10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: The Attack Plan to Stun Your League

Round-by-Round 10-team Draft Strategy

You’re heading into a 10-team PPR draft. What do you need to know?

Here are two key things …

1) This format favors opportunity volume.

When you’re trying to decide between closely ranked players, lean toward the guy with volume upside.

The leader in targets and/or receptions won’t always be the better fantasy producer. But if you’re weighing them together in your draft, then there’s already at least something about them that makes them similar values.

Select the option with a path to a volume spike, and you’ll get the guy with an easier breakout case.

2) There will be plenty of “good” players for everyone.

What’s that mean? It’s easier in a 10-team league for every manager to start out with a team he/she likes – especially if you only need to start 2 WRs and 2 RBs – than it is in a 12-team draft.

So you can afford to go after a top QB and/or TE rather than stacking WRs and RBs basically whenever you think it makes sense.

But “top” is the key. You want to chase ultimate upside here. That’s where you’ll gain edges.

And if some of those upside targets disappoint, this league size will make it easier to find attractive replacements on waivers.

How Can You Take Advantage of the Format?

It all starts with your Draft War Room.

Use the fantasy football league sync to import all the specific settings from your league. And then as you draft, that Draft War Room will automatically update with every pick.

The result: round-by-round pick recommendations catered to your exact draft situation.

I used the Draft War Room to lay out these pick paths from every area of your 10-team draft. We're going 16 rounds with these lineup settings: 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST.

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 1 or 2

Round 1

Top Target: Puka Nacua

You’ll probably see a bigger gap in 3D Value points between Nacua and Chase than between Chase and the RB sitting No. 3. But I’m putting the first two picks together here because starting your draft with a top WR will create a different path than if you open with a RB.

Why Nacua over Chase and everyone else? Simple, really. He led all WRs by multiple points per game in PPR last year despite dealing with multiple injuries that cost him a game and limited his snaps in several others.

If anything, Nacua’s target-share outlook improves with Davante Adams’ advancing age.

Next Best: Ja’Marr Chase

Chase certainly doesn’t sit far behind, though. Cincinnati’s lead wideout is coming off three straight seasons of 100+ catches and had his own turn leading the position by multiple points per game in 2024.

Chase has racked up 44 more targets and 15 more receptions than any other player over the past two years.

Other Options

• Jahmyr Gibbs

Rounds 2 & 3

Top Target: Chase Brown & Nico Collins

Brown’s fantasy outlook had a good offseason, with the Bengals adding nothing meaningful to the backfield. He finished last year seventh in the league in carry share, fifth among RBs in route rate, and eighth at the position in PPR points per game. The whole offense should get a boost from a healthier Joe Burrow this time around.

Collins has slipped a bit in WR ADP since last year, I guess because of C.J. Stroud’s lackluster play. But that factor hasn’t stopped him from finishing three straight years among the top 11 in points per game.

Next Best: Kenneth Walker III & A.J. Brown

This is too early to pair up a WR and RB from the same roster. So if you opened your draft with Chase, you shouldn’t take Brown at this turn.

Why? Grabbing two players from the same offense within the first three rounds puts a lot of pressure on a single team to deliver huge points for the season and consistent weekly scoring throughout the year. That’s the kind of chance you can take in a best ball tournament, but you should play it less risky in a single league.

Walker showed in the playoffs how good he can be. Now he should see more work than the Chiefs have given any RB in quite a while after he signed for $14.35 million a year in free agency.

Brown looks ripe for a fantasy rebound in an offense that should deliver more passing volume than Philly did. And even his worst Eagles season still landed Brown 12th among WRs in points per game.

Other Options

• Rashee Rice
• Josh Jacobs
• George Pickens
• Breece Hall

Rounds 4 & 5

Top Target: Travis Etienne & Colston Loveland

Loveland’s ADP already sits at 4.09 for this format. Don’t be surprised if that climbs earlier in Round 4 as we get further into draft season. Jared and I talked about our affinity for Loveland in our recent TE Tiers podcast, so I’d have no problem with reaching a little past 3D Value if he stays on the board for your Round 4 turn.

If he doesn’t, this looks like a good turn to grab a RB and a WR. That would send you toward Round 6 with your starters set at both positions.

Etienne faces the uncertainty of joining a new team, but Saints HC Kellen Moore keeps piloting offenses worth believing in. If he’s tapping Etienne as his new lead back, then we should believe there’s a plan to get enough touches … especially when the primary competition is an old Alvin Kamara.

Next Best: Zay Flowers & D’Andre Swift

Flowers finished 13th among WRs in PPR points per game last season despite catching only five TD passes and losing Lamar Jackson for 4+ games. He faces no new serious challenge for target share and could find more passing volume. The Ravens swapped out John Harbaugh’s staff, and Derrick Henry can’t defy time forever -- can he?

Swift’s not exciting, but he maintained the backfield lead over Kyle Monangai last season and dominates Chicago’s RB receiving work. He’s a solid RB2 at this point, with at least as much workload certainty as any other guy near him in the rankings (and more than most).

That said, there’s one decent reason not to take him here …

Other Options

• Tee Higgins
• Bucky Irving
• Tyler Warren
• TreVeyon Henderson

Rounds 6 & 7

Top Target: D’Andre Swift & Luther Burden III

Swift carries a 7.02 ADP for the format as of this writing, so there’s a decent chance you’ll get another shot at him if you didn’t take him early in Round 5.

If you go for Swift at this turn, I’d still lean away from pairing teammates with my picks. You’re still drafting likely starters at this point, and starting a RB and WR from the same offense in a 10-team league isn’t optimal. That said, this is late enough to draft teammates if there’s a gap between your selection and the value of the next guy.

Swift and Burden each present plenty of upside to support consideration in this range.

Next Best: David Montgomery & Christian Watson

Watson might actually pop ahead of Burden, depending on when you draft. The Packer sits a spot ahead in our PPR rankings but falls a little behind here because of a 9.04 ADP vs. Burden’s 7.06. That’s because Watson’s ADP tells the Draft War Room he’s likely to make it back to your next turn.

The positional ranking that accompanies every player in your Draft War Room will clue you in to any similar situations. Feel free to grab to higher-ranked player any time you don’t want trust the ADP.

