game last season.

Evans has now finished as a top-15 WR in that category for seven straight seasons.

Hall has been falling in our RB rankings with more signs that he'll be in a committee this season. But he's also falling in ADP.

Hall makes sense at the 4-5 turn. He's still a good bet to lead the RBs in carries and see a strong target share. That should be enough for at least RB2-level production.

Next best: James Conner & Marvin Harrison Jr.

Conner is undervalued. Again.

He has turned in back-to-back top-15 finishes in half-PPR points per game but is once again being drafted outside the top 20 at his position.

He’s a strong value here and should be your top priority, especially if you’re still looking for your RB2.

Harrison underwhelmed last year but is now multiple rounds cheaper in fantasy drafts. We should expect him to take a step forward in year two. And he remains a clear top-two target in Arizona's passing game.

Other options

• Chuba Hubbard
• D.K. Metcalf
• Terry McLaurin
• D.K. Metcalf
• D.J. Moore

 

Rounds 6 & 7

Top targets: Tetairoa McMillan & Isiah Pacheco

McMillan boasts a strong prospect profile and has a good chance to immediately emerge as Carolina’s top target. If QB Bryce Young keeps playing like he did over the second half of last season, McMillan will be a good bet for WR2-level production.

Pacheco's 2024 got derailed by a September broken leg. He was operating as a workhorse before that injury, though, and the Chiefs did not make any significant additions to the backfield this offseason.

A healthy Pacheco remains a good bet to lead his backfield. Remember that he finished 15th among RBs in half-PPR points per game in 2023.

Next best: Jaylen Waddle & Jameson Williams

Waddle's volume and efficiency tanked in what was a weird Miami passing season. But that looks like an outlier when you compare it to the rest of Waddle's career:

• Sixth overall pick of the 2021 draft
• Caught 104 balls as a rookie
• Finished WR13 in year 2
• Finished WR22 in year 3

Williams is coming off a breakout 2024 and was particularly good over the second half, averaging 73.4 yards and 0.5 TDs over his final eight games. He ranked 18th among WRs in half-PPR points per game during that stretch.

Other options

• Tony Pollard
• Aaron Jones
• George Pickens
• Zay Flowers
• Mark Andrews

 

Rounds 8 & 9

Top targets: Justin Fields & Deebo Samuel

This looks like a good spot to target a QB.

It's not always pretty, but Fields has consistently produced as a QB1 with upside thanks to his high-end rushing production. His 50.2 rushing yards per game rank second among QBs over the last four seasons, behind only Lamar Jackson.

Blame the pneumonia for Samuel's disappointing 2024 season. He was as efficient as ever before getting sick and now lands in an ascending Commanders offense. Samuel's after-catch ability is a good fit in OC Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

Next best: Emeka Egbuka & Jordan Mason

Ebguka has been buzzing since the moment he was drafted, drawing praise from coaches, teammates, and beat writers. He was primed to play a big role out of the gate regardless. But injuries to WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan guarantee a busy start.

Egbuka could come out of the gates hot and never look back.

Mason has been a rankings riser this summer. Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell called his backfield a "1A-1B" situation with Aaron Jones and Mason. And Minnesota might lean on the run a bit more this season under first-year starting QB J.J. McCarthy.

Other options

• Kyler Murray
• J.K. Dobbins
• Jordan Addison
• Jauan Jennings
• Matthew Golden
• Tucker Kraft
• Tyler Warren

 

Rounds 10 & 11

Top targets: Jacory Croskey-Merritt & Dalton Kincaid

Croskey-Merritt was a huge August riser, going from afterthought to potential lead ball carrier for the Commanders after Brian Robinson was traded to the 49ers.

Croskey-Merritt doesn't project to do much in the passing game. But if he can capture 12-15 carries per game, plus goal-line work, he could flirt with RB2 production.

This is a good spot to take a TE. Kincaid sits highest in our half-PPR rankings, but Dallas Goedert, Jake Ferguson, and Colston Loveland are also nice values.

Kincaid is coming off an underwhelming, injury-stricken 2024 season. But he still drew a strong 19.7% target share in a high-scoring Bills offense. There's bounce-back potential into the top-8 TEs.

Next best: Keon Coleman & Josh Downs

Coleman wasn't much of a fantasy asset last year but did some exciting things for his 2025 outlook. He was used deep downfield, was productive after the catch, and drew a lot of targets near the end zone.

Now heading into year two with plenty of opportunity in a high-scoring Bills offense, Coleman is a legit breakout candidate.

Downs was awesome in per-route metrics last season but was held back by QB Anthony Richardson. In games with QB Joe Flacco, he ranked 17th among WRs in fantasy points per game.

Downs should get better QB play this season from Daniel Jones, who was named the starter on August 19.

