Winning your fantasy league doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built round-by-round with intentional picks, value hunting, and knowing when to pivot your strategy. Every draft spot brings its own challenges, but also its own opportunities. In this guide, I’ll walk through each round of a standard 10-team PPR draft, highlighting the best players to target, where positional advantages can be gained, and when to wait for value later. From identifying cornerstones in the early rounds to finding league-winning upside in the middle and late rounds, the goal is simple: build a roster that wins weekly matchups and positions you for a championship run.
Round 1 Draft Strategy (10-Team PPR)
Preferred Approach: Elite WR First
In this format, I lean toward grabbing a top wide receiver in Round 1 unless Bijan Robinson falls past pick #2. Running backs at the top carry age, workload, and injury concerns, while the elite WRs provide safer year-over-year stability and high weekly ceilings.
My Top 5 overall targets look like this:
Ja’Marr Chase – led the league in receiving yards (1,708), receiving TDs (17), and receptions (127). The defense might actually be worse this year. His QB is the best pure passer in the game. What more could you want?
Bijan Robinson – 1,456 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs, plus 431 receiving yards in 2024. That’s a true workhorse line with dual-threat insulation. And he finished strong, averaging 26.8 PPG in his last 3 games. He’s in line for a monster season.
CeeDee Lamb – Finished as the WR1 in PPR two seasons ago and even with poor QB play he still cleared 100 catches (101) and 1,100 yards (1,194) in a down year for Dallas’ passing game. He ranked 7th in catches and 8th in yards. With a full season of Dak, a mediocre defense, and a difficult schedule, the Cowboys will be throwing early and often to Lamb.
Justin Jefferson – posted 103/1,533/ 10 despite journeyman QB in Sam Darnold starting the entire season. Kevin O’Connell’s system is QB proof.
Jahmyr Gibbs – Ascending into an every-week RB1. Explosive as both runner and receiver, Detroit leaned on him heavily in the second half of last year with David Montgomery’s injury. Now that Monty is back, Gibbs will still be an RB1 every week, but may not have the 30+ point potential we saw at the end of the season.
Late Round 1 Options
If you’re drafting at the back end of the first round, the ideal picks shift slightly.
Malik Nabers (WR – NYG): Malik Nabers delivered a historic rookie campaign in 2024, posting 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns — breaking the Giants’ single-season receptions record and finishing as the WR6 in PPR scoring (273.6 points) despite a carousel of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito under center. Nabers commanded a 32.2% target share (No. 1 in the NFL) and ranked 7th in receiving yards per game (80.3). Heading into 2025, he’s projected for another 100+ catch season with ESPN pegging him for 1,400+ yards, though his ceiling may be capped by Russell Wilson’s declining play and the uncertain transition to rookie Jaxson Dart. Still, Nabers is an elite second-year breakout candidate, locked into top-10 WR territory, and a safe first-round pick who could vault into the top-3 if New York stabilizes its quarterback situation.
Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF): When healthy, he’s the most dominant RB in fantasy. The risk lies in his injury history, but in every game he plays, he provides a positional advantage. In the last 3 healthy seasons CMC has finished no lower than RB2. We are trying to win the league, not just make the playoffs, so if you can get him at the end of round 1, that’s a steal.
Round 2: Best Player available
My strategy in round 2 is simple: target the best available player at the position I didn't grab in Round 1 to balance my lineup.
Drake London – Poised for Tier-1 Breakout
Drake London stands out as a potential WR1 overall heading into 2025, thanks to his spike in performance with QB Michael Penix Jr.:
With Cousins: 65.6 receiving yards/game
With Penix: 117.3 receiving yards/game
Targets (3 games with Penix): 39 (13 per game)
That’s elite usage, and the results followed: London finished those weeks as WR2 overall, missing the top spot by just 0.02 fantasy points. Maintain a 9+ target pace across a full season, and he’s comfortably top‑5 among WRs and pushing for WR1 overall.
RB Options
If London is off the board, here are the most compelling RB picks:
Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV)
A true bellcow profile. Big-bodied, explosive, and the clear focal point of his offense. I prefer him over De’Von Achane due to Achane’s durability concerns (calf issues) and the fragility of Tua’s situation in Miami.
When the Raiders spent the 6th overall pick on Jeanty they knew what they were getting: elite vision, violent change of direction, acceleration, and receiving chops that make him game-script proof. At Boise State, he forced an absurd 151 missed tackles in 2024 while hauling in 67 catches across his final two seasons.
