10-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy: Load Your RBs and WRs Early

Get Your Team Set to Overpower Your League

What’s the best strategy for a 10-team, half-PPR draft? Let’s break that down …

Drafting in a 10-team league vs. 12 means more value in securing a top player at a certain spot. 

You gain more advantage from locking up the No. 1 QB or TE, for example, when there are fewer teams than you do when the league is larger.

There’s not quite as much emphasis here on those one-starter positions, though, as you’ll find in an eight-team setup.

Playing half-PPR decreases the impact of receiving volume vs. full-PPR formats. 

You’ll still tend to favor higher-volume pass-catchers, because more opportunities generally mean more production. But the format plays friendlier to efficient producers, guys who do a better job of turning targets into yards and TDs. It’s less kind to the WRs who load up on short-range receptions.

But it also lessens the heavy TD reliance that you find in non-PPR setups.

Your specific draft strategy will depend on the particulars of your draft.

That’s why we start this process with the industry’s best fantasy draft cheat sheet: the Draft War Room.

It syncs directly with your redraft league to import your scoring and lineup settings. Then it tracks the action -- in real time -- throughout your draft, constantly recalculating player values as you go to deliver updated pick recommendations at every turn.

For this article, I manually set up a Draft War Room for 10 teams, half-PPR scoring and these lineup settings: 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST, 6 bench spots.

Then I ran through a 16-round draft from each pick zone to lay out the best strategy from any position.

To find the fantasy football help appropriate to your draft position, see below …

10-Team Half-PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 1, 2, 3, or 4

Round 1

Top Target: Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs lands ahead of Bijan Robinson in a better offense with a weaker depth chart behind him.

Gibbs beats Robinson in both our baseline and ceiling projections. And he moved ahead of Nacua because of the risk involved in the WR's groin issue and offseason off-field questions.

Next Best: Puka Nacua

Nacua doesn't fall far, though, because the injury isn't serious and there's no league discipline yet.

Other Options

• Ja’Marr Chase
• Bijan Robinson

Rounds 2 & 3

Top Targets: Kenneth Walker & A.J. Brown

Even with a RB as my top pick here, the Draft War Room likes RB to close out Round 2. That likely speaks not only to the quality of RBs finding us at this turn, but also the WR value expected to remain on the board for ensuing turns.

The Chiefs invested in Walker more heavily than any Andy Reid team has at RB, which points to a bigger workload than he got with the Seahawks last year. He already showed the upside with his playoff production.

Brown makes for a nice WR1, especially if he gets to Round 3. Learning a new offense always presents a challenge, but his move to New England also finds a more accurate passer and likely more passing volume.

Next Best: Omarion Hampton & Nico Collins

It's fair to wonder how consistent Hampton's weekly workloads will be, but we've got a first-round RB (22nd overall in 2025) in a Mike McDaniel offense. At some point that's simply worth the risk after the production we saw from Miami backs under McDaniel -- plus the whole Shanahan history from which he comes.

Collins has delivered three straight seasons of top-10 finishes in half-PPR points per game, and he carries even more target upside after expected No. 2 WR Jayden Higgins went down for the season. 

Other Options

• Chase Brown
• George Pickens
• Chris Olave
• Brock Bowers
• Josh Jacobs

Rounds 4 & 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins & Travis Etienne

Higgins makes for a nice value at this point if you’ve gotten here with no Bengals on your roster. He managed a WR15 finish in half-PPR points per game last year despite losing Burrow for half the season. That followed a WR4 ranking in 2024.

If you already have a Bengal rostered, then you might want to pass. This is early to bet your season on a pair of players from the same team.

Etienne got $12 million a year from the Saints in free agency and should take over the backfield ahead of a declining Alvin Kamara. He fits well as a third RB, and the DWR has you leaning that way even with three starting WR slots in this particular draft.

Next Best: Davante Adams & D'Andre Swift

Zay Flowers used to sit here and would likely again if he reaches this spot. But his ADP has climbed since the initial exercise and made him a worse bet to reach late Round 4.

That's OK, because we can simply go for the WR who led the league in TD catches even while missing three games last season. Adams carries some age risk in a season that will find him turning 34 in December. But he carried the same risk last year and reprises that TD-friendly role in 2026.

Swift already looked like a good option in this range as Chicago's leader in carries and backfield receiving. He gets a boost from Kyle Monangai's right knee injury.