Other options

• Caleb Williams
• Austin Ekeler
• Tank Bigsby
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Michael Pittman
• Dallas Goedert
• Jake Ferguson
• Colston Loveland

 

Rounds 12 & 13

Top targets: Bhayshul Tuten & Rashid Shaheed

Tuten might open the season as Jacksonville's No. 3 RB. But don't be surprised if he works his way into a significant role -- and maybe the lead job -- throughout the year.

Tuten was hand-picked by the Jaguars' new regime and is an explosive player, clocking a 4.32-second 40 time at 206 pounds.

Shaheed drew a 23.3% target share and averaged 2.04 yards per route before a season-ending knee injury in Week 6 last year. Those were both top-30 marks among WRs.

He's back to 100% now and remains locked in as New Orleans’ No. 2 WR. The Saints have a big QB question but project for a significant spike in play volume under new HC Kellen Moore.

Next best: Drake Maye & Jayden Higgins

Target Maye here if you're still looking for your QB1 (or want a high-upside QB2). He ranked 15th among QBs in fantasy points per game last year -- as a rookie with one of the league's worst supporting casts. Maye got pass-catching and offensive line upgrades this offseason, giving him breakout potential.

Higgins might not open the season in a full-time role. But it shouldn't take him long to work into that position. That gives the talented rookie a path to significant fantasy value if Houston's passing game bounces back. The 2023 Texans produced a pair of top-12 WRs in PPR points per game in Collins and Tank Dell.

Other options

• Trevor Lawrence
• Jerome Ford
• Dylan Sampson
• Ray Davis
• Tyler Allgeier
• Trey Benson
• Keenan Allen
• Christian Kirk
• Marvin Mims

 

Rounds 14, 15 & 16

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Ollie Gordon
• Rico Dowdle
• Chris Rodriguez
• Brashard Smith
• Marquise Brown
• Cedric Tillman
• Luther Burden
• Jalen Coker
• Troy Franklin
• Kyle Williams
• Chig Okonkwo

Use your final two picks on a kicker and DST. Target a kicker on a strong offense. We recommend working the waiver wire and playing matchups at DST throughout the season.

Here are three DSTs with favorable early schedules:

• Broncos (vs. TEN, at IND)
• Steelers (at NYJ, vs. SEA, at NE)
• 49ers (at SEA, at NO)

   

 

Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 4, 5, or 6

Round 1

Top target: Jahmyr Gibbs

Assuming Ja’Marr Chase, Saquon Barkley, and Bijan Robinson are off the board, you’ll likely find Gibbs topping your Draft War Room.

He led all RBs in total half-PPR points and finished second to only Saquon Barkley in points per game last year.

A big chunk of that damage came with RB David Montgomery sidelined late in the season. Montgomery's return keeps Gibbs from climbing higher in our rankings. But we are expecting a bit more work to shift in his direction in 2025.

Top target: CeeDee Lamb

Lamb checks in just ahead of Justin Jefferson in the half-PPR WR rankings.

Jefferson wins on talent, but the edges in QB stability and target volume go to Lamb. He averaged 10.5 targets across Dak Prescott’s eight games last year after averaging 10.6 targets per game in 2023.

Other options

• Christian McCaffrey
• Derrick Henry
• Justin Jefferson

 

Round 2

Top target: Jonathan Taylor

Taylor missed three games last season but averaged 21.6 carries and 102 rushing yards across the other 14. Those marks ranked first and third league-wide.

Indianapolis’ QB situation adds some risk to Taylor’s 2025 outlook. But Daniel Jones getting the Week 1 nod helps Taylor's outlook. His target and TD projections gets boosts with Jones vs. Anthony Richardson.

Next best: A.J. Brown

Brown is coming off a WR12 finish in half-PPR points per game, despite the Eagles attempting 29 fewer passes than any other team.

He drew a huge 31.4% target share in his 13 games, while setting career highs in yards per route and Pro Football Focus receiving grade.

The Eagles will likely throw at least a little -- and maybe a lot -- more in 2025. That could vault Brown back into the top-8 fantasy WRs. 

Other options

• Drake London
• Josh Jacobs
• Chase Brown

 

Round 3

Top target: Tee Higgins

Higgins’ new four-year deal keeps him tied to one of the game’s best QBs and one of its pass-heaviest offenses.

That environment helped Higgins rank fourth among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year. It was his third top-12 finish among the last four seasons.

Yeah, the injuries can be annoying. But Higgins is a good bet for WR1-level production again in 2025. That’s a nice get in Round 3.

Next best: Kyren Williams

If you didn't open your draft with two RBs, there's a good chance you'll find Williams topping the rankings on your Draft War Room here.