The landing spot? Perfect. The Raiders were dead last in rushing yards per game in 2024, but they cleaned house, upgrading at quarterback with Geno Smith, retooling the offensive line, and, most importantly, Chip Kelly now calls plays. During his NFL tenure, Kelly’s offenses ranked top-11 in rush attempts every season. His history with LeSean McCoy (league-leading 1,607 rushing yards in 2013) and more recently Quinshon Judkins/TreVeyon Henderson at Ohio State shows he’s never afraid to lean on his backs with heavy volume.
Derrick Henry (RB, BAL)
2024 Stats:
1,921 rushing yards
16 rushing TDs
2 receiving TDs
5.9 YPC – highest among all RBs FantasyData.
Fantasy Finish: RB4 in PPR points per game, totaling 336.4 PPR points and averaging 19.8 PPG
Henry remains a touchdown machine with elite efficiency, even in his 30s. He’s a high-ceiling RB1 locked and loaded.
Josh Jacobs (RB, GB)
2024 Stats:
1,329 rushing yards
15 rushing TDs
36 receptions for 342 receiving yards
Fantasy Finish: RB6 in PPR leagues averaging 17.2 PPG
Jacobs was the workhorse in Green Bay, commanding volume and scoring regularly—a dependable RB1.
Why I’m Fading Brock Bowers
Bowers appears to be priced in the second round, though I’ve seen him taken in the first, but I'm passing. Despite last year’s breakout, I project he'll finish TE3 behind Kittle and McBride. Las Vegas’ offense will be more run-heavy with Geno Smith + Jeanty, potentially limiting Bowers’ target volume. I’d rather wait for a round or two for TE and grab a WR or RB here who offers reliable production and upside.
Rounds 3 & 4 – Best Player Available or Positional Advantage
This is the draft pivot point—isolate upside or lock in positional edges—and now with hard stats to back your decisions:
I prefer to go with one of the Studs below and then TE in round 4, specifically Kittle. But it all depends on how things fall. I’ve built it several ways in mock drafts:
Option 1: Grab the Stud
I prefer 2 WR in the first three rounds, but If someone like Chase Brown or Bucky Irving falls deep into Round 3, I won’t hesitate. Here are players I’m targeting in round 3:
Chase Brown (RB, CIN)
Brown emerged as a fantasy force in 2024. From Week 9 onward, he played 88% of the Bengals' snaps and averaged 23.6 touches, 116.3 total yards, and 20.6 fantasy points per game, ranking RB4 in fantasy scoring during that span. Over the full season, he came close to hitting 1,000 rushing yards—finishing with 990 yards, 7 rushing TDs, 54 receptions for 360 yards, and 4 receiving TDs. Among RBs with at least 175 carries, Brown ranked 11th in rushing success rate (52.4%). He delivered elite per-touch production and was a focal point in the offense when healthy.
Bucky Irving (RB, TB)
Irving was one of the rookie breakouts of 2024. He led all rookies in rushing with 1,122 yards and 8 touchdowns, finishing with 5.4 yards per carry, the third-highest mark for rookies (min. 200 carries) in NFL history. He added 47 receptions for 392 yards, totaling 1,514 yards from scrimmage, ranking 10th overall among all players . His missed tackle rate of 35.8% and 91 missed tackles forced (4th-most in the league) were elite efficiency markers according to Bucs Nation. He became the lead back and delivered consistent high production, especially late in the season.
Tee Higgins (WR, CIN)
Despite missing five games, Higgins put up strong fantasy numbers in 2024. He finished as WR17 in PPR scoring, with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns on 109 targets. His per-game outputs were elite too—he posted career highs in PPR points per game (18.5), touchdowns (10), receptions per game (6.1), and targets per game (9.1). His high usage translated into significant efficiency: he ran an average of 37.1 routes per game and accounted for 17.5% of team targets and 24.8% of total air yards. When healthy, Higgins was among the league’s most productive WRs per snap.
Ladd McConkey (WR, LAC)
Ladd McConkey delivered one of the most polished rookie campaigns we’ve seen in recent years, quickly earning Justin Herbert’s trust as the focal point of the Chargers’ passing attack.
2024 Rookie Stat Line: 82 receptions on 112 targets for 1,149 yards, 7 TDs.
Fantasy Finish: WR12 in PPR (240.9 points in 16 games).
Per-Game Output: 15.1 PPG overall, 18.7 PPG from Weeks 11–18.