Montgomery carries upside from this range after Houston traded for him and talked him up as a three-down back. It’s possible we’re under-projecting his workload in an offense that ranked just 29th in yards per carry and 18th in total yards last season.

Other Options

• Harold Fannin Jr.
• Sam LaPorta
• Jaylen Warren
• Jameson Williams
• Mike Evans

Rounds 8 & 9

Top Target: Jaylen Warren & Christian Watson

If Watson makes it back to this turn, he’s a terrific selection. He ranked 19th among WRs in PPR points per game last year after missing the first seven contests while recovering from the ACL tear of the previous January. And then the Packers gave him a $92 million extension.

Warren might be tough to trust week to week now that he’s sharing the backfield with Rico Dowdle. But he fits well as an RB4 on this roster. Warren should get enough work to stay fantasy relevant, and he’d get a big boost if Dowdle goes down.

Next Best: Tony Pollard & Travis Kelce

Pollard makes sense as an RB4 as well. He remains the best bet to lead Tennessee in carries this season. That would become a stronger position if the offense gets a boost from new OC Brian Daboll and the WR additions (Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson).

If you get here without a TE, then your Draft War Room might be telling you it’s time. Kelce would be fine at this stage, but don’t treat any range as a time you “need” to grab a tight end in a 10-team draft.

You can get yours anytime in this format. We’ll hit more options over the next few rounds.

Other Options

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Rico Dowdle
• Parker Washington
• J.K. Dobbins
• Brian Thomas Jr.

Rounds 10 & 11

Top Target: Trevor Lawrence & Rhamondre Stevenson

This is a good turn to get your QB, and the listed options reveal why you can wait.

Lawrence led all QBs in fantasy points from Week 9 on, following the team’s bye, Travis Hunter going down, and Jakobi Meyers arriving. Now he heads into Year 2 under Liam Coen.

Stevenson should at least head into the season leading New England’s backfield in playing time and touches. He spent the playoffs that way, and coaches have given no indication of a shift this offseason.

Next Best: Justin Herbert & Dalton Kincaid

Herbert delivered top-10 fantasy numbers last year despite facing a league-high 43.3% pressure rate. Now he gets his OTs back healthy and Mike McDaniel as his new OC.

Kincaid led all TEs last year in yards per route, targets per route, and fantasy points per route. His problem was a lack of playing time, thanks largely to re-injuring his knee.

As long as he enters this season healthy, Kincaid should see a playing time boost. If his efficiency stays anywhere close to last year’s, he could deliver big-time value from his modest ADP.

Other Options

• Rachaad White
• Dalton Kincaid
• Mark Andrews
• Kyle Monangai

Rounds 12 & 13

Top Target: Dalton Kincaid & Jayden Reed

Kincaid’s current ADP for the format says you’ll get another shot at him around this turn. He and Andrews (below) carry top-12 upside at the position and play in offenses capable of leading the league in scoring.

Reed’s a fine reserve WR but likely needs a teammate to get hurt to unlock significant upside. That makes him a decent handcuff-type option for a roster that already has Watson.

Next Best: Mark Andrews & Jordan Addison

Andrews shed the Isaiah Likely challenge this offseason and saw only rookies added, which adds target-share upside for 2026.

Addison gets the same QB upgrade that has drafters targeting Justin Jefferson in Round 1 again. Will he get enough target share to become a guy we can trust in lineups? We’ll see. But Addison has displayed plenty of upside to make him an attractive reserve.

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Kyler Murray
• Josh Downs
• Xavier Worthy

Rounds 14, 15 & 16

Top Targets: K, DST, & depth

Time to grab your kicker, your defense, and the most attractive bench option. Upside Mode will have you chasing the best upside play for that spot.

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

• Chargers (vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders in Week 2)
• Jaguars (vs. Browns)
• Titans (vs. Jets)
• Raiders (vs. Dolphins)

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 3, 4, or 5

Round 1

Top Target: Puka Nacua

Look at that. Even if you don’t land one of the top two positions in your draft, you still have a good shot at landing one of our top two players.

ADP has Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson topping the board, with Chase leading Nacua behind them. So you can reasonably expect to find Nacua available at any of the first four slots, with a chance he reaches No. 5.

Next Best: Ja’Marr Chase

Even if he doesn’t, Christian McCaffrey and Jaxon Smith-Njigba fit well as fallbacks. Run some mock drafts with RB and WR starts to see which works out best for you.

Other Options

• Bijan Robinson
• Christian McCaffrey
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Round 2

Top Target: Kenneth Walker III

We’re leading with RB here, assuming that you grabbed a WR in Round 1. That recommendation would likely shift to WR if you start with a back. And the ordering of players in this range will depend some on ADP.

Walker should be headed for the workhorse role we dreamed of last summer, after dominating in the playoffs and then getting big money on the open market.

Next Best: Chase Brown

Brown had a nice offseason as well, with the Bengals adding nothing of note to a backfield that allowed him a No. 7 ranking in carry share in 2025. A healthy Joe Burrow will only boost the scoring upside.

Other Options

• Omarion Hampton
• Drake London
• A.J. Brown
• Rashee Rice

Round 3

Top Target: Chase Brown

I passed on Walker last turn for this exercise to see if he’d make it back to here as a recommendation. If things work out that way in your draft, that’d be a nice start.

I wouldn’t count on Walker (or Brown) making it here if you covet either player.

The recommendations did lean RB at the top despite me putting Hampton on this team in Round 2 (specifically to test that). You’ll likely find later that you can build a good lineup with two RBs among your first three selections.

Next Best: A.J. Brown

Brown sits close to Rice, London, and Nico Collins in the rankings. Any of those WRs would work in this range.

Brown’s fewest fantasy points per game as an Eagle last year still landed him among the position’s top 12. New England looks like a good bet for more passing volume, and QB Drake Maye led the league in completion rate last year.

Other Options

• Kenneth Walker III
• Rashee Rice
• George Pickens
• Breece Hall

Round 4

Top Target: Zay Flowers

Flowers scored inconsistently in a season that saw Lamar Jackson miss four games and return in a flawed form, yet he still ranked 13th among WRs in PPR points per game.

A healthier Jackson and potentially more passing volume under a new coaching staff help Flowers’ upside case.

Next Best: Tee Higgins

Higgins managed a solid WR16 finish in points per game last year despite losing his QB for nine contests. He checked in sixth with a healthy Joe Burrow in 2024.

