12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy: The Smartest Picks At Every Draft Spot
What's Your 12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy?
Fantasy drafts move fast.
Every pick forces you to balance positional value, roster construction, ADP, upside, and risk. It's easy to lose the board and make mistakes that cost you all season.
The solution: A round-by-round draft strategy guide to maximize value with every pick.
This is a pick-by-pick blueprint built specifically for 12-team half-PPR drafts.
We’re using our latest rankings, 3D Values, and current ADP to pinpoint the smartest targets and fallback options from every draft position in a 12-team half-PPR league.
This plan generally favors landing two RBs through the first three rounds, then attacking WR value in the middle rounds. You can target your QB1 and TE1 around the eighth and ninth rounds, and even find a potential top-12 QB as late as Round 13.
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.
That’s where the dynamic fantasy football cheat sheet on your Draft War Room comes in. It updates your rankings in real time after every pick, using 17 value indicators to uncover the best available player for your specific team.
The Draft War Room is the most powerful drafting tool in fantasy football.
Use this guide as your game plan, then pair it with the Draft War Room on draft day so you always know your next best move.
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 Target: Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs narrowly edges out Puka Nacua for the No. 1 spot in our half-PPR rankings.
He saw an increased role over the second half of last season, averaging 14.4 carries and 7.0 targets per game. Gibbs easily led all RBs with 22.1 half-PPR points per game over that stretch.
Swapping David Montgomery for Isiah Pacheco could mean even more work for Gibbs in 2026.
Next Best: Puka Nacua
Nacua comfortably led all WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, finishing 1.7 clear of No. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In 24 healthy games over the last two seasons, Nacua has posted absurd averages:
- 10.9 targets
- 8.4 catches
- 109.6 yards
- 0.54 TDs
Other Options
- Bijan Robinson
- Ja’Marr Chase
Rounds 2 & 3
Top Targets: Ken Walker & Chase Brown
We generally like having 2 RBs through the first 3 rounds of half-PPR drafts this year.
Walker is a strong value here after getting a big 3-year, $43 million deal from the Chiefs in free agency. That sets him up for a workhorse role in a strong offense.
Chase Brown is coming off a RB10 finish in half-PPR points per game, and the Bengals (surprisingly) made no significant additions to the backfield this offseason.
Like Walker, Brown should play a big role in a high-scoring offense. Cincinnati ranks second in our Fantasy Environment Scores.
Next Best: Nico Collins & A.J. Brown
Collins ranked 10th among WRs in half-PPR points per game across 14 full outings last season. That followed a WR7 finish in 2024.
Durability is a fair concern for a guy who’s missed 19 games in five NFL seasons. But when he’s on the field, you’re getting a locked-in fantasy WR1 in the late second or early third.
A.J. Brown's 2025 felt underwhelming, but he still finished 11th among WRs in half-PPR points per game and 17th in yards per route.
He remains a bonafide No. 1 WR and gets an upgraded situation in New England, where QB Drake Maye led the Patriots to a fourth-place finish in passing yards last year. (The Eagles ranked 23rd.)
Other Options
- Rashee Rice
- George Pickens
- Brock Bowers
Rounds 4 & 5
Top Targets: Tee Higgins & Davante Adams
After leaning toward RBs in the first 3 rounds, it’s time to add firepower at WR.
Higgins is coming off a WR13 finish in half-PPR points per game, despite QB Joe Burrow missing nine games. Higgins ranked fifth at his position with a healthy Burrow in 2024.
He’ll continue to be a key part of Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense this season.
Adams is in for some regression after scoring 14 times in 14 games last year. But he’ll once again be one of the best TD bets at the position. He ranked top 3 among WRs in red-zone targets, targets inside the 10, and end-zone targets last year, despite missing three games.
The ADP Market Index will help you find more undervalued players like Adams.
Next Best: D’Andre Swift & Jaylen Waddle
Swift maintained the backfield lead ahead of Kyle Monangai throughout last season, finishing 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.
He beat Monangai in virtually all rushing metrics, including rush yards over expected per attempt and yards after contact per attempt, so we’re expecting a similar workload split this season.
Swift is a nice RB2 and a very strong RB3.
Waddle gets a big rankings boost with his move to Denver, where Bo Nix gives him steady QB play in an offense that finished fourth in pass attempts last year.
That’s a clear upgrade from last year’s Dolphins, who ranked 30th in pass attempts and 25th in yards.
Other Options
- Drake Maye
- Joe Burrow
- Terry McLaurin
- Emeka Egbuka
Rounds 6 & 7
Top Targets: Christian Watson & Bhayshul Tuten
Watson ranked 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, registering career bests in yards per route and PFF receiving grade, despite coming off a January 2025 ACL tear.
Watson finds additional target upside this season with Romeo Doubs off to New England, making him one of our top 2026 breakout picks.