Other Options

• Cam Skattebo
• Jaylen Waddle
• Colston Loveland
• Quinshon Judkins

Rounds 6 & 7

Top Target: Jameson Williams & David Montgomery

Burden has slipped behind Williams in 3D value at this turn vs. our earlier runs, thanks to some risk added by his groin injury. Either makes for a solid-to-strong WR3 at this stage, though.

Williams won't be the most consistent weekly bet for targets, but his big-play speed and high-powered offense make him a good bet to continue outscoring his usage. Williams finished 22nd and 18th in half-PPR points per game the past two years.

Montgomery might face more of a work challenge from Woody Marks than we initially thought, but he arrives as just our fourth RB in this exercise. That mitigates the risk while giving us a player with the upside to control Houston's backfield.

Next Best: Luther Burden & Christian Watson

If Montgomery's off the board, you're likely to see a pair of WRs recommended at this point. That makes sense, as we're likely leaving Round 7 with either four RBs and three WRs or vice versa.

Burden would sit higher in ADP if he didn't have the August groin issue, but he should be ready for the regular season and is well worth a shot at this point.

Watson ... we've been presenting his upside case all offseason.

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Rome Odunze
• D.J. Moore
• Tucker Kraft

Rounds 8 & 9

Top Target: Tucker Kraft & Christian Watson

This is a good turn to lock down your TE starter. Kraft’s ACL recovery brings a little concern, but it has reportedly gone quite well to this point. And a healthy Kraft scored as a top-2 TE before going down last season.

Watson would have sat higher among your recommendations previously, but his ADP for this format sits in the middle of Round 9. You can take him around the 6-7 turn if you don't want to trust him getting back to you here, though.

The Packers committed to him financially this offseason after Watson ranked 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last season. That marked his return from a January ACL tear, so we could see an even better Watson this fall.

Round 9 is also when your Draft War Room switches to Upside Mode as you pass the draft's midway point. That setting gives more weight to ceiling projections and ceiling likelihood in the 3D Value calculation.

Next Best: Mike Evans & George Kittle

Evans has showed us his risk with a pair of lower-body issues this summer. But you'd also be drafting him as a reserve at this point. It's OK to pass if you'd rather not deal with the headache, but we've all seen the upside.

Kittle has climbed slightly both in our projections and ADP vs. early draft season. That's because he now looks like a good bet to be ready at the start of the year.

His Achilles recovery still presents some risk that the veteran will be performing and lower than his normal level. But his ceiling also climbs well above this level.

Other Options

• George Kittle
• Parker Washington
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• Trevor Lawrence
• Jaylen Warren

Rounds 10 & 11

Top Target: Kyler Murray & Jonathon Brooks

Murray’s ADP might climb now that Minnesota named him the starter. If not, though, he’s even easier to target in this range now. Murray never finished lower than 12th in fantasy points per game before last season.

I'm not sure I trust that Brooks will remain an option this late in your draft, but his format ADP finds him on the board here. If the young Panther does stick around long enough to be your fifth RB, then it becomes much easier to get on the upside over worrying about the risk of a player with more ACL tears (two) than NFL TDs (zero).

Next Best: Justin Herbert & J.K. Dobbins

Herbert presents more safety than Murray because he’s not going to leave the field unless he gets hurt. We’ll see exactly what Mike McDaniel’s offense means for the QB’s production.

The RBs available at this turn could vary quite a bit by league, but there's a pack of value options potentially on the board thanks to some ambiguous backfield situations.

Denver clearly paid Dobbins (much more than last offseason) to reprise his rushing lead in 2026.

Other Options

• Jayden Reed
• Quentin Johnston
• Jordan Addison
• Jordan Mason
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Rounds 12 & 13

Top Target: Quentin Johnston & Jared Goff

Johnston enters a new scheme after OC Mike McDaniel’s arrival. He and Ladd McConkey look like the top two, but we’ll have to see exactly what the personnel packages look like.

You don't need to grab a QB2 here if you don't want to. Nearly all 10-team leagues will present viable options on the waiver wire throughout the year. But Goff makes plenty of sense as your No. 2 in this range if you drafted Murray as your starter.

Although the Cardinal-turned-Viking presents plenty of fantasy upside, there's also some risk that he presents limited or inconsistent production. Platooning Murray and Goff -- who historically produces much better at home than on the road -- could give you strong QB numbers all year.

Next Best: Chris Godwin & KC Concepcion

The specific names matter less here than the plan to nab a couple of upside WRs. You'll likely see the 3D values close enough among the competitors that you can lean toward your favored options.

Godwin doesn't win on age, but his range of possible outcomes includes leading the Bucs in targets. That would mean difference-making upside from this stage of your draft.