Other Options

• Garrett Wilson
• Davante Adams
• Colston Loveland
• Travis Etienne

Round 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins

Get here with two RBs, two WRs, and Higgins still available, and the top of your board probably looks like this. Landing Higgins as your WR3 in that setup would be nice.

Next Best: Bucky Irving

Irving’s more of a placeholder than a favorite here. Several RBs rate closely together, sorted by which measure you highlight.

D’Andre Swift, for example, actually leads this group in our RB rankings but sits a little lower on this board because of his 7.02 ADP. That tells the system you’ll get another shot at him in Round 6. If you’d rather secure Swift than take such a chance, feel free to make that pick.

(That goes for similar circumstances throughout your draft. Don’t count on people drafting close to ADP.)

Of course, let’s not totally dismiss Irving. He’s coming off a rough second season that saw injury gut the middle and Tampa coaches take away his goal-line touches. Then the team imported Kenneth Gainwell, who caught the fourth-most passes among RBs last season.

That threatens Irving’s upside and weekly touch certainty, while Sean Tucker threatens the goal-line role. But Irving should still be the best all-around back on the team and could regain a large enough role to pay off from low-RB2 range.

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• TreVeyon Henderson
• Quinshon Judkins
• Jaylen Waddle

Round 6

Top Target: D’Andre Swift

Get here with two RBs and three WRs rostered, and you’re likely looking at RBs atop your board.

Swift and Montgomery present a pair of backfield leaders whom you can grab as a late second or even an RB3.

Swift finished 17th in PPR points per game last season despite Kyle Monangai’s influence and maintained the clear backfield receiving lead for Chicago.

Next Best: David Montgomery

The Texans have touted Montgomery as a three-down player since acquiring him from Houston, and he was that in Chicago before sharing a backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs. He sports significant workload upside vs. ADP.

Other Options

• Jaylen Waddle
• Luther Burden III
• Jaylen Warren
• Christian Watson

Round 7

Top Target: Luther Burden III

You might be surprised to see Burden ahead of Watson here, given that Watson sits a little higher in our PPR rankings and has been the poster boy for our Fantasy Football Breakouts this offseason. It’s the ADP.

Burden’s sits in the middle of Round 7, so this would likely be your last chance to get him. Watson’s stands mid-Round 9, which means you’ll likely get at least one more shot at him.

Those ADPs might change as we get more draft data for this format. We’re very early in 10-team draft season. And a Watson rise would push him up the recommendations.

If you’d rather reach over Burden to secure Watson and not trust the ADP, though, you should always feel empowered to do that.

Both players present enticing upside for 2026.

Next Best: Sam LaPorta

This also isn’t a bad turn to give TE a look, and LaPorta arrives as the top option by ADP.

He’s coming off a rough year, having lost eight games to injury. His 17.8% target share through Week 10 ranked second on the team, though, 2.2 percentage points ahead of WR Jameson Williams.

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Mike Evans
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Jaylen Warren

Round 8

Top Target: Jaylen Warren

The top recommendations here will differ depending on exactly what you’ve drafted so far. I’ve gotten here with three RBs and four WRs, so the Draft War Room is leaning RB over the top remaining TE (Travis Kelce).

Warren faces concerns about workload consistency with the arrival of Rico Dowdle, who played under new HC Mike McCarthy in Dallas. But either guy fits well as an RB4 in a Pittsburgh offense that should improve vs. last year’s version.

And Warren has been the better overall performer than Dowdle when you compare their careers to date.

Next Best: Christian Watson

Watson would climb the recommendations if I had arrived with four RBs and three WRs instead of the other way. Even if he still sits behind Kelce in your recommendations, I’d rather nab the Green Bay wideout.

For one thing, we shouldn’t overtrust the ADP numbers that impact the recommendations. Beyond that, I’d rather chase Watson’s upside case than Kelce’s floor or ceiling. If you’ve waited on TE to this point, there’s no meaningful advantage in jumping on the 36-year-old rather than continuing to wait.

Other Options

• Travis Kelce
• Tony Pollard
• Chuba Hubbard
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• DK Metcalf

Round 9

Top Target: Christian Watson

If we get here and Watson’s still available, then he probably leads the 3D Value rankings by a wide margin. Grab him in that case. Just don’t count on him getting here.

Also note that Upside Mode has automatically switched on at this point, just beyond the halfway marker in your draft. That increases the emphasis on ceiling projections and projected ceiling likelihood to highlight the biggest potential difference makers the rest of the way.

Next Best: Parker Washington

Otherwise, the options sit much closer together in value. And ADP says you can wait beyond this turn for your TE.

Jacksonville’s crowded depth chart challenges Washington’s opportunity outlook. But his tremendous finish to 2025 showed the upside. Washington ranked 16th among WRs in PPR points per game from Week 8 on, following Travis Hunter’s season-ending knee injury.

Stashing him as your fourth or fifth WR to open the season allows you to chase that ceiling without over-committing to target distribution working out for Washington.

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• J.K. Dobbins
• Brian Thomas Jr.

Round 10

Top Target: Trevor Lawrence

Good time to get your QB.

Lawrence led the position in fantasy scoring over the second half of last season, his first under HC Liam Coen. He and the coaching staff will only be more comfy with each other in Year 2, and Lawrence brings plenty of WR talent with him.

Next Best: Justin Herbert

Herbert delivered top-9 scoring last season despite facing the league’s highest pressure rate. Better health for his tackles should improve that aspect, and the arrival of OC Mike McDaniel adds general upside to the offense.

Other Options

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• J.K. Dobbins
• Jonathon Brooks
• Dalton Kincaid

Round 11

Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson

If Stevenson sticks around this long in your draft, he’s a terrific pick. The veteran led New England’s backfield in the playoffs last year and has maintained that edge over TreVeyon Henderson through offseason workouts.

The biggest problem for Henderson appears to be a lack of trust from coaches for his play in passing situations. As long as Stevenson beats Henderson in pass protection and situational awareness without giving up much in yardage efficiency, he’ll be the safer fantasy bet.

Getting that multiple rounds after Henderson leaves the board should feel particularly good. We’ll watch, of course, for any signals in training camp of role shifting.

That said, this might be your last chance at Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, if you’re already in good shape at RB and want to chase ultimate upside. He has ranked among our top Sleepers all offseason.