We don’t know exactly what Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne-less backfield will look like this season. But we know Liam Coen’s backfield will produce plenty of fantasy points. And we know that Tuten is an explosive player.
He averaged 6.3 yards per carry in his final college season, clocked a 4.32-second 40 time at the Combine, and flashed as a rookie, ranking top 14 among 55 qualifying RBs in yards after contact per attempt and missed tackles forced per attempt.
Tuten is an exciting upside shot at this stage of your draft.
Next Best: Luther Burden & Mike Evans
Burden is coming off a historically efficient 2025, averaging 2.69 yards per route, the most by a rookie WR with 50+ targets since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.
D.J. Moore’s departure puts Burden in line for a full-time role this year in an ascending Bears offense. There’s exciting upside here.
Evans could be this year’s version of Davante Adams: A veteran WR who changes teams and scores a ton of TDs.
Evans owns a career 12.5% TD rate and has scored double-digit TDs in six of 12 seasons. QB Brock Purdy, meanwhile, ranks second among QBs in TD rate (6.2%) over the last four years.
Other Options
- Tony Pollard
- Rome Odunze
- Sam LaPorta
Rounds 8 & 9
Top Targets: Trevor Lawrence & Tucker Kraft
If you still need a QB1 and/or TE1, this is a good place to strike.
Lawrence is coming off a QB6 finish while leading the position in expected fantasy points per game. He was even better over the second half of the season (QB1) as he settled into HC Liam Coen’s scheme.
Lawrence’s combination of passing and rushing upside gives him an exciting fantasy ceiling.
Kraft isn’t without risk coming off his November ACL tear. But that risk is baked into this price tag.
Kraft averaged 1.2 more half-PPR points per game than any other TE through Week 8 last year. He expects to be ready for Week 1.
Next Best: Rhamondre Stevenson & J.K. Dobbins
Stevenson was New England's best RB last year, beating TreVeyon Henderson in:
- rush yards over expected per attempt
- yards after contact per attempt
- missed tackles forced per attempt
- yards per route run
Henderson could earn more work in year two, but Stevenson figures to remain heavily involved in New England's high-scoring offense.
Dobbins was Denver's clear lead back ahead of R.J. Harvey before last year's season-ending injury. He averaged 15.3 carries and ranked 22nd among RBs in half-PPR points per game through Week 10.
The two-year, $16 million deal the Broncos gave Dobbins this offseason says he's in for a similar role in 2026.
Other Options
- Caleb Williams
- Rico Dowdle
- Parker Washington
- Brian Thomas Jr.
Rounds 10 & 11
Top Targets: Blake Corum & Jonathon Brooks
Corum brings a nice combination of standalone value and contingency upside.
He earned a bigger role from Week 7 on last year, ranking 36th among RBs in half-PPR points per game. A similar workload would make him a viable RB3 or Flex play.
And if Kyren Williams misses time, Corum turns into a top-15 play.
Brooks sat out all of last season recovering from the second tear of his right ACL, but he seems on track to be a full-go for 2026. His competition for touches in Carolina’s backfield is Chuba Hubbard, who’s coming off an underwhelming season.
TIP
For more on Brooks, check out our 2026 fantasy football sleepers.
Next Best: Justin Herbert & Ricky Pearsall
Herbert is coming off a QB9 finish in points per game, despite an injury-wrecked offensive line that made life difficult.
He should get better protection this season. And new OC Mike McDaniel could fully unleash Herbert’s upside.
Pearsall battled injuries last year but opened the season with 281 yards over the first three games. Even after the additions of Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling, he should play a significant role in the always-efficient 49ers passing game.
Other Options
- Bo Nix
- Xavier Worthy
- Jordan Addison
- Quentin Johnston
- Mark Andrews
Rounds 12 & 13
Top Targets: Kyler Murray & Jordan Mason
You can wait this deep into your draft and still land a potential top-12 QB.
We expect Murray to beat out QB J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. And if he does, he’ll boast exciting upside thanks to his rushing ability, HC Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, and the Vikings’ weaponry.
Mason had a sneaky strong 2025, ranking top 11 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Aaron Jones, meanwhile, set career lows in all 3 of those metrics. Mason could take over this backfield in 2026 and return strong fantasy value at this cost.
Next Best: Jayden Reed & Dalton Kincaid
Reed owns a strong career 2.09 yards per route and could see a boost in playing time and targets this season with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of the way.
Injuries plus some blocking deficiencies limited Kincaid’s playing time last year. But he led 38 qualifying TEs in:
- Targets per route
- Yards per route
- Fantasy points per route
If he can earn more snaps this season, he could be in for a top-10 fantasy finish.