Advanced Usage: 26% target share after Week 3, 2.38 YPRR (11th in the NFL, higher than Malik Nabers as a rookie).
That type of production is not an accident. McConkey’s clean routes, ability to separate underneath, and YAC ability made him Herbert’s go-to in high-leverage situations. He profiles as a true PPR magnet with WR1 upside.
Option 2: Lock Down a Top-4 QB
If elite RBs aren’t slipping, I shift focus to the QBs with rushing floors:
Josh Allen
Lamar Jackson
Jayden Daniels
Jalen Hurts
These signal-callers offer 40–60 rushing yards and rushing TDs built into every week. A pure passer will have to throw for 4500+ yards and 40+ touchdowns to make the top four. Look at Joe Burrow, for example —he threw for 4,400+ yards and 34 TDs in 2021 but still only finished as QB8 that year. Without rushing ceiling, QB production needs to be astronomical, and that’s tough to rely on consistently.
Hurts seems to be the value of the group, often falling late into round 3 or early round 4. I do not like to take a QB’s earlier than round 4, so if Hurts or any of the others are there, I’m grabbing them above a TE.
If none of the tier 1 QBs are available in the fourth round, then I’ll punt until Round 11 and target Fields, Prescott, or Williams—their upside justifies the wait.
Option 3: Pre-empt the TE Drop-Off
Tight end is another tier where elite options can isolate you:
Brock Bowers is going Round 2—too rich for this build.
Trey McBride can come late Round 3.
George Kittle is a steal in Round 4.
Thanks to FantasyPros for this data
2024 PPR Stats:
McBride led tight ends with 111 receptions and 1,146 yards, and finished second in PPR scoring, despite just two TDs.
Meanwhile, Kittle—despite age and injury risk—was TE3 in PPR scoring and finished with the highest PPG, while delivering his 4th 1,000-yard season.
All three TEs finished with nearly identical stats per game. This is why I love Kittle: I can get him in the 4th, a round or two later than Bowers or McBride.
If all three top TEs are off the board, I punt until Round 8/9 to get David Njoku.
Round 5: James Conner (RB, ARI)
This is the sweet spot for a high-floor RBs with upside and proven production.
James Conner
Fantasy PPG (2024): Averaged 15.9 PPR points per game, finishing as the RB15 in PPG among all running backs.
2024 Stat Line: 1,508 total yards from scrimmage (1,094 rushing; 414 receiving) and 10 total touchdowns.
Consistent Productivity: Has been a reliable force for fantasy managers—finishing inside the top 20 backs in PPG in each of his last four seasons.
Why pick him here? Conner is the definition of steadiness. Maybe even boring. Regardless of the quarterback or the offensive script, he grinds out RB2-level production every season. That reliability in Round 5 is a championship-builder.
Round 6 – Calvin Ridley / Rashee Rice
Calvin Ridley (WR, TEN)
Let’s start with the obvious: Ridley had to deal with a quarterback disaster last season. Between Will Levis and Mason Rudolph’s struggles, Ridley’s fantasy output stalled out at WR36 in points per game. But that’s not the full picture.
His target quality was atrocious—he ranked near the bottom in catchable target rate (78th out of 85 qualifying WRs). Despite that, he still managed to hover around top-30 in usage metrics like target share, yards per game, and yards per route run. He was getting open and drawing targets but the QBs couldn’t hit him. One game last season, Ridley had 8 targets but 0 receptions. According to NFL.com this was “tied for the most targets in a game with zero receptions by any player in the last 20 years.” Insane.
Still, he hauled in over 1,000 yards on 120 targets. His 2024 stat line: 64 receptions, 1,017 yards, and 4 touchdowns with 11.7 PPR points per game. But in the games where Rudolph started, he averaged 14.6 points; that would have been WR20 among receivers who played at least half the season.
The Titans cleaned house and brought in Cam Ward, a rookie with big-time arm talent and mobility. He ranked 5th in deep passing grade at the college level, which fits perfectly with Ridley’s skill set. Say what you want about Ward being raw, but he can sling it. The Titans want to get Ridley more quick-hitting, designed looks this year, according to head coach Brian Callahan. It’s important to note that when Callahan was in Cincinnati, his offenses had a pass rate higher than 60% in four of five seasons.
What I love about this situation is that Ridley gets to stay the clear-cut WR1 on his team and his coach loves to throw the ball. Yes, they brought in veterans like Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson and drafted a couple rookies, but none of those guys is stealing Ridley’s spot atop the target pecking order. He averaged 7.6 targets per game once DeAndre Hopkins was shipped off, and that number could tick even higher assuming Ward settles in quickly.