The Rams drafted another RB (Jarquez Hunter) and have talked about deploying more of a committee backfield this season.

But Williams could lose some work and still be a nice value here. He ranked fourth among RBs in expected half-PPR points per game last year, fueled by strong usage near the goal line. Williams led all RBs with 70 red-zone carries and ranked third with 20 carries inside the 5-yard line.

The three-year extension he signed in early August guarantees that Williams will remain a huge part of this offense.

Other options

• Jayden Daniels
• Jalen Hurts
• Omarion Hampton
• Ladd McConkey
• Tyreek Hill

 

Round 4

Top target: Ken Walker

Walker has been climbing our RB rankings all summer amidst buzz about his role in new OC Klint Kubiak's offense. Seattle is expected to lean more on the run this season, with Walker as a focal point.

Even in last year's pass-heavy offense, Walker finished 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.

Next best: Mike Evans

This 32-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, Evans averaged a career-best 2.41 yards per route on his way to a WR9 finish in half-PPR points per game last season.

Evans has now finished top-15 in that category in seven straight seasons.

Other options

• Alvin Kamara
• Davante Adams
• Marvin Harrison Jr.

 

Round 5

Top target: James Conner

Conner is undervalued. Again.

He has turned in back-to-back top-15 finishes in half-PPR points per game but is once again being drafted outside the top 20 at his position.

He’s a strong value here and should be your top priority, especially if you’re still looking for your RB2.

Next best: Xavier Worthy

Worthy closed his rookie season strongly, averaging 75.4 total yards and 0.7 TDs over his final 10 games (including playoffs).

He's a good bet to take a step forward in year two and gets a boost with WR Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games of the season.

Other options

• TreVeyon Henderson
• David Montgomery
• DeVonta Smith
• Courtland Sutton

 

Round 6

Top target: Tetairoa McMillan

McMillan boasts a strong prospect profile and has a good chance to immediately emerge as Carolina’s top target. If QB Bryce Young keeps playing like he did over the second half of last season, McMillan will be a good bet for WR2-level production.

Next best: Jaylen Waddle

Waddle's volume and efficiency tanked in what was a weird Miami passing season. But that looks like an outlier when you compare it to the rest of Waddle's career:

• Sixth overall pick of the 2021 draft
• Caught 104 balls as a rookie
• Finished WR13 in year 2
• Finished WR22 in year 3

Waddle is a strong bounce-back bet in 2025, especially at this price.

Other options

• Aaron Jones
• Jameson Williams
• George Pickens
• Zay Flowers

  

Round 7

Top target: Deebo Samuel

Blame the pneumonia for Samuel's disappointing 2024 season. He was as efficient as ever before getting sick and now lands in an ascending Commanders offense. Samuel's after-catch ability is a good fit in OC Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

Next best: Ricky Pearsall

WR Brandon Aiyuk won't be ready for the start of the season after last October's multi-ligament knee injury. WR Jauan Jennings has missed most of August with a calf injury.

That leaves Pearsall as the likely No. 1 WR in an always-efficient 49ers passing game. His ceiling extends into the top-20 at the position.

Other options

• Tyrone Tracy
• Jaylen Warren
• Chris Olave
• Rome Odunze
• Mark Andrews

 

Round 8

Top target: Emeka Egbuka

Ebguka has been buzzing since the moment he was drafted, drawing praise from coaches, teammates, and beat writers. He was primed to play a big role out of the gate regardless. But injuries to WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan guarantee a busy start.

Egbuka could come out of the gates hot and never look back.

Next best: Jordan Mason

Mason has been a rankings riser this summer. Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell called his backfield a "1A-1B" situation with Aaron Jones and Mason. And Minnesota might lean on the run a bit more this season under first-year starting QB J.J. McCarthy.

Other options

• J.K. Dobbins
• Jordan Addison
• Jakobi Meyers

 

Round 9

Top target: Justin Fields

This is a good spot to target a QB.

It's not always pretty, but Fields has consistently produced as a QB1 with upside thanks to his high-end rushing production. His 50.2 rushing yards per game rank second among QBs over the last four seasons, behind only Lamar Jackson.

Next best: David Njoku

Njoku averaged 9.9 targets and scored as the TE6 across nine healthy games last season. That followed TE6 and TE9 finishes the previous two years.

He'll remain a big part of Cleveland's passing game in 2025 and is a good bet for top-10 production.

Other options

• Kyler Murray
• Jauan Jennings
• Matthew Golden
• Tucker Kraft
• Tyler Warren

 

Round 10

Top target: Keon Coleman

Coleman wasn't much of a fantasy asset last year but did some exciting things for his 2025 outlook. He was used deep downfield, was productive after the catch, and drew a lot of targets near the end zone.