Other Options
- Jared Goff
- Tyler Shough
- Chris Rodriguez
- Isiah Pacheco
- Jayden Higgins
- Jalen McMillan
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:
- Cam Ward
- Tyrone Tracy
- Kaytron Allen
- Jonah Coleman
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Jaydon Blue
- Travis Hunter
- Denzel Boston
- Adonai Mitchell
- Antonio Williams
- Tre Harris
- Chig Okonkwo
You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:
DSTs
- Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
- Jaguars (vs. CLE)
- Chiefs (vs. DEN, vs. IND, at MIA, at LV)
Ks
- Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
- Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)
Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 4, 5, or 6
Round 1
Top Target: Puka Nacua
Jahmyr Gibbs, Nacua, Bijan Robinson, and Ja’Marr Chase make up a clear top 4 in our half-PPR rankings and ADP. That makes picking fourth a great spot: Just take whoever falls to you.
We'll highlight Nacua here since he's currently 1.04 in ADP. He comfortably led all WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, finishing 1.7 clear of No. 2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In 24 healthy games over the last two seasons, Nacua has posted these absurd averages:
- 10.9 targets
- 8.4 catches
- 109.6 yards
- 0.54 TDs
Next Best: Christian McCaffrey
If those top four guys are off the board, you'll find McCaffrey topping the rankings in your Draft War Room.
Age and injury history make McCaffrey riskier than Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. But McCaffrey easily led both guys in expected and actual half-PPR points per game last year.
Barring injury, he’s set to play a similar role in 2026 and clearly has the upside to lead all RBs in fantasy points.
Other Options
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Round 2
Top Target: Ken Walker
Walker got a big 3-year, $43 million deal from the Chiefs in free agency, setting him up for a workhorse role in a strong offense.
He ranked second among 51 qualifying RBs last year in both missed tackles forced per attempt and Pro Football Focus rushing grade.
Next Best: Omarion Hampton
He didn’t post huge fantasy totals, but Hampton’s rookie year was encouraging. He ranked top 15 among 51 qualifying RBs in rush yards over expected per attempt, yards after contact per attempt, and missed tackles forced per attempt. He also averaged 3.6 catches per game.
Now he gets to play in a Mike McDaniel offense that helped the Dolphins to top-six finishes in total RB fantasy points in each of the last three seasons.
Other Options
- Chase Brown
- Nico Collins
- A.J. Brown
- Drake London
Round 3
Top Target: George Pickens
Pickens is coming off a huge season, finishing sixth among WRs in half-PPR points per game. Even in 12 full games with CeeDee Lamb, he was WR11.
Set to play 2026 on the franchise tag, Pickens won’t be hurting for motivation as he seeks a long-term contract.
Next Best: Breece Hall
Hall finished just RB20 in half-PPR points per game last year on a bad Jets offense. Expect that unit to take a step forward in 2026 with QB Geno Smith, a couple of rookie pass catchers, and a promising offensive line.
Hall's new three-year, $43.5 million contract is a sure sign that he'll remain heavily involved.
Other Options
- Josh Jacobs
- Javonte Williams
- Chris Olave
- DeVonta Smith
3D Values identify exactly what a player is worth in YOUR league.
Round 4
Top Target: Tee Higgins
Higgins is coming off a WR13 finish in half-PPR points per game, despite QB Joe Burrow missing nine games. Higgins ranked fifth at his position with a healthy Burrow in 2024.
He’ll continue to be a key part of Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense this season.
Next Best: Zay Flowers
Flowers is coming off a career-best 12.1 half-PPR points per game, good for 11th among WRs. That was despite QB Lamar Jackson missing four games and parts of a few others.
There’s still more upside here. Flowers turns just 26 in September and has improved his target share, targets per route, and yards per route across each of his three NFL seasons.
Other Options
- Davante Adams
- Colston Loveland
Round 5
Top Target: D’Andre Swift
Swift maintained the backfield lead ahead of Kyle Monangai throughout last season, finishing 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.
He beat Monangai in virtually all rushing metrics, including rush yards over expected per attempt and yards after contact per attempt, so we’re expecting a similar workload split this season.
Swift is a nice RB2 and a very strong RB3.
Next Best: Jaylen Waddle
Waddle got a big boost up the WR rankings with his move to Denver, where he’ll get steady QB play from Bo Nix in an offense that finished fourth in pass attempts last year.
That’s a clear upgrade from last year’s Dolphins, who ranked 30th in pass attempts and 25th in yards.
Other Options
- Joe Burrow
- Jayden Daniels
- David Montgomery
- Quinshon Judkins
- Ladd McConkey
Round 6
Top Target: Luther Burden
Burden is coming off a historically efficient 2025, averaging 2.69 yards per route, the most by a rookie WR with 50+ targets since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.
D.J. Moore’s departure puts Burden in line for a full-time role this year in an ascending Bears offense. There’s exciting upside here.