Next Best: Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid might lead your recommendations at this turn if his ADP didn’t sit so low. Buffalo’s top receiving TE sits in Round 15 for this format, according to limited early draft data. Don’t count on him sticking around that long if you want him, though.

There’s risk to Kincaid, who has dealt with knee trouble for two straight seasons and seen his playing time limited vs. top TEs before that because of his lackluster blocking. But a healthier knee in 2026 should drive the playing time up. And he already delivered strong efficiency last season.

Kincaid led the position in yards per route, targets per route, and fantasy points per route.

Other Options

• Jonathon Brooks
• Mark Andrews
• Kyle Monangai
• Blake Corum
• Jordan Mason

Round 12

Top Target: Dalton Kincaid

This looks like a good spot to secure your TE if you’ve waited and these guys remain on the board, and that’s entirely possible in a league that only needs 10 starters at the position.

The primary message here: Even if Kincaid’s not your specific guy, you can wait as long as you want at tight end this year. And if Kincaid does go earlier, players such as Andrews, Kelce, or Dallas Goedert can suit you fine.

Next Best: Mark Andrews

Andrews has seen his playing time dip below 63% the past two years after overing in the 70-82% range the previous three years. Perhaps that continues, but losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar to free agency leaves the Ravens looking to Durham Smythe and rookies to spell their star instead.

Even if Andrews maintains the decreased playing time, he faces target-share upside similar to Kincaid’s. 

Other Options

• Jayden Reed
• Jordan Addison
• Ricky Pearsall
• Quentin Johnston

Round 13

Top Target: Jayden Reed

Time for an upside receiver at this turn. Feel free to take your favorite, because there’s not huge separation among the five guys listed here.

Reed finished WR24 and WR29 in PPR his first two seasons before injuries wrecked his third season. But Green Bay gave him a contract extension this offseason while watching WR Romeo Doubs walk and trading away WR Dontayvion Wicks. So there’s room for Reed to help your squad.

Next Best: Jordan Addison

Addison sports somewhat limited target-share upside whenever Justin Jefferson’s healthy, but he has been an efficient producer to date and gets a QB upgrade in Kyler Murray.

All three of the WRs listed below carry upside from this starting point as well.

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs
• Xavier Worthy

Rounds 14-16

Top Targets: DST, K, & Upside Stash

Time to grab your kicker, your defense, and the most attractive bench option. Upside Mode will have you chasing the best upside play for that spot.

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

• Chargers (vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders in Week 2)
• Jaguars (vs. Browns)
• Titans (vs. Jets)
• Raiders (vs. Dolphins)

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 6 or 7

Round 1

Top Target: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Tough to argue with the guy who led the league in target share and ranked second among WRs in both total PPR points and points per game.

Perhaps he doesn’t quite match last year’s share, but JSN spent the previous season overtaking DK Metcalf before Seattle shipped the veteran away.

Next Best: Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown has racked up 115+ catches and 10+ TDs in three straight seasons. You won’t find many (any?) safer options early in your draft.

Other Options

• CeeDee Lamb
• Jonathan Taylor
• Justin Jefferson

Round 2

Top Target: Saquon Barkley

Barkley fits as your RB1 after you opened with a stud WR. He disappointed fantasy drafters last year but had plenty working against him.

Worst was an O-line that dealt with significant injuries to three starters. Those guys are back healthy this year. OC Kevin Patullo, however, is not back.

Philly moved on from him after a year that found the unit predictable and unexplosive. If Barkley can get better blocking in 2026, he should rebound.

Next Best: Kenneth Walker III

Walker could be set up for the biggest workload of his career after signing a big free-agent contract. Having Patrick Mahomes working back from a late-season ACL tear should only further motivate the Chiefs to lean on their new horse.

Walker reminded everyone of his upside in the playoffs and faces little touch competition in the K.C. backfield.

Other Options

• Chase Brown
• Omarion Hampton
• Drake London

Round 3

Top Target: Kenneth Walker III

Current ADP for this format says Walker will make it into the middle of Round 3. Don’t trust him reaching this turn, though. If he does, nab him.

Next Best: A.J. Brown

If Walker doesn’t get here, then you’ll have your choice of WR or RB.

Brown lands in an offense with more pass-volume upside than he’s used to from Philadelphia. He’s coming off a down year by his standards, but even that one landed him 12th at the position in PPR points per game.

Other Options

• Breece Hall
• George Pickens
• Javonte Williams

Round 4

Top Target: Travis Etienne

Assuming you get here with one RB and two WRs, it looks like RB time.

Don’t buy the newfound worry for Etienne’s outlook after Alvin Kamara restructured his contract to stay in New Orleans. That was always the plan, and the Saints gave Etienne $12 million per season on a four-year deal. That follows a year in which he ranked 10th in total PPR points; 14th in points per game.

Next Best: Kyren Williams

Williams, meanwhile, checked in 11th in points per game in the weakest of his three years as Rams lead RB.

There’s some downside risk if Blake Corum cuts further into his workload, but Williams also rebounded vs. 2024 in yards per carry and set career highs in receptions and yards per catch last season.

Other Options

• Cam Skattebo
• Zay Flowers
• Tee Higgins

Round 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins

You’ll probably find a mix of WRs and RBs leading your board at this turn, with the order affected by the specific players still available.

Higgins makes for an easy fit at this stage. He ranked 16th among WRs in PPR points per game last year even with Joe Burrow missing nine games. That followed a WR6 finish in points per game the previous season.

Next Best: Bucky Irving

Irving’s tough to get excited about after a rough second season. Now he faces challenges from Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker.

Gainwell arrives after ranking fourth among RBs in receptions last year. Tucker took part in stealing goal-line carries from Irving.

But Irving remains the best all-around back in Tampa. His rushing efficiency dates back to his college days, and he has delivered strong receiving efficiency in the pros. If Irving’s back to full strength after offseason shoulder surgery, he could reclaim the clear lead spot and deliver useful numbers in an offense with rebound potential.

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• TreVeyon Henderson
• Jaylen Waddle

Round 6

Top Target: Jaylen Waddle

WR time at this turn, and landing Waddle would be nice.

He opened his career with finishes of WR15, WR14, and WR22 in PPR points per game before injuries to him and QB Tua Tagovailoa impacted the next two seasons. It’s easy to forget that Waddle set the rookie reception record before Tyreek Hill arrived. 