Now heading into year two with plenty of opportunity in a high-scoring Bills offense, Coleman is a legit breakout candidate.

Next best: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Croskey-Merritt was a huge August riser, going from afterthought to potential lead ball carrier for the Commanders after Brian Robinson was traded to the 49ers.

Croskey-Merritt doesn't project to do much in the passing game. But if he can capture 12-15 carries per game, plus goal-line work, he could flirt with RB2 production.

Other options

• Caleb Williams
• Tank Bigsby
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Colston Loveland

 

Round 11

Top target: Dalton Kincaid

This is a good spot to take a TE. Kincaid sits highest in our half-PPR rankings, but Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson are also nice values.

Kincaid is coming off an underwhelming, injury-stricken 2024 season. But he still drew a strong 19.7% target share in a high-scoring Bills offense. There's bounce-back potential into the top-8 TEs.

Next best: Josh Downs

Downs was awesome in per-route metrics last season but was held back by QB Anthony Richardson. In games with QB Joe Flacco, he ranked 17th among WRs in fantasy points per game.

Downs should get better QB play this season from Daniel Jones, who was named the starter on August 19.

Other options

• Austin Ekeler
• Michael Pittman
• Dallas Goedert
• Jake Ferguson

 

Round 12

Top target: Bhayshul Tuten

Tuten might open the season as Jacksonville's No. 3 RB. But don't be surprised if he works his way into a significant role -- and maybe the lead job -- throughout the year.

Tuten was hand-picked by the Jaguars' new regime and is an explosive player, clocking a 4.32-second 40 time at 206 pounds.

Next best: Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed drew a 23.3% target share and averaged 2.04 yards per route before a season-ending knee injury in Week 6 last year. Those were both top-30 marks among WRs.

He's back to 100% now and remains locked in as New Orleans’ No. 2 WR. The Saints have a big QB question but project for a significant spike in play volume under new HC Kellen Moore.

Other options

• Dylan Sampson
• Trey Benson
• Keenan Allen
• Marvin Mims

 

Round 13

Top target: Jayden Higgins

Higgins might not open the season in a full-time role. But it shouldn't take him long to work into that position. That gives the talented rookie a path to significant fantasy value if Houston's passing game bounces back. The 2023 Texans produced a pair of top-12 WRs in PPR points per game in Collins and Tank Dell.

Next best: Drake Maye

Target Maye here if you're still looking for your QB1 (or want a high-upside QB2). He ranked 15th among QBs in fantasy points per game last year -- as a rookie with one of the league's worst supporting casts. Maye got pass-catching and offensive line upgrades this offseason, giving him breakout potential.

Other options

• Trevor Lawrence
• Jerome Ford
• Ray Davis
• Tyler Allgeier
• Christian Kirk

  

Round 14, 15 & 16

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Ollie Gordon
• Rico Dowdle
• Chris Rodriguez
• Brashard Smith
• Marquise Brown
• Cedric Tillman
• Luther Burden
• Jalen Coker
• Troy Franklin
• Kyle Williams
• Chig Okonkwo

Use your final two picks on a kicker and DST. Target a kicker on a strong offense. We recommend working the waiver wire and playing matchups at DST throughout the season.

Here are three DSTs with favorable early-season schedules:

• Broncos (vs. TEN, at IND)
• Steelers (at NYJ, vs. SEA, at NE)
• 49ers (at SEA, at NO)

 

 

Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 7, 8, or 9

Round 1

Top target: Christian McCaffrey

There’s a good chance you’ll find McCaffrey topping the rankings in your Draft War Room here.

We won’t fault you for preferring a safer option in Round 1. But McCaffrey certainly has the upside to pay off here. 

It was just two years ago when he scored 2.5 more half-PPR points per game than any other RB. He’s had a healthy 2025 and will continue to be the 49ers’ workhorse for as long as his body holds up.

Next best: Derrick Henry

Henry averaged 19.3 half-PPR points per game last year. It was his biggest tally since 2021 and ranked third among all RBs. Henry led all 47 qualifying RBs in rush yards over expected per attempt and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Other options

• Ashton Jeanty
• Nico Collins
• Puka Nacua

 

Round 2

Top target: Jonathan Taylor

Taylor missed three games last season but averaged 21.6 carries and 102 rushing yards across the other 14. Those marks ranked first and third league-wide.

Indianapolis’ QB situation adds some risk to Taylor’s 2025 outlook. But Daniel Jones getting the Week 1 nod helps Taylor's outlook. His target and TD projections gets boosts with Jones vs. Anthony Richardson.

Next best: Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas' ADP has fallen lately, so you might find him available here.

Rookie Travis Hunter adds target competition, but there's room for both to eat in what should be a much-improved offense under new HC Liam Coen.