Next Best: Bhayshul Tuten
We don’t know exactly what Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne-less backfield will look like this season. But we know Liam Coen’s backfield will produce plenty of fantasy points. And we know that Tuten is an explosive player.
He averaged 6.3 yards per carry in his final college season, clocked a 4.32-second 40 time at the Combine, and flashed as a rookie, ranking top 14 among 55 qualifying RBs in yards after contact per attempt and missed tackles forced per attempt.
Tuten is an exciting upside shot at this stage of your draft.
Other Options
- Mike Evans
- Rome Odunze
Round 7
Top Target: Christian Watson
Watson ranked 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, registering career bests in yards per route and PFF receiving grade, despite coming off a January 2025 ACL tear.
Watson finds additional target upside in 2026 with Romeo Doubs off to New England.
TIP
Watson leads our list of top 2026 breakout candidates.
Next Best: Tony Pollard
Pollard is coming off a RB30 finish in a Titans offense that ranked bottom-3 in points and total yards last year.
If the unit takes a step forward in QB Cam Ward's second season, Pollard could finish significantly higher as the team's lead back.
Other Options
- Jaylen Warren
- D.K. Metcalf
Round 8
Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson was New England's best RB last year, beating TreVeyon Henderson in:
- rush yards over expected per attempt
- yards after contact per attempt
- missed tackles forced per attempt
- yards per route run
Henderson could earn more work in year two, but Stevenson figures to remain heavily involved in New England's high-scoring offense.
Next Best: J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins was Denver's clear lead back ahead of R.J. Harvey before last year's season-ending injury. He averaged 15.3 carries and ranked 22nd among RBs in half-PPR points per game through Week 10.
The two-year, $16 million deal the Broncos gave Dobbins this offseason says he's in for a similar role in 2026.
Other Options
- Caleb Williams
- Brock Purdy
- Rico Dowdle
- Parker Washington
- Brian Thomas Jr.
Round 9
Top Target: Trevor Lawrence
If you still need a QB1 or TE1, this is a good place to strike.
Lawrence is coming off a QB6 finish while leading the position in expected fantasy points per game. He was even better over the second half of the season (QB1) as he settled into HC Liam Coen’s scheme.
Lawrence’s combination of passing and rushing upside gives him an exciting fantasy ceiling.
Next Best: Tucker Kraft
Kraft isn’t without risk coming off his November ACL tear. But that risk is baked into this price tag.
Kraft averaged 1.2 more half-PPR points per game than any other TE through Week 8 last year. He expects to be ready for Week 1.
Other Options
- Rachaad White
- Kyle Monangai
- Makai Lemon
Round 10
Top Target: Ricky Pearsall
Pearsall struggled with injuries last year but opened the season with 281 yards over the first three games. Despite the additions of WRs Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling this offseason, Pearsall should play a significant role in the always-efficient 49ers passing game.
Next Best: Justin Herbert
Herbert is coming off a QB9 finish in points per game, despite an injury-wrecked offensive line that made life difficult.
He should get better protection this season. And new OC Mike McDaniel could fully unleash Herbert’s upside.
Other Options
- Bo Nix
- Blake Corum
TIP
Prioritizing high-upside players in the later rounds is 1 of 7 key tenets of our fantasy football draft strategy.
Round 11
Top Target: Jonathon Brooks
Brooks sat out all of last season recovering from the second tear of his right ACL. But he’s seemingly on track to be a full-go for 2026. And his competition for touches in Carolina’s backfield is Chuba Hubbard, who’s coming off an underwhelming season.
For more on Brooks, check out our 2026 fantasy football sleepers.
Next Best: Xavier Worthy
A Week 1 shoulder injury impacted how the Chiefs deployed Worthy last year, HC Andy Reid admitted earlier this offseason.
There's bounce-back potential with the 23-year-old former first-round pick, especially if WR Rashee Rice continues to deal with health problems and off-field issues.
Other Options
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Jordan Addison
- Quentin Johnston
- Mark Andrews
Round 12
Top Target: Dalton Kincaid
Injuries plus some blocking deficiencies limited Kincaid’s playing time last year. But he led 38 qualifying TEs in:
- Targets per route
- Yards per route
- Fantasy points per route
If he can earn more snaps this season, he could be in for a top-10 fantasy finish.
Next Best: Jayden Reed
Reed owns a strong career 2.09 yards per route and could see a boost in playing time and targets this season with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of the way.
Other Options
- Isiah Pacheco
- Tyjae Spears
- Romeo Doubs
- Mark Andrews
Round 13
Top Target: Kyler Murray
You can wait this deep into your draft and still land a potential top-12 QB.
We expect Murray to beat out QB J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. And if he does, he’ll boast exciting upside thanks to his rushing ability, HC Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, and the Vikings’ weaponry.