Rashee Rice (WR, KC)
Now, Rashee Rice is where things get interesting. The suspension cloud makes him one of the biggest wildcards in 2025 drafts. Reports suggest he could be looking at a 6–10 game ban, though nothing will be finalized until after Week 4. If it drags out and he misses into fantasy playoff weeks, that’s a concern. But my gut says he’ll be back in time for the stretch run. If I’m confident in my draft (and I usually am), then sliding a potential WR1 into my lineup for playoff weeks is the kind of upside swing that can win championships.
Let’s not forget what Rice already showed us. Before his LCL tear in Week 4 last year, he was nothing short of electric:
Weeks 1–3: WR2 overall in fantasy.
Receptions: 24 (1st among WR).
Targets: 29 (3rd among WR).
Production: Averaged 21.6 PPR points per game.
Efficiency: 31.5% target share, 3.60 yards per route run, 41.2% first-read share, and 0.188 first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data).
Yes, the injury and suspension risk are real. But the reward? You’re potentially drafting a WR1 in Round 6. If you’re the type of drafter who builds floor early, Rice is exactly the ceiling play you look for in the middle rounds.
Round 7: Tony Pollard (RB, TEN)
This is where injury context meets opportunity. Tajae Spears is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and if you’ve ever had one, you know the impact lingers even after you’re “cleared.” That opens the door for Pollard to dominate touches in the early season — and if that happens, he could flirt with RB1 production for the first month.
Why Pollard’s a value:
Spears uncertainty: Even a 3–4 week setback could push Pollard into feature-back status.
Improved environment: Tennessee’s new QB and an upgraded offensive line set the stage for more sustained drives and red-zone trips.
Proven résumé: Pollard was RB21 last year with 12.5 PPG. He logged 1,079 rushing yards, 5 TDs, plus 41 catches for 238 yards.
Pollard isn’t just a filler RB here. He’s the kind of mid-round pick who can win you September — and if Spears lags in recovery or Pollard cements his role, you’re suddenly holding an every-week starter at a Round 7 price.
Round 8: The Injury Round — Isiah Pacheco / Chris Olave
This is the sweet spot for calculated risk. Both Pacheco and Olave are discounted because of injury narratives, but if they stay healthy, you’re getting Round 4–5 talent at an 8th-round price.
Isiah Pacheco (RB, KC)
I get why people are down on Pacheco. He looked rough last year, was basically benched in the playoffs, and finished outside the RB2 range. But context matters.
Why I’m in:
2023 peak form: Career highs — 1,179 total yards, 9 TDs, RB15 overall.
2024 fast start: Began the year with 15.8 and 16.1 points in Weeks 1–2 before fracturing his fibula. He rushed back too soon, averaging just 3.6 YPC while splitting touches with Kareem Hunt.
Chiefs RB1 matters. Andy Reid’s lead backs historically average 250+ touches a season, with reliable red-zone chances baked in. Behind Pacheco? A declining Kareem Hunt, a perpetually injured Elijah Mitchell, and a seventh-round rookie. That’s not real competition. Beat writers already note he’s handling the “bulk of early-down work.”
Metrics love him (2023):
Yards after contact/attempt: 3.1 (top 10 among RBs with 150+ carries).
Missed tackles forced/attempt: 0.24 (same range as Josh Jacobs).
Explosive run rate (10+ yards): 11%, confirming his home-run ability.
Draft Value: His ADP sits at Round 8, That’s RB3/RB4 pricing for a guy with RB2 upside.
Ceiling case: If he plays 15–16 games, you’re looking at 250+ touches, 1,200 yards, and 8–10 TDs in a top-5 scoring offense. That’s a top-20 RB return at a double-digit discount.
Chris Olave (WR, NO)
Olave could be the perfect “injury discount.” He came into the league as a polished technician, posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and looked every bit the future WR1 the Saints drafted him to be.
The résumé by age 25:
Two straight 1,000-yard years (2022–23).
Consistent WR2/3 numbers despite poor QB play.
Elite route runner — Matt Harmon’s Reception Perception confirms he wins at every level.
2024 derailed him. Four concussions in three years and two last year that cost him nine games last season. He finished the season with 32/400/1. With Derek Carr’s retirement and an offense in flux, managers bailed.
But here’s the thing: his ADP already bakes in the risk. Instead of paying WR15-20, you’re drafting him around WR37. That’s the cheapest he’s ever been.