The move to Denver pits him in a shorter-range passing scheme that led the league in attempts last year. There’s potential to drive up Waddle’s target volume in 2026 and set him up for big run-after-catch production.

The Broncos need him to help an attack that feature plenty of volume but lagging efficiency last season.

Next Best: Luther Burden III

Watson would climb the WR recommendations at this turn, but his ADP sits several rounds later. We don’t have enough data yet to know how true that will be for 10-team drafting, so don’t pass on the Packer if you covet him.

That said, there’s plenty of upside to Burden. He ranked 11th last year in targets per route among 76 WRs who drew at least 50 targets and third in yards per route.

Expect more playing time in the wake of D.J. Moore’s trade to Buffalo.

Other Options

• Jameson Williams
• Christian Watson

Round 7

Top Target: Sam LaPorta

If you’ve gotten here with three RBs and three WRs (like I have), then this is a good time to grab your TE.

LaPorta lost half of last year to a herniated disc in his back, but he ranked seventh in PPR points per game before going down. He also led WR Jameson Williams by 2.2 percentage points in target share, trailing only Amon-Ra St. Brown among Lions.

That followed a TE9 finish in PPR points per game in 2024 and a rookie year that found him leading the position in total points.

Next Best: Luther Burden

If LaPorta -- and the rest of the top 7 TEs -- fails to reach you here, then it’s another good turn for a WR. And ADP for the format says you might get another shot at Burden. If you don’t, ADP says Watson’s even more likely to still be on the board (and again in Round 8).

If you only start two WRs instead of three, however, then you’re unlikely to get a fourth recommended to you at this stage.

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Mike Evans

Round 8

Top Target: Christian Watson

I’ve gotten here with three RBs, three WRs, and a TE, and now it’s finally time to stop staring at Watson through the window.

The fifth-year Packer has done well at drawing targets when on the field and converting them into efficient yardage and TD production. His problem has been staying on the field, which is helping keep his ADP down this season.

But Watson came off an ACL recovery last year to rank 19th among WRs in PPR points per game, then got a big-money extension from the Packers and watched WRs Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks leave town.

He’s a Breakout candidate.

Next Best: Jaylen Warren

Warren would fit nicely as a fourth RB. It’s tough to know before the season starts just how he and Rico Dowdle will split work, and that split will probably frustrate fantasy managers plenty.

But there was room for Warren and Kenneth Gainwell to be fantasy-relevant together last year. And an injury to Dowdle would boost Warren’s upside into the top 15 at the position.

Other Options

• DK Metcalf
• Tony Pollard
• Michael Pittman Jr.

Round 9

Top Target: Rico Dowdle

Your Draft War Room has now automatically engaged Upside Mode, which increases the value of our ceiling projections and ceiling likelihood in your 3D Value calculations. That’s because you especially want to chase upside in the second half of your draft, now that you’ve already secured starters.

Dowdle might not look like the champion of Upside Mode, but he presents the same case as Warren did last round. Dowdle also has history with new Steelers HC Mike McCarthy (from Dallas) and showed us his exciting weekly ceiling with last year’s Panthers.

Next Best: Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson might have a TreVeyon Henderson problem at some point this year, but offseason reports still have him working ahead of his younger, more explosive teammate. Getting New England’s top back this late in your draft would be nice.

Other Options

• J.K. Dobbins
• Parker Washington
• Rachaad White

Round 10

Top Target: Trevor Lawrence

If these two guys reach your Round 10 turn, consider them the answer to why your Draft War Room didn’t recommend a QB before now. And current ADP says you should get a shot at either guy here.

Lawrence sits just ahead of Herbert in 3D Value after leading all QBs in fantasy points after Jacksonville’s bye last season. His second year in HC Liam Coen’s system should find things running even more smoothly, and the Jaguars hit 2026 with a far more attractive set of WRs than RBs (which could further favor passing volume).

Next Best: Justin Herbert

Herbert delivered top-9 fantasy numbers last year despite facing the league’s highest pressure rate, thanks largely to both starting tackles losing time to injuries.

That O-line should be healthy this season, and new OC Mike McDaniel raises the ceiling for the whole offense.

Other Options

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Parker Washington
• J.K. Dobbins

Round 11

Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson

Assuming you’ve reached this point in your draft with no roster holes to fill, you can pretty much target what you want. Expect to see RBs and WRs mixed at the top of your board for most of these double-digit rounds.

Drafting a backup at QB and/or TE will be fine as well, assuming you have enough roster space for it to make sense. But you also don’t need to target a second guy at either position. The waiver wire will almost always retain options into and through the season for 10-team outfits.

Next Best: Jayden Reed

Reed enters consideration here and fits fine as a reserve. He might not match some other players in ultimate ceiling, but he does have a pair of top-30 fantasy finishes on his resume already. And although we’re excited about Watson around here, another injury to him could easily reposition Reed as this year’s lead Packers pass catcher.

One note on the options below: ADP says you’ll likely get another shot at Jonathon Brooks next round, but don’t trust that if you covet him. His ADP has climbed significantly through best ball drafting season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see his valuation match that for lineup-setting drafts.

Of course, if his ADP does rise with more draft data for this format, your Draft War Room will reflect that and factor it into his in-draft value calculations.

Other Options

• Jordan Addison
• Ricky Pearsall
• Quentin Johnston
• Jonathon Brooks

Round 12

Top Target: Jayden Reed

This looks like a good turn for an upside wideout. I already spoke to Reed’s case above, and I’ll gladly take him over teammate Matthew Golden. The latter got first-round draft capital, but that followed a college career in which he never led his team in receptions.

That doesn’t disqualify Golden from succeeding in the NFL, of course. But if he can’t stand out ahead of college competition, it sure makes him less likely to do so vs. pro receivers.

Next Best: Jordan Addison

Addison gets his ceiling limited a bit by Justin Jefferson’s presence, and he finished 31st and 25th among WRs in PPR points per game his first two years before suffering through J.J. McCarthy last season.

Other Options

• Ricky Pearsall
• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs
• Xavier Worthy

Round 13

Top Target: Jayden Reed

Reed obviously won’t make it here if you selected him in Round 12. I went with a different WR for this exercise just to show that ADP says he’s likely to make it back to you once more.