Next Best: Jordan Mason
Mason had a sneaky strong 2025, ranking top 11 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Aaron Jones, meanwhile, set career lows in all 3 of those metrics. Mason could take over this backfield in 2026 and return strong fantasy value at this cost.
Other Options
- Jared Goff
- Tyler Shough
- Chris Rodriguez
- Jayden Higgins
- Jalen McMillan
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:
- Cam Ward
- Tyrone Tracy
- Kaytron Allen
- Jonah Coleman
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Jaydon Blue
- Travis Hunter
- Denzel Boston
- Adonai Mitchell
- Antonio Williams
- Tre Harris
- Chig Okonkwo
You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:
DSTs
- Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
- Jaguars (vs. CLE)
- Chiefs (vs. DEN, vs. IND, at MIA, at LV)
Ks
- Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
- Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)
Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 7, 8, or 9
Round 1
Top Target: Jonathan Taylor
With a healthy Daniel Jones through Week 13 last year, Taylor ranked second among RBs in expected half-PPR points per game and led the position in actual points.
Jones’ recovery from his Achilles tear adds some environmental risk, but Taylor will remain a high-volume back as the engine of the Colts’ offense.
Next Best: Amon-Ra St. Brown
If you’re looking for a little more safety from your first-round pick, go with St. Brown. He’s missed just one game over the past three seasons and finished third among WRs in total half-PPR points in all three.
St. Brown returns to a very similar situation with the Lions in 2026.
Other Options
- James Cook
- CeeDee Lamb
Round 2
Top Target: Derrick Henry
Henry kept on trucking last year, finishing RB7 in half-PPR points per game, despite a down season from Baltimore’s offense. Henry finished third in his 2024 Ravens debut with a healthy Lamar Jackson.
Henry turned 32 in January but has shown no signs of slowing down. He ranked top four among 51 qualifying RBs last year in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt.
3D projections factor in ceiling and floor to give you a complete look at every player's fantasy value.
Next Best: Ken Walker
Walker got a big 3-year, $43 million deal from the Chiefs in free agency, setting him up for a workhorse role in a strong offense.
He ranked second among 51 qualifying RBs last year in both missed tackles forced per attempt and Pro Football Focus rushing grade.
Other Options
- Omarion Hampton
- Chase Brown
- A.J. Brown
Round 3
Top Target: Breece Hall
Hall finished just RB20 in half-PPR points per game last year on a bad Jets offense. Expect that unit to take a step forward in 2026 with QB Geno Smith, a couple of rookie pass catchers, and a promising offensive line.
Hall's new three-year, $43.5 million contract is a sure sign that he'll remain heavily involved.
Don’t be afraid to open your draft with 3 RBs. We’ll find plenty of WR value in the next few rounds.
Next Best: DeVonta Smith
A.J. Brown's departure paves the way for Smith to take over as Philadelphia's top dog. He's hogged 33.0% of Eagles targets in 3 games without Brown over the last 2 seasons, posting these receiving lines:
- 7-76-1
- 7-79-0
- 6-84-0
Other Options
- Javonte Williams
- Kyren Williams
- Garrett Wilson
Round 4
Top Target: Tee Higgins
Higgins is coming off a WR13 finish in half-PPR points per game, despite QB Joe Burrow missing nine games. Higgins ranked fifth at his position with a healthy Burrow in 2024.
He’ll continue to be a key part of Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense this season.
Next Best: Zay Flowers
Flowers is coming off a career-best 12.1 half-PPR points per game, good for 11th among WRs. That was despite QB Lamar Jackson missing four games and parts of a few others.
There’s still more upside here. Flowers turns just 26 in September and has improved his target share, targets per route, and yards per route across each of his three NFL seasons.
Other Options
- Davante Adams
- Terry McLaurin
- Colston Loveland
Round 5
Top Target: Jaylen Waddle
Waddle got a big rankings boost with his move to Denver, where Bo Nix gives him steady QB play in an offense that finished fourth in pass attempts last year.
That’s a clear upgrade from last year’s Dolphins, who ranked 30th in pass attempts and 25th in yards.
Next Best: D’Andre Swift
Swift maintained the backfield lead ahead of Kyle Monangai throughout last season, finishing 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.
He beat Monangai in virtually all rushing metrics, including rush yards over expected per attempt and yards after contact per attempt, so we’re expecting a similar workload split this season.
Swift is a nice RB2 and a very strong RB3.
Other Options
- Jalen Hurts
- David Montgomery
- Ladd McConkey
Round 6
Top Target: Luther Burden
Burden is coming off a historically efficient 2025, averaging 2.69 yards per route, the most by a rookie WR with 50+ targets since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.
D.J. Moore’s departure puts Burden in line for a full-time role this year in an ascending Bears offense. There’s exciting upside here.