Concepcion carries the same kind of upside in Cleveland. The first-round pick broke out as a true freshman in college, which only makes him easier to take a shot on.

Other Options

• Xavier Worthy
• Jordan Mason
• Romeo Doubs
• Stefon Diggs
• Josh Downs
• Jordan Mason
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Rounds 14-16

Top Targets: K, DST, & depth

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 Half-PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 5 or 6

Round 1

Top Target: Christian McCaffrey

ADP and 3D Value reveal a gap between the top four players in this format and the players likely to be available at this turn. Obviously, if any of those top four makes it to this point, he’ll lead your rankings.

But there’s nothing wrong with starting your draft by taking a healthy McCaffrey. And health is the key.

Two years ago showed us the worst-case scenario, when McCaffrey appeared in just four games thanks to issues with both Achilles’ tendons. But last season reminded us of the upside when CMC stays healthy. He led all RB scorers by 1.5 points per game and the top WR by 2.0.

Next Best: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

If you just don’t want to bet on McCaffrey staying healthy for a second straight season, then JSN and Amon-Ra St. Brown present relatively safe first-round options.

Each guy garnered high-level target share and produced efficiently in 2025.

Other Options

• Amon-Ra St. Brown

Round 2

Top Targets: Derrick Henry

It’s important to note here that I took McCaffrey with the Round 1 pick, and the Draft War Room still favors RB at this turn -- even with three WR starting spots. That says ADP should deliver us plenty of WR value going forward.

Next Best: Kenneth Walker

Feel free to choose your favorite between Henry and Walker. One has more proven production on his side but also heads into his age-32 season.

The other comes off a season of disappointing usage but lands with a team that paid him $14 million per year on a three-year contract in free agency.

Each presents plenty of upside.

Other Options

• A.J. Brown
• Nico Collins
• Chase Brown
• Omarion Hampton

Round 3

Top Target: A.J. Brown

Time for your WR1 after starting with a pair of RBs.

Brown makes plenty of sense here. His knee history brings some decline risk, but the move to New England also adds upside after the Patriots ranked sixth in neutral-situation pass rate last year vs. Philly’s No. 15, according to RBSDM.com.

Next Best: Nico Collins

Collins has finished three straight seasons among the top 10 in points per game. That makes him a fairly easy click at this stage.

Other Options

• George Pickens
• Malik Nabers
• Zay Flowers
• Chris Olave

Round 4

Top Target: Zay Flowers

Here’s why the Draft War Room pushed RB at the first two turns: ADP says you can still follow an A.J. Brown or Nico Collins pick in Round 3 with this level of WR in Round 4.

Flowers ranked eighth among WRs in target share last year, which presents upside even beyond his WR12 finish in half-PPR points per game.

Next Best: Tee Higgins

Higgins finished the past two seasons 15th and fourth among WRs in half-PPR points per game. Last year’s production came despite Joe Burrow missing half the season. Higgins is a solid buy as your WR2.

Other Options

• DeVonta Smith
• Davante Adams
• Colston Loveland
• Kyren Williams

Round 5

Top Target: D'Andre Swift

Swift replaces Travis Etienne in this slot, with the Saints RB's ADP climbing in the wake of Alvin Kamara's injury.

Swift's a nice option for your RB3 slot after a 2025 season that saw him easily outperform Kyle Monangai across rushing and receiving metrics. Monangai's knee injury makes Swift an even stronger bet for early-season opportunities and production.

Next Best: Tee Higgins

Higgins gets easier to buy a round later, if you’re looking WR.

Other Options

• Bucky Irving
• Quinshon Judkins
• David Montgomery
• Jaylen Waddle

Round 6

Top Target: Luther Burden

Burden carries some added risk with the groin injury. But he’s expected to be ready for Week 1. If he’s fully healthy by then, you might be able to snag the same upside at a cheaper price.

Next Best: Terry McLaurin

McLaurin's ADP has slipped some since the team added Stefon Diggs, but he should still lead Washington in targets and carry at least similar upside in a shallow pass offense that's got its QB back healthy.

You can read the full case for McLaurin here.

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Jameson Williams
• Rome Odunze
• D.J. Moore
• Mike Evans

Round 7

Top Target: Tucker Kraft

ADP says you have a decent shot at seeing Kraft next round as well, but he leads the board in 3D Value and this turn. And this is a fine time to get your TE starter.

There's always some risk in a player coming off an ACL tear, but the reports on Kraft's recovery have been glowing. And he was leading all TEs in scoring before going down last season.