I’ve gotten here with five RBs and five WRs, and my Draft War Room says it’s time for another upside wideout. I won’t argue, though stashing Jordan Mason as a RB6 if he’s still lingering on the board wouldn’t be a bad move either. (He looks like a virtual lock to lead the carries for a Vikings offense that should be significantly better than last year’s.)

Next Best: Quentin Johnston

Johnston gets a potential bump from McDaniel’s arrival just like I mentioned for Justin Herbert earlier. We’re betting Ladd McConkey will return to lead-WR status with Keenan Allen gone, but Johnston could challenge that role and lead the position in playing time.

At the very least, there’s more upside than risk to grabbing him in this range of your draft. And upside’s all we’re really looking for at this stage.

Other Options

• Josh Downs
• Stefon Diggs
• Romeo Doubs
• Jayden Higgins
• Jordan Mason

Rounds 14-16

Top Targets: DST, K, & Upside Stash

Time to grab your kicker, your defense, and the most attractive bench option. Upside Mode will have you chasing the best upside play for that spot.

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

• Chargers (vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders in Week 2)
• Jaguars (vs. Browns)
• Titans (vs. Jets)
• Raiders (vs. Dolphins)

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 8 or 9

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Target: CeeDee Lamb & Ashton Jeanty

Lamb leads Jefferson in receptions, yards, and TDs in our projections. Credit the stronger pass offense (based on recent history) and better QB. Of course, you can feel free to take Jefferson first if you’d rather. And you can grab both -- instead of a RB -- if you desire and get that option in your draft.

In short, you’re not likely to regret your decision if you open your draft with either of these lead receivers from this position.

Splitting your first two picks between WR and RB should start your roster well. Why Jeanty and Cook over Taylor, though? Taylor lacks the receiving production of Jeanty and the offensive stability of Cook.

Last year’s Colts got off to a hot start, but we’re not betting on a repeat with QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce both working back from significant injuries.

Next Best: Justin Jefferson & James Cook

Jefferson checked in ninth among WRs in expected PPR points per game last year but tied for just 30th in actual points per game thanks to J.J. McCarthy. That was the second-largest gap at the position, trailing only Browns WR Jerry Jeudy.

Cook brings some fragility in his lack of receptions vs. other Round 1-level fantasy backs. But there’s room for that to improve under the adjusted coaching staff of HC Joe Brady and imported OC Pete Carmichael.

Even without that, Cook has landed among the top 8 in PPR scoring each of the past two years. 

Other Options

• Jonathan Taylor
• De’Von Achane
• Saquon Barkley
• Drake London

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Target: Kenneth Walker III & Zay Flowers

Another RB-WR split looks good here, though the specific options figure to vary by draft.

Walker looks primed for a much stronger workload than he got in last year’s Seattle split. The Chiefs committed $14 million a year to him in free agency after going years without making larger RB investments than the failed first-round pick spent on Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Walker has showed plenty of rushing efficiency and a three-down skill set through his first four seasons.

Flowers landed seventh among WRs in total PPR points last year despite losing Lamar Jackson for four games. He heads into 2026 as the clear lead WR on a still-shallow Baltimore pass-catching depth chart.

Next Best: Breece Hall & DeVonta Smith

Hall set a career high in carries per game last season but saw his receptions crater with Justin Fields at QB. Geno Smith’s arrival should rebound that area, and the Jets showed their commitment by franchising Hall and then giving him a three-year deal.

Smith gets his first shot at being the man in Philly’s passing game after sharing the field with A.J. Brown the past four years. The hyper-efficient 27-year-old presents WR1-level upside.

Other Options

• Javonte Williams
• Chris Olave
• Tee Higgins
• Garrett Wilson

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Target: Bucky Irving & Jaylen Waddle

The RBs at this turn pair upside with question marks. But that’s easier to accept in an RB3 than if such a player arrives as one of your top two at the position.

Irving was terrific over the second half of his rookie season. Last year, however, found a shoulder injury interrupt things, require postseason surgery, and help provide the opportunity for coaches to spread goal-line touches to other players.

Irving will be in trouble if that continues this year and if new addition Kenneth Gainwell takes over the backfield receiving lead. But Irving has been an efficient runner since college and rated well as a receiver. He retains the upside to lead both areas for the Bucs and could pay off from this range if he earns enough work.

Denver traded a first-round pick for Waddle, adding him to an offense that lacked a true No. 1 WR. We’re not sure Waddle qualifies as that, but he set the rookie record for receptions before sharing the field with Tyreek Hill the past four seasons.

Joining the Broncos adds volume upside to the 27-year-old, and his speed could play particularly well with more run-after-catch opportunities.

Next Best: TreVeyon Henderson & Ladd McConkey

Henderson heads toward the season still trailing Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart, but the second-round pick sports enough physical upside to be worth a modest RB3 bet. His offense should get stronger overall, with more experience at QB and A.J. Brown leading a renovated WR corps.

Other Options

• Terry McLaurin
• Quinshon Judkins
• D’Andre Swift
• Christian Watson
• Luther Burden III

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Target: George Kittle & Christian Watson

The Draft War Room wants me to secure my TE at this turn. The specific recommendation will depend on who makes it here.

Current ADP for this format says Tucker Kraft stands a good chance, but I think that’ll change as we get more draft data. He has consistently gone among the position’s top 6 throughout draft season. I don’t see why he’d check in lower as we get closer to the season, unless he suffers some setback with his repaired knee.

Kittle jumps next by ADP here and presents a similar risk, coming off an end-of-season Achilles’ tear. That risk makes it OK to pass on the Niner, because other upside options remain on the board. If you do take Kittle here, I’d recommend grabbing another TE late for early season insurance. If you don’t have enough roster spots to support carrying two TEs, that might be a good reason to pass on Kittle.

Watson, meanwhile, makes loads of sense with the Breakout potential he carries toward the 2026 season.

Next Best: Mike Evans & Jaylen Warren

I wouldn’t pair Evans and Kittle on the same roster, but either guy presents plenty of upside.

Evans comes off a rough final Tampa season that got halved by injuries. But it marked just the second time among his past six campaigns that the vet fell short of 11 TD catches. Now he lands in a perennially efficient pass offense.

Warren faces a likely frustrating workshare with Rico Dowdle, but he carries plenty of upside to be worth an RB4 slot on your roster. Warren has proved efficient as both a runner and receiver through four seasons.