Next Best: David Montgomery
Word out of Houston is that Montgomery is poised to play a workhorse role for this year’s Texans.
He remained plenty efficient last year, ranking top 20 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Other Options
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Jameson Williams
- Mike Evans
- Rome Odunze
Round 7
Top Target: Christian Watson
Watson ranked 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, registering career bests in yards per route and PFF receiving grade, despite coming off a January 2025 ACL tear.
Watson finds additional target upside this season with Romeo Doubs off to New England.
TIP
Watson leads our list of top 2026 breakout candidates.
Next Best: Tony Pollard
Pollard is coming off a RB30 finish in a Titans offense that ranked bottom-3 in points and total yards last year.
If the unit takes a step forward in QB Cam Ward's second season, Pollard could finish significantly higher as the team's lead back.
Other Options
- Jaylen Warren
- D.K. Metcalf
Round 8
Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson was New England's best RB last year, beating TreVeyon Henderson in:
- rush yards over expected per attempt
- yards after contact per attempt
- missed tackles forced per attempt
- yards per route run
Henderson could earn more work in year two, but Stevenson figures to remain heavily involved in New England's high-scoring offense.
Next Best: J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins was Denver's clear lead back ahead of R.J. Harvey before last year's season-ending injury. He averaged 15.3 carries and ranked 22nd among RBs in half-PPR points per game through Week 10.
The two-year, $16 million deal the Broncos gave Dobbins this offseason says he's in for a similar role in 2026.
Other Options
- Caleb Williams
- Brock Purdy
- Rico Dowdle
- Parker Washington
- Brian Thomas Jr.
Round 9
Top Target: Trevor Lawrence
This is a good spot to target your QB1 or TE1.
Lawrence is coming off a QB6 finish while leading the position in expected fantasy points per game. He was even better over the second half of the season (QB1) as he settled into HC Liam Coen’s scheme.
Lawrence’s combination of passing and rushing upside gives him an exciting fantasy ceiling.
Next Best: Tucker Kraft
Kraft isn’t without risk coming off his November ACL tear. But that risk is baked into this price tag.
Kraft averaged 1.2 more half-PPR points per game than any other TE through Week 8 last year. He expects to be ready for Week 1.
Other Options
- Rachaad White
- Kyle Monangai
- Makai Lemon
Round 10
Top Target: Ricky Pearsall
Pearsall struggled with injuries last year but opened the season with 281 yards over the first three games. Despite the additions of WRs Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling this offseason, Pearsall should play a significant role in the always-efficient 49ers passing game.
Next Best: Justin Herbert
Herbert is coming off a QB9 finish in points per game, despite an injury-wrecked offensive line that made life difficult.
He should get better protection this season. And new OC Mike McDaniel could fully unleash Herbert’s upside.
Other Options
- Bo Nix
- Blake Corum
TIP
Prioritizing high-upside players in the later rounds is 1 of 7 key tenets of our fantasy football draft strategy.
Round 11
Top Target: Jonathon Brooks
Brooks sat out all of last season recovering from the second tear of his right ACL. But he’s seemingly on track to be a full-go for 2026. And his competition for touches in Carolina’s backfield is Chuba Hubbard, who’s coming off an underwhelming season.
For more on Brooks, check out our 2026 fantasy football sleepers.
Next Best: Xavier Worthy
A Week 1 shoulder injury impacted how the Chiefs deployed Worthy last year, HC Andy Reid admitted earlier this offseason.
There's bounce-back potential with the 23-year-old former first-round pick, especially if WR Rashee Rice continues to deal with health problems and off-field issues.
Other Options
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Jordan Addison
- Quentin Johnston
- Mark Andrews
Round 12
Top Target: Dalton Kincaid
Injuries plus some blocking deficiencies limited Kincaid’s playing time last year. But he led 38 qualifying TEs in:
- Targets per route
- Yards per route
- Fantasy points per route
If he can earn and keep more snaps this season, he could be in for a top-10 fantasy finish.
Next Best: Jayden Reed
Reed owns a strong career 2.09 yards per route and could see a boost in playing time and targets this season with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of the way.
Other Options
- Isiah Pacheco
- Tyjae Spears
- Romeo Doubs
- Mark Andrews
Round 13
Top Target: Kyler Murray
You can wait this deep into your draft and still land a potential top-12 QB.
We expect Murray to beat out QB J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. And if he does, he’ll boast exciting upside thanks to his rushing ability, HC Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, and the Vikings’ weaponry.
Next Best: Jordan Mason
Mason had a sneaky strong 2025, ranking top 11 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Aaron Jones, meanwhile, set career lows in all 3 of those metrics. Mason could take over this backfield in 2026 and return strong fantasy value at this cost.