Next Best: Christian Watson

Watson would sit higher here if we didn't already have three WRs on the roster. His 3D Value also gets pushed down a bit by a format ADP that sits in the middle of Round 9. So you might well get another shot at him next turn. Watson makes plenty of sense anywhere in this range, though.

Other Options

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• TreVeyon Henderson
• Jadarian Price
• Mike Evans
• George Kittle

Round 8

Top Target: Christian Watson

If you wait this long and still land Watson, congrats. The upside is immense.

Next Best: Mike Evans

It’s certainly OK to pass on this old guy with a dodgy injury history and multiple lower-body issues already this summer. But this is also late enough to target the upside over the risk.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• Jaylen Warren
• Rico Dowdle
• Jonathon Brooks

Round 9

Top Target: Justin Herbert

Herbert’s ADP says you might get one more shot at him next round, but he makes plenty of sense here and shows why you can afford to wait this long for your QB.

Herbert delivered top-8 scoring last season despite an injured O-line that allowed him to get pressured at the league's highest rate. Healthy OTs plus new OC Mike McDaniel keep at least that much upside intact.

Round 9 has also switched on Upside Mode. That happens when you pass the midway point of your draft and enhances the weight placed on ceiling projections and ceiling likelihood to highlight the true potential difference makers late in your draft.

Next Best: Brock Purdy

Even if Herbert's gone, you're likely to find another good starting option available.

Purdy has finished three straight seasons among the top 11 QBs in fantasy points per game. He delivered a career high in that category last year despite losing the middle of his season to turf toe.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• Rico Dowdle
• Kyler Murray
• Jaylen Warren

Round 10

Top Target: Jonathon Brooks

I wouldn't trust that Brooks stays on the board this long, but he'll make plenty of sense at this turn if he does.

The third-year RB has seen his ADP climb dramatically throughout an offseason that has featured plenty of positive buzz. The former second-round pick has the physical upside to take over Carolina's backfield even without a Chuba Hubbard injury.

Next Best: Rico Dowdle

Pittsburgh's backfield split will keep both RBs on the board well into your draft, and either makes for a sensible option at this stage.

Dowdle edges Warren in this format as the bigger guy, leading his new teammate in projected carries. It doesn't hurt that he has history with HC Mike McCarthy from their time in Dallas.

Other Options

• Jaylen Warren
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• Chuba Hubbard

Round 11

Top Target: J.K. Dobbins

This looks like the round for picking up an underrated veteran RB.

Dobbins got $8 million per season on a two-year extension after leading Denver's rushing in 2025. That says the team at least wants him to reclaim the lead rusher role. The crowded situation keeps the vet on the board longer than he should be.

Next Best: Kyler Murray

You don't need to draft a QB2, but Murray makes for a good option if you do want to platoon the position.

He had never scored outside the top 12 before last season's abbreviated Arizona finale. And now Murray gets the best set of WRs he's had since entering the league.

Other Options

• Jordan Mason
• Jayden Reed
• Quentin Johnston
• Jordan Addison

Round 12

Top Target: Jayden Reed

If you got your post-hype RB last round, then this turn looks like a good spot for the WR version.

Reed appeared in just seven games last year and cracked 50% playing time in just three of those thanks to a pair of injuries that cut the core out of his season. He’s healthy now, though, and finds a WR corps decluttered a bit by Romeo Doubs’ free-agent departure and Dontayvion Wicks’ trade to Philly.

Reed posted top-40 numbers in half-PPR each of his first two seasons.

Next Best: Kyler Murray

Same deal as last round with Murray, whose format ADP sits in early Round 15 as of this writing.

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Stefon Diggs
• Chris Godwin
• Romeo Doubs

Round 13

Top Target: Quentin Johnston

And even easier to like if he makes it back around to your ensuing spot.

Next Best: Kyler Murray

Copy and paste the previous two rounds' reasoning for Murray.

Other Options

• Jordan Mason
• Chris Godwin
• Romeo Doubs
• Josh Downs
• KC Concepcion

Rounds 14-16

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)

You should plan to target matchups more than one season-long option at DST.

10-Team Half-PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 7 or 8

Round 1

Top Target: Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown has finished three straight seasons among the top 4 WRs in total half-PPR points and among the top 7 in points per game. This year’s Lions might be even more pass-friendly after trading RB David Montgomery away and importing former Arizona OC Drew Petzing.

Good luck finding a safer pick in this part of Round 1.