The Kellen Moore effect: This is why I’m bullish. Moore has a track record of feeding WR1s:
Keenan Allen: 150 targets in 2023 (WR2 overall pace before injury).
CeeDee Lamb: 135+ targets
Moore schemes motion, spacing, and vertical shots that manufacture production. Even if the QB play is shaky, Olave is insulated by volume.
Bottom line: If Olave clears the concussion hurdle, he’s a potential WR2. You’re drafting him at his floor, with room to smash.
Round 9: Tight End (If You Missed the Top 3) / Ricky Pearsall (WR, SF)
If you’ve waited on tight end, this is the point to make your move. Travis Kelce, David Njoku, and Evan Engram are all excellent options right here. If you’ve already secured one of the top TEs, this is the perfect spot to swing for upside with Ricky Pearsall.
David Njoku
Njoku quietly has league-winning potential. He finished 12th in targets per game (8.8) last year, second only to Brock Bowers among tight ends, even though he missed six games. That target volume is elite territory.
The Flacco connection:
In Flacco’s five 2023 starts, Njoku posted 390 yards and 4 touchdowns, making him the TE1 during that stretch.
Will Flacco start all year? Probably not. But both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have shown competence this preseason, and historically, rookie QBs love checking down to reliable TEs. Combine that with Njoku’s athleticism and red zone usage, and he could easily sneak into the top 5 at the position.
Ricky Pearsall
Now, let’s talk Pearsall. I’ve written about him before, but he deserves repeating. The 49ers’ WR room is wide open:
Deebo Samuel – gone.
Brandon Aiyuk – recovering from an ACL/MCL tear. Shanahan says he’s doing great, which probably means he’s in a coma. Don’t expect him until midseason.
Jauan Jennings – contract issues and a lingering injury that only a pile of cash will solve.
That leaves 124 vacated targets up for grabs. Kittle and CMC will always be featured, but beyond them, there’s nobody with Pearsall’s polish. Reports out of camp say he’s Brock Purdy’s most trusted target already. NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco summed it up perfectly:
“There seemingly is no question that second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is the team’s best wideout during camp. Purdy continues to show a lot of trust in Pearsall… he caught passes at every level of the 49ers' defense.”
He’s already flashed in the preseason too, catching 3 of 4 targets for 42 yards against the Raiders, serving as Purdy’s go-to guy on their lone drive.
Bottom line: If you missed out on the big 3 TE’s, Njoku is the TE target here with legit top-5 upside. If you’re set at TE, this is the right spot to swing on Pearsall — the clear breakout candidate in San Francisco’s offense.
Round 10: Josh Downs (WR, IND)
His season was a tale of two quarterbacks:
With Joe Flacco: 54 catches, 574 yards, 3 touchdowns in 8 games (16.17 PPG). That production would have made him WR14 among players who logged at least half a season.
With Anthony Richardson Sr.: 30 catches, 420 yards, 4 touchdowns in 8 games (12 PPG). That pace would’ve landed him as WR36 over the course of a season.
The truth probably lives somewhere in between. I’m not a huge Daniel Jones believer, but he’s a better passer than Richardson at this stage. If Downs splits the difference between his Flacco pace and his Richardson pace, he’s right in the WR25–WR35 range. And that’s massive considering his current draft price of WR52.
Round 11: QB (if I missed the top 4) or Tank Bigsby (RB, JAX) / Your favorite RB Flier
At this point in drafts, the strategy splits depending on how you’ve built your roster. If you missed out on one of the top four quarterbacks, this is a natural spot to secure one before the well dries up. My rankings here: Justin Fields, Dak Prescott, and Caleb Williams.
Fields remains the most volatile option but also the highest ceiling swing. He may never become a polished passer, but his rushing alone gives him a weekly top-10 floor with legitimate top-3 potential any given Sunday. Prescott continues to be undervalued despite finishing as a top-10 fantasy QB in four of the last five seasons. Caleb Williams, in a new offense, offers the kind of upside and arm talent that makes him worth a late-round gamble.
If you’re set at quarterback, this round is where you start leaning into late-round RB dart throws—players who could vault into weekly starter status if the depth chart breaks their way. In Jacksonville, Tank Bigsby is the name to circle.Bigsby struggled as a rookie, but his camp reports have been good, and the Jaguars’ revamped offense under Liam Cohen could make the RB2 role far more valuable than last season.
