- Double up on running backs early: Any team that has two of the top 15 running backs will be at an advantage, particularly if you can add an early back like Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson.
- Prioritize a top-eight tight end: Tucker Kraft is currently falling in drafts further than he could, and ideally, you can build your draft strategy around that value.
- Save $10 on PFF+ this Labor Day: Get a PFF+ Annual subscription for just $89.99 and unlock PFF+ content and tools, Premium Stats, fantasy, NFL, college and betting tools, the Mock Draft Simulator, Guru AI football insights and more.
This perfect draft strategy for 12-team, single-quarterback, redraft PPR fantasy football leagues is built on a consensus of current average draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo. It's your round-by-round guide to building a winning roster.
Last updated: Monday, Sept. 7
Round 1, Picks 1-12: 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 best 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 possess significant volume. By contrast, wide receiver production 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 13-24: Draft a running back or Nico Collins
Running back used to be the clear-cut choice in the second round. In recent weeks, though, the ADPs of the top second-round backs have all moved toward the front of the round. Injuries to Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love, along with Josh Jacobs landing on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, have pushed the remaining backs up the board.
If you are picking early in the second, take a running back because you may not like what’s left at the position in the third. If you are picking late in the second, wide receiver is the only real option. For some teams, that means going wide receiver in each of the first two rounds simply because the running back value isn’t there.
© 2026 PFF - all rights reserved.