Next Best: Jonathan Taylor

Taylor looks a bit safer than he is after leading the league in carries and rushing TDs last season. He lost 3+ games to injuries each of the previous three seasons, and Indy’s offense faces some challenges in QB Daniel Jones’ return from an Achilles’ tear and WR Alec Pierce’s lingering ankle trouble.

But a healthy Taylor will always challenge for the league TD lead and see workhorse usage.

Other Options

• James Cook
• CeeDee Lamb

Round 2

Top Targets: Ashton Jeanty

If these players remain available, then your Draft War Room’s likely to recommend a RB at this spot whether you went St. Brown last turn or opted for a running back. That indicates that you can expect more WR value to remain available over the ensuing rounds.

It’s even easier to click a RB here, though, after I started with St. Brown. Jeanty endured a rough rookie season thanks to loads of issues around him. But he got an elite work share and should see conditions improve in Year 2 -- potentially to a dramatic degree.

New HC Klint Kubiak hails from the Shanahan-Kubiak coaching tree that sports decades of RB success around the league. The Raiders also addressed their O-line and renovated the QB room.

Next Best: Saquon Barkley

Barkley also endured a challenging 2025, relative to his monster output the year before. Betting on a rebound gets easier now that you can find him toward the middle of Round 2 as opposed to last year’s ADP inside the first half of Round 1. Philadelphia’s OC switch provides hope for the entire unit.

Other Options

• Derrick Henry
• A.J. Brown
• Nico Collins

Round 3

Top Target: Josh Jacobs

Jacobs comes with a couple of risk paths for this season. First came his May arrest on domestic-abuse allegations, but he has yet to face formal charges. That makes league discipline unlikely, barring the emergence of further information in the case.

Then came a groin injury, but he has returned from that.

Jacobs makes sense here because he finished his first two Green Bay seasons sixth and eighth among RBs in half-PPR points per game. If both risk factors clear by Week 1, he could be a Round 3 steal, or even a Round 4 one in some drafts.

Next Best: George Pickens

Pickens faces no shortage of motivation for building on his tremendous first Cowboys season after the team elected not to try for a long-term extension this offseason. Instead, the 25-year-old wideout will play 2026 on his franchise tender.

You shouldn’t overrate that factor for Pickens or any player. No matter how many times you hear us fantasy wonks mention the “motivation” angle, I’ve never seen worthwhile data to back up the notion that contract-year players perform better. But it can’t hurt the mercurial Pickens to have the extra reason.

Of course, we’re not looking his way in Round 3 for that reason. He simply makes sense in this range after delivering WR6 points per game in 2025.

Other Options

• Javonte Williams
• Breece Hall

Round 4

Top Target: Tee Higgins

The DWR wants me to follow my WR-RB-RB start with a WR2 in this spot, and the options look strong.

Higgins managed a WR15 finish in half-PPR points per game last year despite losing Joe Burrow for half the season. That followed a WR4 ranking in 2024.

Next Best: Zay Flowers

Flowers ranked eighth among WRs in target share last year, which presents upside even beyond his WR12 finish in half-PPR points per game. The new coaching staff has indicated it plans to get Flowers the ball plenty, and the Ravens confirmed their commitment with a big-money extension in early August.

Other Options

• DeVonta Smith
• Colston Loveland
• Jaylen Waddle
• Javonte Williams
• Kyren Williams

Round 5

Top Target: Bucky Irving

Can I admit something? I think I’ve gotten myself too down on Irving this draft season.

His best ball ADP started too high back in February and March, but that price has dropped significantly. Irving now comes off the board near the end of RB2 territory across formats, and that turns him back into an upside play.

At a higher price, Irving presents risk in potential work shares with Kenneth Gainwell (receiving) and Sean Tucker (goal-line). But he remains Tampa Bay’s best player at the position, and new OC Zac Robinson calls Irving “a stud.”

Let that remind us of the 2024 Irving, who ranked sixth in rush yards over expected per attempt and first in yards after contact per attempt among 47 RBs who carried 90+ times. That lined up with his high rushing efficiency in college, and Irving has also rated consistently well in receiving metrics.

He presents plenty of upside if you land him as a RB3.

Next Best: Quinshon Judkins

Judkins brings upside as well but faces challenges in what’s likely to be a bad Browns offense. One key question will be how much receiving work he keeps from No. 2 RB Dylan Sampson. New HC Todd Monken has traditionally not had the same RB lead his offenses in carries and targets. 

If Judkins can change that, he’s certainly capable of outperforming this draft position. If he doesn’t, though, he could struggle to score consistently.