Thomas is coming off a sensational rookie season that saw him rank third league-wide with 1,282 receiving yards. Even more impressive: He became just the sixth rookie WR over the last five seasons to top 2.3 yards per route. The other five? Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Chris Olave, and Ladd McConkey.

Other options

• De'Von Achane
• A.J. Brown
• Drake London

 

Round 3

Top target: Tee Higgins

Higgins’ new four-year deal keeps him tied to one of the game’s best QBs and one of its pass-heaviest offenses.

That environment helped Higgins rank fourth among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year. It was his third top-12 finish among the last four seasons.

Yeah, the injuries can be annoying. But Higgins is a good bet for WR1-level production again in 2025. That’s a nice get in Round 3.

Next best: Kyren Williams

If you didn't open your draft with two RBs, there's a good chance you'll find Williams topping the rankings on your Draft War Room here.

The Rams drafted another RB (Jarquez Hunter) and have talked about deploying more of a committee backfield this season.

But Williams could lose some work and still be a nice value here. He ranked fourth among RBs in expected half-PPR points per game last year, fueled by strong usage near the goal line. Williams led all RBs with 70 red-zone carries and ranked third with 20 carries inside the 5-yard line.

The three-year extension he signed in early August guarantees that Williams will remain a huge part of this offense.

Other options

• Jayden Daniels
• Jalen Hurts
• Omarion Hampton
• Tyreek Hill

  

Round 4

Top target: Ken Walker

Walker has been climbing our RB rankings all summer amidst buzz about his role in new OC Klint Kubiak's offense. Seattle is expected to lean more on the run this season, with Walker as a focal point.

Even in last year's pass-heavy offense, Walker finished 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.

Next best: Mike Evans

This 32-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, Evans averaged a career-best 2.41 yards per route on his way to a WR9 finish in half-PPR points per game last season.

Evans has now finished top-15 in that category in seven straight seasons.

Other options

• Alvin Kamara
• Davante Adams
• Marvin Harrison Jr.

 

Round 5

Top target: James Conner

Conner is undervalued. Again.

He has turned in back-to-back top-15 finishes in half-PPR points per game but is once again being drafted outside the top 20 at his position.

He’s a strong value here and should be your top priority, especially if you’re still looking for your RB2.

Next best: Xavier Worthy

Worthy closed his rookie season strongly, averaging 75.4 total yards and 0.7 TDs over his final 10 games (including playoffs).

He's a good bet to take a step forward in year two and gets a boost with WR Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games of the season.

Other options

• TreVeyon Henderson
• David Montgomery
• DeVonta Smith
• Courtland Sutton

 

Round 6

Top target: Tetairoa McMillan

McMillan boasts a strong prospect profile and has a good chance to immediately emerge as Carolina’s top target. If QB Bryce Young keeps playing like he did over the second half of last season, McMillan will be a good bet for WR2-level production.

Next best: Jaylen Waddle

Waddle's volume and efficiency tanked in what was a weird Miami passing season. But that looks like an outlier when you compare it to the rest of Waddle's career:

• Sixth overall pick of the 2021 draft
• Caught 104 balls as a rookie
• Finished WR13 in year 2
• Finished WR22 in year 3

Waddle is a strong bounce-back bet in 2025, especially at this price.

Other options

• Aaron Jones
• Jameson Williams
• George Pickens
• Zay Flowers

   

Round 7

Top target: Deebo Samuel

Blame the pneumonia for Samuel's disappointing 2024 season. He was as efficient as ever before getting sick and now lands in an ascending Commanders offense. Samuel's after-catch ability is a good fit in OC Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

Next best: Ricky Pearsall

WR Brandon Aiyuk won't be ready for the start of the season after last October's multi-ligament knee injury. WR Jauan Jennings has missed most of August with a calf injury.

That leaves Pearsall as the likely No. 1 WR in an always-efficient 49ers passing game. His ceiling extends into the top-20 at the position.

Other options

• Tyrone Tracy
• Jaylen Warren
• Chris Olave
• Rome Odunze
• Mark Andrews

 

Round 8

Top target: Emeka Egbuka

Ebguka has been buzzing since the moment he was drafted, drawing praise from coaches, teammates, and beat writers. He was primed to play a big role out of the gate regardless. But injuries to WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan guarantee a busy start.

Egbuka could come out of the gates hot and never look back.

Next best: Jordan Mason

Mason has been a rankings riser this summer. Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell called his backfield a "1A-1B" situation with Aaron Jones and Mason. And Minnesota might lean on the run a bit more this season under first-year starting QB J.J. McCarthy.

Other options

• J.K. Dobbins
• Jordan Addison
• Jakobi Meyers

  

Round 9

Top target: Justin Fields

This is a good spot to target a QB.