Other Options
- Jared Goff
- Tyler Shough
- Chris Rodriguez
- Jayden Higgins
- Jalen McMillan
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:
- Cam Ward
- Tyrone Tracy
- Kaytron Allen
- Jonah Coleman
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Jaydon Blue
- Travis Hunter
- Denzel Boston
- Adonai Mitchell
- Antonio Williams
- Tre Harris
- Chig Okonkwo
You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:
DSTs
- Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
- Jaguars (vs. CLE)
- Chiefs (vs. DEN, vs. IND, at MIA, at LV)
Ks
- Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
- Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)
Half PPR Draft Strategy for Pick 10, 11, or 12
Rounds 1 & 2
Top Targets: James Cook & Ashton Jeanty
Cook is coming off his second straight top-10 half-PPR finish. His 2024 felt fluky, fueled by a huge TD rate. But 2025 was much more repeatable. Cook averaged 19.2 carries per game and ranked fifth among RBs in expected half-PPR points per game through Week 17.
Expect him to play a similar role in 2026.
Jeanty was stuck in a dreadful Raiders offense last season, leading to a RB17 finish in half-PPR points per game.
He dominated work, though, accounting for 72% of Vegas’ carries and 14% of the targets. That level of volume gives him an exciting ceiling in 2026 in what should be a much-improved offense under HC Klint Kubiak and an upgraded QB room.
Next Best: CeeDee Lamb & Saquon Barkley
Lamb got unlucky in the TD department last year, scoring just 3 times on a career-low 4.0% TD rate. He scored on 7.7% of his receptions over his first 5 seasons.
That makes Lamb an easy bounce-back bet in a fast-paced Cowboys offense that will throw plenty.
Barkley disappointed last year, finishing 15th among RBs in half-PPR points per game. He ranked 10th at the position in expected points, though, and was generally held back by a sagging Eagles offense.
There’s bounce-back potential for the unit in 2026 under new OC Sean Mannion. And remember that Barkley is just a season removed from leading all RBs with 20.9 points per game.
Other Options
- Derrick Henry
- Ken Walker
- Justin Jefferson
Rounds 3 & 4
Top Targets: Tee Higgins & Zay Flowers
Higgins ranked 13th among WRs in half-PPR points per game, despite QB Joe Burrow missing nine games. Higgins finished fifth at his position with a healthy Burrow in 2024.
He’ll continue to be a key part of Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense this season.
Tee Higgins' 254-point ceiling projection ranks 13th highest among WRs.
Flowers is coming off a career-best 12.1 half-PPR points per game, good for 11th among WRs. That was despite QB Lamar Jackson missing four games and parts of a few others.
There’s still more upside here. Flowers turns just 26 in September and has improved his target share, targets per route, and yards per route across each of his three NFL seasons.
Next Best: Javonte Williams & DeVonta Smith
Williams ranked RB7 in expected half-PPR points per game and 12th in actual points per game through Week 17 last year. And he was even more productive before injuries limited him down the stretch.
The new three-year, $24 million deal he signed in February puts him in line to play a similar role this season.
A.J. Brown's departure paves the way for Smith to take over as Philadelphia's top dog. He's hogged 33.0% of Eagles targets in 3 games without Brown over the last 2 seasons, posting these receiving lines:
- 7-76-1
- 7-79-0
- 6-84-0
Other Options
- Kyren Williams
- Travis Etienne
- Garrett Wilson
- Davante Adams
- Colston Loveland
Rounds 5 & 6
Top Targets: D’Andre Swift & Jaylen Waddle
Swift maintained the backfield lead ahead of Kyle Monangai throughout last season, finishing 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game.
He beat Monangai in virtually all rushing metrics, including rush yards over expected per attempt and yards after contact per attempt, so we’re expecting a similar workload split this season.
Swift is a nice RB2 and a very strong RB3.
Waddle got a big boost up the WR rankings with his move to Denver, where he’ll get steady QB play from Bo Nix in an offense that finished fourth in pass attempts last year.
That’s a big upgrade from last year’s Dolphins, who ranked 30th in pass attempts and 25th in yards.
Next Best: David Montgomery & Luther Burden
Word out of Houston is that Montgomery is poised to play a workhorse role for this year’s Texans.
He remained plenty efficient last year, ranking top 20 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Burden is coming off a historically efficient 2025, averaging 2.69 yards per route, the most by a rookie WR with 50+ targets since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.
D.J. Moore’s departure puts Burden in line for a full-time role this year in an ascending Bears offense. There’s exciting upside here.
Other Options
- Jalen Hurts
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Jameson Williams
- Mike Evans
- Rome Odunze
Rounds 7 & 8
Top Targets: Christian Watson & Tony Pollard
Watson ranked 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year, registering career bests in yards per route and PFF receiving grade, despite coming off a January 2025 ACL tear.
Watson finds additional target upside this season with Romeo Doubs off to New England.