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• Jaylen Waddle
• David Montgomery
• TreVeyon Henderson
• Terry McLaurin

Round 6

Top Target: Jaylen Waddle

The options at this turn looked more attractive before Waddle injured a calf and Burden hurt his groin. But neither injury is expected to cost the player regular-season time, so you might be able to land the same enticing upside at a discount.

The Broncos didn’t send a first-round pick to Miami so they could stick Waddle behind Courtland Sutton in their target distribution. We’ll watch for his healthy return.

Next Best: Luther Burden

Our floor projection for Burden came down a bit after his injury, but the Bears expect him to be ready for Week 1. As long as he stays on track, we still like the upside in a guy who flashed high-end potential as a second-round rookie.

Other Options

• Terry McLaurin
• D’Andre Swift
• Jameson Williams
• Christian Watson
• Rome Odunze

Round 7

Top Target: Tucker Kraft

This turn presents more options than many of the others. If you’re ready to secure your TE, then Kraft presents clear upside. He ranked second at the position in half-PPR points per game last season, and reports on his knee recovery have been strongly positive.

ADP has Harold Fannin Jr. leaving the board just before this pick, but that could obviously turn out differently in a given draft. So consider him an option if available as well. Fannin’s situation doesn’t present the TD upside of Kraft’s, but he also looks like the best bet to lead Cleveland in targets.

Next Best: Bhayshul Tuten

Tuten looks like the top play in an interesting Jacksonville backfield. The Jags should spread touches around, but Tuten offers the best blend of rushing, receiving, and physical upside among the three contenders. That makes him a worthwhile fantasy RB3 or RB4 target.

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Mike Evans

Round 8

Top Target: Christian Watson

Watson has held a spot among our favorite breakout candidates all offseason. He finished 17th among WRs in half-PPR points per game last year despite coming off a January ACL tear. The Packers then affirmed their commitment by giving him $27.6 million a season on a four-year extension in early June.

Next Best: Mike Evans

Evans presents some risk in his age (33) and early-camp quad strain. That’s particularly unattractive on a player who has dealt with some level of hamstring trouble every season since 2019.

But this is late enough in your draft to chase the upside over worrying about the risk. Evans would fit well as your WR4 heading into his first season in a San Francisco offense that perennially ranks among the league’s most efficient for both yardage and scoring.

Other Options

• Tony Pollard
• Parker Washington
• Jaylen Warren
• Marvin Harrison Jr.

Round 9

Top Target: Justin Herbert

We hit this point with three RBs, four WRs, and our starting TE. So it makes sense to grab a QB at this turn, and either guy should treat you well.

Herbert landed eighth among QB scorers last year despite leading the league in pressure rate behind a line that badly missed its injured OT starters. A healthier line and OC Mike McDaniel’s scheme should mean plenty of scoring potential in 2026.

Next Best: Brock Purdy

Purdy lost eight games to injury last year but looked like his usual self when on the field. His final seven regular-season games, in particular, found the Niners QB notching:

• 70.6% completions
• 225.9 yards per game
• 2.3 passing TDs per game
• 0.9 INTs per game
• 26-117-3 rushing, despite coming off turf toe

Purdy ranks second among active QBs in career TD rate and adds Mike Evans for 2026.

Other Options

• Jaylen Warren
• Kyler Murray
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Rico Dowdle
• George Kittle

Round 10

Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson worked clearly ahead of TreVeyon Henderson throughout last year’s playoff run, and this year’s camp reports have indicated no meaningful shift. That makes Stevenson an easy buy in the RB4-5 range, even if Henderson passes him at some point this season.

Next Best: Chuba Hubbard

Hubbard faces a similar backfield challenge, though he might be a weaker bet than Stevenson to open the year as the work leader. Still, Hubbard’s slide down the ADP board alongside Jonathon Brooks’ rise makes him a worthwhile fantasy reserve.

Brooks presents exciting upside but has two more ACL repairs than he has NFL touchdowns.

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• J.K. Dobbins
• Jordan Mason
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Round 11

Top Target: Kyler Murray

You might not want to draft another QB two rounds after getting your starter, and you certainly don’t need to. Most 10-team leagues will present options on the waiver wire throughout the season.

Murray tops the board here primarily because of value. He’s our ninth-ranked QB in the format, so nabbing him this late presents value, and he could platoon with Herbert or Purdy all season.

Next Best: J.K. Dobbins

If you don’t want a QB2 here, you can find plenty of RB and WR options. Dobbins looks a lot like Stevenson and Hubbard but comes with likely weaker challengers to his role than those guys face. Dobbins also just got $8 million a year to re-sign with the Broncos this offseason.