Other Options

• Travis Kelce
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Tony Pollard
• Chuba Hubbard
• DK Metcalf

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Targets: Parker Washington & Trevor Lawrence

This turn appears to be sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I can’t argue with targeting any of the Jags WRs at this turn. (I like Jakobi Meyers better than my co-workers do.) And no, I’m not sure either which of their top three will lead the group in fantasy scoring this year.

Washington sits just ahead in our 3D Values for this format. But Thomas could remind us of the player he was over the second half of his rookie year. And Meyers brings the most reliable scoring record.

Even if you’d rather avoid the uncertainty of the Jacksonville WR corps, grabbing Lawrence as your QB will allow you to enjoy the benefits no matter where those passes go. He led the position in fantasy scoring after the Jags’ bye last year and now heads into Year 2 of HC Liam Coen’s system.

Upside Mode has also switched on at this turn, increasing the emphasis on our ceiling projections and ceiling likelihood to highlight the players with the most difference-making potential.

Next Best: Brian Thomas Jr. & Justin Herbert

Herbert presents similar upside after scoring as a top-9 QB despite a league-high pressure rate in 2025. Gaining OC Mike McDaniel raises the scoring ceiling for the whole offense.

That McDaniel chose to coordinate L.A.’s offense over opportunities -- including head-coaching shots -- elsewhere suggests that he sees the upside in the Chargers’ unit.

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Brock Purdy
• J.K. Dobbins
• Jonathon Brooks

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Targets: Dalton Kincaid & Jonathon Brooks

If you drafted Kittle (or another TE) earlier, then the recommendations probably look different for you here. But Kincaid and Andrews are two reasons you can wait this long for your guy if you’d like.

Kincaid struggled to stay on the field while dealing with a knee injury last year. When on the field, however, he led all TEs in yards per route, targets per route, and fantasy points per route. This is late enough to chase that upside and worry less about the risk.

Of course, we’ll lower his projections if late-summer brings signals that the knee’s still a problem.

Speaking of knee problems, this is also the time to chase the upside on Brooks. He’s an attractive enough upside target, in fact, that I’ll be a little surprised if he’s still available this late in your draft by the end of July.

If he’s all the way back to full strength, there’s a path for the former Round 2 pick to overtake Chuba Hubbard in an offense that needs firepower anywhere it can find some.

Next Best: Mark Andrews & Kyle Monangai

Andrews carries decline risk in his age-31 season, but he remains a central target in a shallow Baltimore passing game. We’ll see whether the coaching change shifts any focus from the run toward the pass.

Monangai tallied the 32nd-most PPR points among RBs as a rookie, despite catching only 18 passes all season. He’s unlikely to siphon more of that receiving work from D’Andre Swift this year, but Monangai’s at least an upside backup who can start for you occassionally if you’re in need.

Other Options

• Justin Herbert
• Bo Nix
• Ricky Pearsall
• Blake Corum
• Xavier Worthy
• Jordan Addison

Rounds 13 & 14

Top Targets: Jayden Reed & Mark Andrews

Andrew’s mid-Round 14 ADP says he’s a solid bet to get back to you here, and he leads my Round 14 recommendations even with Kincaid already on my roster.

I probably wouldn’t bother drafting a second TE here behind Kincaid -- because I’d expect the waiver wire to present options in a league this size -- but Andrews (or Kincaid earlier) would make sense as insurance options to accompany Kittle.

Jayden Reed, meanwhile, simply makes sense as a bench WR. He scored as a top-30 PPR guy each of his first two seasons before losing most of last year to a pair of injuries.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston & Kyler Murray

The mix of positions at this turn shows you that it’s kinda just OK to take what looks good.

Like a particular upside reserve at RB and/or WR? Grab him. Want a second QB? Do it.

If you favor the latter path, then Murray’s a good target. Last year marked the first time in his career that he finished outside the top 12 in fantasy points per game.

Other Options

• Jordan Mason
• Tyjae Spears
• Stefon Diggs

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: DST & K

Time to grab your kicker and your defense. Upside Mode will have you chasing the best upside play for that spot.

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

• Chargers (vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders in Week 2)
• Jaguars (vs. Browns)
• Titans (vs. Jets)
• Raiders (vs. Dolphins)

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 10

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Targets: Justin Jefferson & Ashton Jeanty

Opening your draft with Minnesota’s dominant lead receiver and Vegas’ dominant lead back looks good from the last position in Round 1.

Jefferson’s fantasy scoring tanked thanks to poor QB play last season, but his No. 9 ranking in expected PPR points per game signals that the “opportunity” was still there. (I’m putting that in quotes because a J.J. McCarthy “target” clearly wasn’t the same thing as it is for most NFL QBs.)

Kyler Murray’s not a god, but he’s competent, which is all Jefferson needs.

Jeanty suffered from surrounding incompetence last year as well: a poorly selected coaching staff, a poor-performing O-line, and a weak offense overall. Klint Kubiak’s staff should improve the environment, and Jeanty appears ready to continue piling up touches.

If either of these guys doesn’t make it to you, just pivot to the first-round talent who does at either position.

Other Options

• James Cook
• Drake London

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Target: Breece Hall & Zay Flowers

It might look like another WR’s poised to lead your recommendations after the Hall pick to close Round 3, but Flowers swooped in after I tapped the Jets back.

I like Hall this year because QB Geno Smith’s arrival should rebound his target share. Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor fostered career-worst receiving volume for the Jets’ lead back. But Hall set a career high in carries per game, and then he got franchised and extended.

Flowers, meanwhile, finished last season in WR1 territory despite losing Lamar Jackson for four mid-season games and then dealing with a diminished version of him after his return.

Next Best: Javonte Williams & Chris Olave

Williams carries some risk for his poor receiving performance last year, but he finished 12th among RBs in both total PPR points and points per game. And this year’s Dallas offense should present more overall upside with WR CeeDee Lamb back healthy.

Olave posted a WR7 finish in PPR points per game in HC Kellen Moore’s first season on the job. Getting a full year (and full offseason) of QB Tyler Shough should help the stability in 2026.

Other Options

• DeVonta Smith
• Travis Etienne
• Kyren Williams
• Tee Higgins
• Garrett Wilson

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Target: Quinshon Judkins & Jaylen Waddle

We’ll need to watch Judkins throughout the summer to confirm that he’s back to full strength off last year’s season-ending leg injury. But he took part in spring workouts and drew positive reviews. So he appears on track.