It's not always pretty, but Fields has consistently produced as a QB1 with upside thanks to his high-end rushing production. His 50.2 rushing yards per game rank second among QBs over the last four seasons, behind only Lamar Jackson.

Next best: David Njoku

Njoku averaged 9.9 targets and scored as the TE6 across nine healthy games last season. That followed TE6 and TE9 finishes the previous two years.

He'll remain a big part of Cleveland's passing game in 2025 and is a good bet for top-10 production.

Other options

• Kyler Murray
• Jauan Jennings
• Matthew Golden
• Tucker Kraft
• Tyler Warren

  

Round 10

Top target: Keon Coleman

Coleman wasn't much of a fantasy asset last year but did some exciting things for his 2025 outlook. He was used deep downfield, was productive after the catch, and drew a lot of targets near the end zone.

Now heading into year two with plenty of opportunity in a high-scoring Bills offense, Coleman is a legit breakout candidate.

Next best: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Croskey-Merritt was a huge August riser, going from afterthought to potential lead ball carrier for the Commanders after Brian Robinson was traded to the 49ers.

Croskey-Merritt doesn't project to do much in the passing game. But if he can capture 12-15 carries per game, plus goal-line work, he could flirt with RB2 production.

Other options

• Caleb Williams
• Tank Bigsby
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Colston Loveland

   

Round 11

Top target: Dalton Kincaid

This is a good spot to take a TE. Kincaid sits highest in our half-PPR rankings, but Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson are also nice values.

Kincaid is coming off an underwhelming, injury-stricken 2024 season. But he still drew a strong 19.7% target share in a high-scoring Bills offense. There's bounce-back potential into the top-8 TEs.

Next best: Josh Downs

Downs was awesome in per-route metrics last season but was held back by QB Anthony Richardson. In games with QB Joe Flacco, he ranked 17th among WRs in fantasy points per game.

Downs should get better QB play this season from Daniel Jones, who was named the starter on August 19.

Other options

• Austin Ekeler
• Michael Pittman
• Dallas Goedert
• Jake Ferguson

 

Round 12

Top target: Bhayshul Tuten

Tuten might open the season as Jacksonville's No. 3 RB. But don't be surprised if he works his way into a significant role -- and maybe the lead job -- throughout the year.

Tuten was hand-picked by the Jaguars' new regime and is an explosive player, clocking a 4.32-second 40 time at 206 pounds.

Next best: Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed drew a 23.3% target share and averaged 2.04 yards per route before a season-ending knee injury in Week 6 last year. Those were both top-30 marks among WRs.

He's back to 100% now and remains locked in as New Orleans’ No. 2 WR. The Saints have a big QB question but project for a significant spike in play volume under new HC Kellen Moore.

Other options

• Dylan Sampson
• Trey Benson
• Keenan Allen
• Marvin Mims

   

Round 13

Top target: Jayden Higgins

Higgins might not open the season in a full-time role. But it shouldn't take him long to work into that position. That gives the talented rookie a path to significant fantasy value if Houston's passing game bounces back. The 2023 Texans produced a pair of top-12 WRs in PPR points per game in Collins and Tank Dell.

Next best: Drake Maye

Target Maye here if you're still looking for your QB1 (or want a high-upside QB2). He ranked 15th among QBs in fantasy points per game last year -- as a rookie with one of the league's worst supporting casts. Maye got pass-catching and offensive line upgrades this offseason, giving him breakout potential.

Other options

• Trevor Lawrence
• Jerome Ford
• Ray Davis
• Tyler Allgeier
• Christian Kirk

 

Round 14, 15 & 16

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Ollie Gordon
• Rico Dowdle
• Chris Rodriguez
• Brashard Smith
• Marquise Brown
• Cedric Tillman
• Luther Burden
• Jalen Coker
• Troy Franklin
• Kyle Williams
• Chig Okonkwo

Use your final two picks on a kicker and DST. Target a kicker on a strong offense. We recommend working the waiver wire and playing matchups at DST throughout the season.

Here are three DSTs with favorable early-season schedules:

• Broncos (vs. TEN, at IND)
• Steelers (at NYJ, vs. SEA, at NE)
• 49ers (at SEA, at NO)

   

 

Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 10, 11, or 12

Rounds 1 & 2

Top targets: Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor

You’ll likely be taking at least one RB -- and maybe two -- at this turn.

Henry averaged 19.3 half-PPR points per game last year. It was his biggest tally since 2021 and ranked third among all RBs. Henry led all 47 qualifying RBs in rush yards over expected per attempt and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Taylor missed three games last season but averaged 21.6 carries and 102 rushing yards across the other 14. Those marks ranked first and third league-wide.