Other Options

• Jayden Reed
• Jordan Mason
• Quentin Johnston
• Jordan Addison
• Xavier Worthy
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt
• Josh Downs

Round 12

Top Target: Jayden Reed

Reed led the Packers in targets per game his first two years before losing most of last year to a pair of injuries. He enters 2026 as part of a clearer top three at the position after the team let Romeo Doubs walk and traded Dontayvion Wicks away. Both he and Watson bring a lot more proven production than second-year WR Matthew Golden.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston

Johnston led Chargers WRs in half-PPR points per game last season, tying Courtland Sutton for 23rd among all wideouts. That makes him an easy guy to like in this late range.

Other Options

• Xavier Worthy
• Josh Downs
• Chris Godwin
• Romeo Doubs
• Stefon Diggs

Round 13

Top Target: Quentin Johnston

ADP says you might be able to land both Reed and Johnston in this range.

Next Best: Xavier Worthy

If you don’t, this is late enough to overlook Worthy’s apparent fragility, from last year’s shoulder injury to the camp tweak to the same shoulder, and chase the upside. He should see more shorter-range work this year and could get a value spike if Rashee Rice struggles in his return from knee surgery or Travis Kelce starts showing his age (37 in October).

Other Options

• Jordan Mason
• Chris Godwin
• Romeo Doubs
• Stefon Diggs

Rounds 14-16

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 Half-PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 9 or 10

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Target: James Cook & Ashton Jeanty

ADP puts Lamb and Jefferson in Round 1 and Cook at 2.02 in this format. So if you’re drafting ninth, feel free to open with a WR and see which RB makes it back around the turn. Cook still gets the nod here because he beats Ashton Jeanty in both baseline and ceiling projection.

If you take Cook (or Jeanty, if you prefer) and watch Lamb and Jefferson leave the board, then the Draft War Room will most likely want you to grab a second RB around the turn.

Really, though, any combo of players listed here should start your team pretty well.

Next Best: CeeDee Lamb & Saquon Barkley

Lamb trailed George Pickens in scoring in their first season together, but he still landed 11th in half-PPR points per game, despite leaving three of his 14 games early.

Barkley should have room to rebound with a healthier O-line and new OC. You shouldn’t expect a bounce all the way back to his 2024 monster numbers, but look for Barkley to help more than he did last year.

Other Options

• Justin Jefferson
• Derrick Henry
• A.J. Brown

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Targets: Malik Nabers & Zay Flowers

Here’s an interesting pair of WRs to follow your pair of RBs at the start of the draft.

No one’s likely to argue Nabers’ talent or upside when healthy. The only question is that health. His training-camp reports have been good, but we still need to make sure the Giants’ alpha is on track for full playing time and usage to open the regular season.

Nothing stands in Flowers’ way after he ranked eighth among WRs in target share last year. The switch to OC Declan Doyle amid a whole new coaching staff introduces at least the chance that these Ravens lean further toward the pass than previous versions.

Next Best: Chris Olave & Tee Higgins

Getting New Orleans’ No. 1 WR and a guy with two straight top-15 finishes in points per game isn’t a bad fallback plan here.

Other Options

• DeVonta Smith
• Colston Loveland
• Davante Adams
• Jaylen Waddle
• Javonte Williams
• Breece Hall

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Target: Tee Higgins & D’Andre Swift

If your league lets you grab a WR trio of Nabers, Flowers, and Higgins after opening your draft with a pair of RBs, then consider gifting the group an Edible Arrangement. That’d be three wideouts age 27 or younger with top-12 half-PPR finishes behind them. Higgins even ranked 15th in half-PPR points per game last season despite losing Joe Burrow for half the season.

Swift brings a little less excitement but fits well as your RB3. He finished 14th among RBs in half-PPR points per game last season while outperforming Kyle Monangai across the advanced rushing and receiving metrics.

Monangai's knee injury only adds upside to Swift.

Next Best: David Montgomery & Jaylen Waddle

Montgomery makes for an attractive fallback (or alternative) in his first season with a Houston offense that wants him to lead the backfield. We’ll see whether that extends to workhorse usage, but the Texans clearly bought the veteran back to get plenty of work.

Waddle has returned from his early-camp calf issue and looks set to take over the No. 1 WR role for the QB who led the league in pass attempts last season.