TIP
Watson leads our list of top 2026 breakout candidates.
Pollard is coming off a RB30 finish in a Titans offense that ranked bottom-3 in points and total yards last year.
If the unit takes a step forward in QB Cam Ward's second season, Pollard could finish significantly higher as the team's lead back.
Next Best: J.K. Dobbins & Tucker Kraft
Dobbins was Denver's clear lead back ahead of R.J. Harvey before last year's season-ending injury. He averaged 15.3 carries and ranked 22nd among RBs in half-PPR points per game through Week 10.
The two-year, $16 million deal the Broncos gave Dobbins this offseason says he's in for a similar role in 2026.
Kraft isn’t without risk coming off his November ACL tear. But that risk is baked into this price tag.
Kraft averaged 1.2 more half-PPR points per game than any other TE through Week 8 last year. He expects to be ready for Week 1.
Other Options
- Caleb Williams
- Brock Purdy
- Jaylen Warren
- Rico Dowdle
- Parker Washington
Rounds 9 & 10
Top Targets: Trevor Lawrence & Rhamondre Stevenson
This is a good spot to target your QB1.
Lawrence is coming off a QB6 finish while leading the position in expected fantasy points per game. He was even better over the second half of the season (QB1) as he settled into HC Liam Coen’s scheme.
Lawrence’s combination of passing and rushing upside gives him an exciting fantasy ceiling.
Stevenson was New England's best RB last year, beating TreVeyon Henderson in:
- rush yards over expected per attempt
- yards after contact per attempt
- missed tackles forced per attempt
- yards per route run
Henderson could earn more work in year two, but Stevenson figures to remain heavily involved in New England's high-scoring offense.
Next Best: Justin Herbert & Jonathon Brooks
Herbert is coming off a QB9 finish in points per game, despite an injury-wrecked offensive line that made life difficult.
He should get better protection this season. And new OC Mike McDaniel could fully unleash Herbert’s upside.
Brooks sat out all of last season recovering from the second tear of his right ACL. But he’s seemingly on track to be a full-go for 2026. And his competition for touches in Carolina’s backfield is Chuba Hubbard, who’s coming off an underwhelming season.
For more on Brooks, check out our 2026 fantasy football sleepers.
Other Options
- R.J. Harvey
- Kyle Monangai
- Blake Corum
- Ricky Pearsall
Rounds 11 & 12
Top Targets: Jordan Mason & Mark Andrews
Mason had a sneaky strong 2025, ranking top 11 among 51 qualifying RBs in:
- Yards per carry
- Rush yards over expected per attempt
- Yards after contact per attempt
Aaron Jones, meanwhile, set career lows in all 3 of those metrics. Mason could take over this backfield in 2026 and return strong fantasy value at this cost.
Andrews is a tricky 2026 evaluation. He finished TE24 in half-PPR points per game last year while posting career lows in yards per route and Pro Football Focus receiving grade.
But TE Isaiah Likely’s departure this offseason should boost Andrews’ routes and targets in a high-upside offense led by QB Lamar Jackson.
Andrews is ultimately a risk worth taking at this price.
Next Best: Quentin Johnston & Jayden Reed
Johnston quietly finished WR24 in half-PPR points per game last year and is one of many Chargers who should benefit from the arrival of OC Mike McDaniel.
Johnston’s after-catch ability makes him an especially interesting fit in McDaniel’s scheme.
Reed owns a strong career 2.09 yards per route and could see a boost in playing time and targets this season with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of the way.
Other Options
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Jordan Addison
- Xavier Worthy
- Josh Downs
- Dalton Kincaid
Round 13
Top Target: Kyler Murray
You can wait this deep into your draft and still land a potential top-12 QB.
We expect Murray to beat out QB J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. And if he does, he’ll boast exciting upside thanks to his rushing ability, HC Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, and the Vikings’ weaponry.
Next Best: Jalen McMillan
McMillan finds big opportunity in Tampa Bay after the departure of Mike Evans, who has averaged 1,088 yards and 9.0 TDs over the last 12 seasons.
McMillan was a good-looking prospect, scored 8 TDs as a rookie, and then popped for a 114-yard game in Week 17 last year after missing most of the season with a neck injury.
Other Options
- Jared Goff
- Tyler Shough
- Chris Rodriguez
- Jayden Higgins
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:
- Cam Ward
- Tyrone Tracy
- Kaytron Allen
- Jonah Coleman
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Jaydon Blue
- Travis Hunter
- Denzel Boston
- Adonai Mitchell
- Antonio Williams
- Tre Harris
- Chig Okonkwo
You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:
DSTs
- Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
- Jaguars (vs. CLE)
- Chiefs (vs. DEN, vs. IND, at MIA, at LV)
Ks
- Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
- Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
- Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)
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.