Indianapolis’ QB situation adds some risk to Taylor’s 2025 outlook. But Daniel Jones getting the Week 1 nod helps Taylor's outlook. His target and TD projections gets boosts with Jones vs. Anthony Richardson.

Next best: Ashton Jeanty & Nico Collins

Draft capital makes Jeanty a strong bet for big volume this season. Four of the last six RBs to go top-10 in the NFL Draft averaged 19+ touches per game as rookies. Jeanty will also be helped by OC Chip Kelly's historically fast-paced and run-leaning attack.

He's also really good at football, racking up 4,655 total yards and 49 TDs over his final two college seasons.

Collins finished eighth among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, despite a mid-season hamstring injury and a disappointing season from Houston’s offense.

He ranked second in PFF receiving grade and third in yards per route among 84 qualifying WRs. This is a bonafide star well worth a pick at the 1-2 turn.

Other options

• Puka Nacua
• Malik Nabers
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• De'Von Achane

  

Rounds 3 & 4

Top targets: Ken Walker & Jalen Hurts

Walker has been climbing our RB rankings all summer amidst buzz about his role in new OC Klint Kubiak's offense. Seattle is expected to lean more on the run this season, with Walker as a focal point.

Even in last year's pass-heavy offense, Walker finished 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.

Hurts is on sale coming off a 2024 that was only relatively disappointing. He still finished fifth among QBs in fantasy points per game after back-to-back QB2 finishes.

Hurts set career highs in multiple passing metrics last year, despite WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert all missing multiple games. And he remains easily the best bet for rushing TDs at the position.

Next best: Omarion Hampton & Mike Evans

Hampton was already an exciting prospect before all the Najee Harris turmoil. He topped 1,500 rushing yards in each of his final two college seasons, while also racking up 67 total catches. Hampton goes 6'0, 221 pounds and clocked a 4.46-second 40 time.

Harris' situation -- he remains sidelined after a July 4 fireworks accident left him with an eye injury -- only adds to Hampton's upside.

The 32-year-old Evans is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he averaged a career-best 2.41 yards per route on his way to a WR9 finish in half-PPR points per game last season.

Evans has now finished as a top-15 WR in half-PPR points per game in seven straight seasons.

Other options

• Alvin Kamara
• James Conner
• Davante Adams
• Marvin Harrison Jr.
• George Kittle

 

Rounds 5 & 6

Top targets: Tetairoa McMillan & Xavier Worthy

This is a great range for WR value.

McMillan boasts a strong prospect profile and has a good chance to immediately emerge as Carolina’s top target. If QB Bryce Young keeps playing like he did over the second half of last season, McMillan will be a good bet for WR2-level production.

Worthy closed his rookie season strongly, averaging 75.4 total yards and 0.7 TDs over his final 10 games (including playoffs).

He's a good bet to take a step forward in year two and gets a boost with WR Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games of the season.

Next best: Jaylen Waddle & Jameson Williams

Waddle's volume and efficiency tanked in what was a weird Miami passing season. But that looks like an outlier when you compare it to the rest of Waddle's career:

• Sixth overall pick of the 2021 draft
• Caught 104 balls as a rookie
• Finished WR13 in year 2
• Finished WR22 in year 3

Waddle is a strong bounce-back bet in 2025, especially at this price.

Williams broke out in 2024 and was particularly good over the second half, averaging 73.4 yards and 0.5 TDs over his final eight games. He ranked 18th among WRs in half-PPR points per game during that stretch.

Other options

• David Montgomery
• Aaron Jones
• DeVonta Smith
• Courtland Sutton
• George Pickens
• Zay Flowers

  

Rounds 7 & 8

Top targets: Ricky Pearsall & Jordan Mason

WR Brandon Aiyuk won't be ready for the start of the season after last October's multi-ligament knee injury. WR Jauan Jennings has missed most of August with a calf injury.

That leaves Pearsall as the likely No. 1 WR in an always-efficient 49ers passing game. His ceiling extends into the top-20 at the position.

Mason has been a rankings riser this summer. Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell called his backfield a "1A-1B" situation with Aaron Jones and Mason. And Minnesota might lean on the run a bit more this season under first-year starting QB J.J. McCarthy.

Next best: Deebo Samuel & Emeka Egbuka

Blame the pneumonia for Samuel's disappointing 2024 season. He was as efficient as ever before getting sick and now lands in an ascending Commanders offense. Samuel's after-catch ability is a good fit in OC Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

Ebguka has been buzzing since the moment he was drafted, drawing praise from coaches, teammates, and beat writers. He was primed to play a big role out of the gate regardless. But injuries to WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan guarantee a busy start.

Egbuka could come out of the gates hot and never look back.