Other Options

• TreVeyon Henderson
• Jadarian Price
• Joe Burrow
• Luther Burden
• Terry McLaurin

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Target: Tucker Kraft & Christian Watson

An upside TE tops the recommendations at this turn. Kraft ranked second at the position in half-PPR points per game before last season’s ACL tear. That recovery brings some 2026 risk, but the reports have been glowing. He’s worth that bet at this stage.

I wouldn’t typically recommend combining TE and WR teammates on the same roster, but the value looks good on Watson as your fourth WR. He has drawn targets, generated yards, and scored TDs at high-end rates when on the field. It’s just staying on the field that’s been the problem.

But getting Watson at this stage mitigates that risk while landing a guy who ranked 17th among WRs in points per game last season, despite coming off a January ACL tear.

Next Best: Mike Evans & Jadarian Price

Evans’ August quad strain will bear watching right up to the season start. But as long as he’s over that, the veteran will make plenty of sense as a fantasy WR4 in his first season with the highly efficient 49ers pass offense.

Price will be risky to count on in your lineup as a rookie who might be stuck in a committee. But drafting him as your RB4 allows you to chase the upside case without fretting too much about the downside.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• DK Metcalf
• Tony Pollard
• Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Jaylen Warren
• Courtland Sutton

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Target: Brock Purdy & Rhamondre Stevenson

Purdy and Herbert sit right next to each other in the recommendations if both make it to this turn, so feel free to pick your favorite.

Purdy lost nearly half of last season to turf toe, but he looked like himself for the other half. He enters Year 5 as the No. 2 active QB in passing-TD rate, trailing only Lamar Jackson.

Stevenson continues to lead the New England backfield, at least to open the season. Even if TreVeyon Henderson works past him at some point, the veteran’s worth a shot this late as lineup insurance.

Next Best: Justin Herbert & Jaylen Warren

Herbert delivered top-8 scoring last year despite missing his RT for the whole season and LT for three-quarters of it. That left Herbert facing the league’s highest pressure rate. Conditions should prove more favorable this time around, and Mike McDaniel’s scheme has been worth trusting.

Warren could be frustrating to roster this season, as he’s likely to split work with Rico Dowdle. But you’d be drafting him as your RB5 here. There’s more than enough upside to make that a solid pick, and if Dowdle goes down, Warren becomes a potential difference maker.

Other Options

• Kyler Murray
• Rico Dowdle
• Chuba Hubbard

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Target: Jayden Reed & J.K. Dobbins

Kyler Murray actually led the recommendations at this turn because he’s such a strong value at this stage as our No. 9 QB. But don’t be surprised if his ADP rises now that he’s been named starter. You also don’t need to draft a second QB in most 10-team leagues. There will generally be options available on the waiver wire. But you can if you’d like.

Otherwise, this is a time to fortify your RB and WR groups further. Grab your favorite upside guys at either spot.

Reed got a new contract in the offseason and returns to health after a pair of injuries wrecked his 2025. He finished among the top 40 WRs in points per game each of his first two seasons.

Like Stevenson, Dobbins should hit the season as the backfield leader after re-signing with the Broncos for $8 million a year in the offseason.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston & Jordan Mason

Johnston led the Chargers WRs in half-PPR scoring last year and tied Courtland Sutton for 23rd among all WRs.

Mason heads toward 2026 as the expected lead runner and could benefit from a scheme shift that’s meant to run similarly to the system he knew in San Francisco.

Other Options

• Jordan Addison
• Xavier Worthy
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt
• Blake Corum
• Josh Downs

Rounds 13 & 14

Top Target: Jordan Mason & Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Don’t pay too much attention to the pairing of RBs up top and the WRs sitting together below. This is a turn to grab your favorite players at either position.

These RBs each present backfield leading upside that’s especially intriguing late in your draft. And both the Minnesota and Washington offenses should prove much stronger in 2026 than they were last season.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston & Xavier Worthy

Johnston only gets more attractive the longer he stays on the board. And Worthy’s a nice late-draft target. Consider him a bit of a post-hype sleeper after he underperformed for those who drafted him last season -- thanks at least in part to a Week 1 shoulder injury that lingered even after he returned to the field.

Other Options

• Blake Corum
• Zach Charbonnet
• Chris Rodriguez
• Chris Godwin
• Romeo Doubs
• Stefon Diggs

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: K & DST

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)

The Ultimate Strategy for Your Draft

No article can perfectly match your draft.

You'll see surprise picks. You'll find falling value. You'll face tough decisions.

But you can make all of that easier to navigate by setting up your Draft War Room ahead of time.

Learn all about it in this video ...