The Cleveland offense, on the other hand, might need more recovery time. That adds some risk to the starting RB, but Judkins is a fine shot to take as your third RB.

Waddle looks like a much safer bet after landing with a Denver offense that should favor him as lead wideout. Cortland Sutton might 

Next Best: TreVeyon Henderson & Ladd McConkey

Henderson’s another upside young back with risk. He still appears to sit behind Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart, but there’s enough potential to take a shot on that flipping at some point. Of course, Stevenson’s next injury could force such a flippening.

Henderson finished last season 25th among RBs in PPR points per game despite the uneasy workshare.

McConkey faced his own uneasy split with Keenan Allen. But the vet’s gone now, and OC Mike McDaniel raises the ceiling for the whole unit. The Chargers’ probable No. 1 is easy to like as a WR3.

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• David Montgomery
• Joe Burrow
• Luther Burden III

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Target: Tucker Kraft & Mike Evans

Kraft racked up big fantasy points (second-most among TEs) before suffering an ACL tear last season. He looks like he’ll be ready to start this season on time, though, and fits as a TE1 if he makes it to you here.

Christian Watson actually jumped ahead of Evans in my Draft War Room after the Kraft pick, but I’d prefer not to pair up Packers on my roster. Same deal for 49ers.

I’d have no problem, however, drafting Watson and a different TE at this turn. (The rest of the guys on staff feel comfier with Kraft this year than I do.)

Evans moves to a new team for the first time in his career, but that team happens to sport a perennial top offense in efficiency. Combine that with an accurate QB, and it’s not hard to feel good about Evans.

Next Best: George Kittle & Christian Watson

Kittle sports more injury risk than Kraft, thanks to a January Achilles’ tear. But reports have been positive on him as well. If you draft him, consider adding an insurance TE later to potentially cover early weeks.

You can find a full case for Watson in our Breakouts article.

Other Options

• Jaylen Warren
• DK Metcalf
• Tony Pollard
• Chuba Hubbard
• Michael Pittman Jr.

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Target: Rico Dowdle & Rhamondre Stevenson

I got here with three RBs, four WRs, and a TE, and the Draft War Room wants me to double up on backfield picks.

There’s not much separating all the RB candidates listed. Each guy resides in a split backfleld. That threatens to make him frustrating for our weekly lineup decisions, but it’s also the key reason he’s still on the board at this point.

I’d generally rather pick one guy from a split backfield rather than pairing them on my team and frustrating myself even further. But we’re drafting reserves at this point, so you can snag teammates if you’d like to capture a particular backfield.

Next Best: Parker Washington & Jonathon Brooks

Washington leads the receiving options at this turn after his hot finish to 2025. There’s no guarantee that he leads Jaguars wideouts in scoring this season, but you’re not drafting “locks” at WR or RB in the second half of your draft.

I’m highlighting Brooks here over either Denver back even though he sits behind them in my board’s rankings because he’s an exciting fantasy reserve.

Brooks has a shot to overtake Chuba Hubbard if he’s back near the form that got him drafted in the first half of Round 2 in 2024.

His listed ADP says there’s a good chance the Panther makes it back to you, but don’t trust that if you want him.

Other Options

• J.K. Dobbins
• RJ Harvey
• Jayden Reed

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Target: Justin Herbert & Jayden Reed

Trevor Lawrence left the board just before this spot according to ADP, which positions Herbert as our top play. If Herbert goes first in your draft or Lawrence simply sticks around, expect the Jaguar to occupy this spot.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the Chargers QB. He delivered top-9 fantasy scoring last year in spite of OT injuries that helped produce the league’s highest pressure rate.

That O-line’s back healthy this year, and OC Mike McDaniel boosts the offense’s overall upside.

Reed returns from his own injury woes of 2025 to remind us he landed among the top 30 PPR wideouts in each of his first two seasons. He might not be able to do the same if Green Bay gets full seasons from Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft, but there’s enough upside to the slot man for him to make sense here.

Reed would even be OK to draft as a handcuff-type tied to Kraft or Watson on your roster.

Next Best: Bo Nix & Jordan Addison

Nix led the league in pass attempts last year and now gets Jaylen Waddle to significantly upgrade his pass-catching corps. He carries clear top-8 upside, because that’s where Nix finished each of his first two NFL seasons.

Addison gets his target share capped by Justin Jefferson’s presence, but that didn’t stop him from finishing 31st and 25th among WRs in PPR points per game his first two years before suffering through J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

Other Options

• Kyler Murray
• Ricky Pearsall
• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs
• Xavier Worthy

Rounds 13 & 14

Top Target: Quentin Johnston & Kyler Murray

I called McConkey the “probable” lead receiver for this year’s Chargers, but it’s possible Johnston beats him in playing time. And if that happens, he could also edge McConkey in targets.

The Chargers return TE Oronde Gadsden and added TEs Charlie Kolar and David Njoku. Add that they also imported FB Alec Ingold, who spent the past four years with new OC Mike McDaniel in Miami, and we could be looking at a fair number of 1-WR sets. That could favor Johnston as the bigger, more frequently outside receiver vs. McConkey.

Either way, he’s well worth stashing at this point.

You don’t need to grab a QB2 in this format, because there will be options on the waiver wire. But Murray’s a quality option if you do. Last year marked the first time he finished outside the top 12 in fantasy points per game. Now he gets Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Next Best: Stefon Diggs & Jordan Mason

Diggs doesn’t have a team as of this writing, but that seems likely to change before the season. If you draft before he’s signed, the veteran could come at strong value.

He was productive for last year’s Patriots, even at lower than usual playing time coming off his ACL tear.

Mason should find his situation much more favorable in 2026 with Kyler Murray’s arrival. His lack of receiving production makes Mason more dependent on offensive success to deliver him scoring opportunities.

Other Options

• Romeo Doubs
• Jayden Higgins
• Dalton Kincaid
• Tyjae Spears

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: DST & K

Time to grab your kicker and your defense. Upside Mode will have you chasing the best upside play for that spot.

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

• Chargers (vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders in Week 2)
• Jaguars (vs. Browns)
• Titans (vs. Jets)
• Raiders (vs. Dolphins)

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