Other Options

• Tyrone Tracy
• Jaylen Warren
• J.K. Dobbins
• Chris Olave
• Rome Odunze
• Jordan Addison
• Jakobi Meyers
• Mark Andrews

 

Rounds 9 & 10

Top targets: Justin Fields & David Njoku

This is a good turn to target a QB and TE.

It's not always pretty, but Fields has consistently produced as a QB1 with upside thanks to his high-end rushing production. His 50.2 rushing yards per game rank second among QBs over the last four seasons, behind only Lamar Jackson.

Njoku averaged 9.9 targets and scored as the TE6 across nine healthy games last season. That followed TE6 and TE9 finishes the previous two years.

He'll remain a big part of Cleveland's passing game in 2025 and is a good bet for top-10 production.

Next best: Keon Coleman & Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Coleman wasn't much of a fantasy asset last year but did some exciting things for his 2025 outlook. He was used deep downfield, was productive after the catch, and drew a lot of targets near the end zone.

Now heading into year two with plenty of opportunity in a high-scoring Bills offense, Coleman is a legit breakout candidate.

Croskey-Merritt was a huge August riser, going from afterthought to potential lead ball carrier for the Commanders after Brian Robinson was traded to the 49ers.

Croskey-Merritt doesn't project to do much in the passing game. But if he can capture 12-15 carries per game, plus goal-line work, he could flirt with RB2 production.

Other Options

• Kyler Murray
• Caleb Williams
• Tank Bigsby
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Jauan Jennings
• Matthew Golden
• Tucker Kraft
• Tyler Warren
• Colston Loveland

  

Rounds 11 & 12

Top targets: Josh Downs & Bhayshul Tuten

Downs was awesome in per-route metrics last season but was held back by QB Anthony Richardson. In games with QB Joe Flacco, he ranked 17th among WRs in fantasy points per game.

Downs should get better QB play this season from Daniel Jones, who was named the starter on August 19.

Tuten might open the season as Jacksonville's No. 3 RB. But don't be surprised if he works his way into a significant role -- and maybe the lead job -- throughout the year.

Tuten was hand-picked by the Jaguars' new regime and is an explosive player, clocking a 4.32-second 40 time at 206 pounds.

Next best: Rashid Shaheed & Dalton Kincaid

Other options

• Austin Ekeler
• Dylan Sampson
• Trey Benson
• Michael Pittman
• Keenan Allen
• Marvin Mims
• Dallas Goedert
• Jake Ferguson

 

Rounds 13 & 14

Top targets: Jayden Higgins & Cedric Tillman

Higgins might not open the season in a full-time role. But it shouldn't take him long to work into that position. That gives the talented rookie a path to significant fantasy value if Houston's passing game bounces back. The 2023 Texans produced a pair of top-12 WRs in PPR points per game in Collins and Tank Dell.

Tillman proved highly productive over four games as a full-timer last year, averaging:

• 10.0 targets
• 6.0 catches
• 75.5 yards
• 0.8 TDs

He's in line for a full-time role in 2025, making him one of the best deep sleepers at WR.

Next best: Tyler Allgeier & Drake Maye

Allgeier probably won’t have standalone fantasy value, but he’s a starter if Bijan Robinson misses time. Allgeier ran super efficiently last year, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and ranking fourth among 47 qualifying RBs in yards after contact per attempt (3.61). 

Target Maye here if you're still looking for your QB1 (or want a high-upside QB2). He ranked 15th among QBs in fantasy points per game last year -- as a rookie with one of the league's worst supporting casts. Maye got pass-catching and offensive line upgrades this offseason, giving him breakout potential.

Other options

• Trevor Lawrence
• Jerome Ford
• Ray Davis
• Ollie Gordon
• Rico Dowdle
• Chris Rodriguez
• Brashard Smith
• Christian Kirk
• Marquise Brown
• Luther Burden
• Jalen Coker
• Troy Franklin
• Kyle Williams
• Chig Okonkwo

 

Rounds 15 & 16

Use your final two picks on a kicker and DST. Target a kicker on a strong offense. We recommend working the waiver wire and playing matchups at DST throughout the season.

Here are three DSTs with favorable early-season schedules:

• Broncos (vs. TEN, at IND)
• Steelers (at NYJ, vs. SEA, at NE)
• 49ers (at SEA, at NO)

 

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The Ultimate Half PPR Draft Strategy Guide Deserves a Smarter Cheat Sheet

Round-by-round strategy is a strong start.

But fantasy drafts never go according to plan. One snipe, one run, one panic pick and suddenly you're scrambling.

That's why you need a cheat sheet that adapts as you draft.

The Draft War Room takes our award-winning player projections and applies them to your league’s exact rules to give you a precise set of rankings.

Then it updates in real time as your draft unfolds, using 17 value indicators to make sure you’re making the absolute best pick each time you’re on the clock.

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