This round is about shoring up potential roster weak spots: a QB with top-5 upside if you waited, or a running back lottery ticket who could pay off in a big way by midseason.
Round 12: Jordan Mason (RB, MIN)
Mason has quietly been one of the league’s most efficient backs, averaging 5.2 yards per carry across his career. The sample size is small—just 236 carries—but the efficiency is undeniable. Kevin O’Connell has spoken glowingly about Mason throughout the offseason, calling him a “massive” part of the Vikings’ offense in 2025. That’s significant when you consider Aaron Jones will be the starter, but his age and injury history leave the door wide open for Mason to carve out weekly value.
The Vikings have also hinted at a philosophical shift toward a heavier run approach this season. Last year, they sat in the middle of the league at just over 26 rush attempts per game. Aaron Jones handled about 15 of those on average, which left 11 to be divided. If Minnesota does lean into a more ground-heavy identity, Mason could realistically push for 12+ touches per game. That’s not just handcuff territory—that’s potential flex viability in deeper leagues, with stash-and-hold appeal even in 10-team formats.
Supporting this optimism is a top-10 offensive line (per PFF) and the reality that the Vikings will be breaking in a first-year starter at quarterback. Everything about this setup points toward a balanced, run-focused offense where Mason could thrive. He represents the rare late-round back who already has a clear path to touches and the upside to vault into RB2 status if Jones misses time. Given Jones’ career-long durability issues, Mason may be one of the best “handcuff-plus” options on the board.
Round 13: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, WAS)
We love Bill. With Brian Robinson Jr. trade rumors swirling and Croskey-Merritt’s impressive camp, JCM has a real opportunity to carve out some meaningful production. He’s shown great burst and has turned heads in the preseason. That said, I wouldn’t label him the Day 1 starter or project him for 12+ touches per game right away—that’s why I have him here in Round 13, hoping he’s still on the board.
The uncertainty is exactly what makes him intriguing at this point in the draft. If Robinson gets moved or Bill gets hot early, he could find himself with a much larger role than expected.
Round 14: Dylan Sampson (RB, CLE)
This backfield is wide open. Quinshon Judkins still hasn’t signed, and Jerome Ford looks more like a placeholder than a locked-in starter. That leaves room for Sampson to take this job.
Sampson was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year at Tennessee, where he dominated statistically:
SEC leader in rushing yards
SEC leader in rushing touchdowns
SEC leader in scrimmage yards
22 total touchdowns
That type of production is no fluke. He’s explosive, versatile, and profiles as the kind of player who could carve out a serious role if given the opportunity. By Round 14, that upside is exactly what you’re hunting.
Round 15: Defenses
Here I’m targeting defenses with easy first-week matchups. The Broncos and Steelers might be two of the best defenses in the league, even though they both play in difficult divisions.
Denver Broncos – Week 1, they draw the Titans. I like Cam Ward long term, but a great defense facing a rookie QB in his first start is the perfect matchup. Week 2, they follow that up against the Daniel Jones led Colts. That’s about as favorable of a two-week stretch as you can ask for.
Pittsburgh Steelers – They open with a revenge game (?) against Justin Fields and the Jets. I love Fields for fantasy because of his rushing upside, but he’s still turnover-prone. The Steelers’ pass rush will create havoc, and I expect both teams to lean on the run, keeping it a low-scoring affair.
Arizona Cardinals – Not on the same level talent-wise as Denver or Pittsburgh, but worth noting for matchup purposes playing the Saints in week 1.
Round 16: Kicker
A couple of obvious choices and a couple a little further down the board:
Brandon Aubry – The dude is a weapon, and the Cowboys will need to score to stay in games. He finished as the K1 last year and should be right near the top again. He hit 14 50+ yard field goals last year.
Cameron Dicker – Dicker the Kicker wrapped up 2024 as K3 overall. The Chargers’ offense should actually improve with added WR depth and Omarion Hampton leading the backfield. That means more scoring chances for him.
Cam Little – The Jaguars’ offense should take a big step forward under new coach Liam Cohen. With Travis Hunter opposite Brian Thomas Jr., the passing game should open up. Plus, Little drilled a 70-yarder in preseason—that’s enough upside for me to draft him.
Will Reichard – Before his injury, he ranked as the K7, averaging 10.4 points per game. He’s tied to a strong offense, and most of his outdoor games come early in the season. Weeks 12 and 13 in Green Bay and Seattle could be tricky, but I think he’ll be a value play on a team with a first-year starter who may struggle to finish drives, especially early in the year.
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