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

Round-by-Round 10-team Draft Strategy

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

Here are two key things …

1) This format favors opportunity volume.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Can You Take Advantage of the Format?

It all starts with your Draft War Room.

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

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

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

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 1 or 2

Round 1

Top Target: Puka Nacua

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

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

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

Next Best: Ja’Marr Chase

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

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

Other Options

• Jahmyr Gibbs

Rounds 2 & 3

Top Target: Kenneth Walker & Omarion Hampton

Opening this draft with a WR and finding this duo available at the 2-3 turn has the Draft War Room recommending an RB double tap.

The new Chief has been an efficient runner thus far in his career, and the large contract he got from K.C. points to Walker getting the true lead role he lacked in 2025.

Hampton carries some risk of varying weekly workloads, but a first-round RB in Mike McDaniel's offense is worth the shot at this point. McDaniel recently compared Hampton's play style to that of former Broncos great Terrell Davis.

Next Best: A.J. Brown & Nico Collins

If Walker and Hampton are gone, then you're likely to find a different RB or two in the mix here. But these WRs follow Walker and Hampton in the value rankings on my board.

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

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

You'll be more likely to see these players recommended if you start your draft with Gibbs over a WR. If you do go RB first, expect the DWR to recommend splitting these picks between RB and WR rather than pushing a double tap at receiver.

Other Options

• Rashee Rice
• Jeremiyah Love
• George Pickens
• Breece Hall

Rounds 4 & 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins & Colston Loveland

I'm pleasantly surprised that Loveland's ADP in this format hasn't climbed out of this range after he sat late in Round 4 on our initial run. He's a fun pick to hold down your TE spot from here.

The two-RB turn last time has WR joining Loveland atop the board, and Higgins has showed us that his upside reaches all the way into WR1 range.

Next Best: Jaylen Waddle & Travis Etienne

Etienne will likely lead your board at this turn if he's still available and you get here with just one RB. He might even leap over Loveland if you arrive with two RBs.

He'd certainly be a fine pick here, especially with Alvin Kamara hurt.

The Broncos traded a first-round pick to make Waddle their lead WR. He's a good value as your WR2; even better if he's your early WR3.

Other Options

• Davante Adams
• Emeka Egbuka
• D'Andre Swift
• Bucky Irving

Rounds 6 & 7

Top Target: David Montgomery & Luther Burden

Montgomery carries upside from this range after Houston traded for him and talked him up as a three-down back. Woody Marks has more recently gained some buzz, which highlights the risk for Monty. but this is far enough into your draft to buy the upside case.

Burden's dealing with a groin injury, but the Bears expect him back for the opener. That situation increases the chance he slides in your draft and gains value with the later position.

Next Best: Rhamondre Stevenson & Christian Watson

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

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

Stevenson's ADP has climbed multiple rounds since our earlier iterations of this exercise, but he has also climbed in our rankings. The veteran remains clearly ahead of TreVeyon Henderson on New England's depth chart, especially in the quest for receiving work.

Other Options

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

Rounds 8 & 9

Top Target: Jaylen Warren & Christian Watson

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

Warren fits nicely as an RB4 on this roster. He should get enough work to stay fantasy relevant even when Dowdle's healthy.

Next Best: Rico Dowdle & George Kittle

Dowdle trails Warren by a little in both ADP and our projections for this format, thanks to Warren's superior receiving profile. But the two appear headed for an even split. So either makes sense at this stage, and each carries obvious upside if the other goes down.

If you get here without a TE, then your Draft War Room might be telling you it’s time. Kittle has gotten easier to believe in now that he has returned to the field. You might still want to pair him with another late TE in case the 49er remains limited to start the season, though.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• J.K. Dobbins
• Brian Thomas Jr.

Rounds 10 & 11

Top Target: Kyler Murray & Jonathon Brooks

This turn had us looking at Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert by previous ADP, but the current numbers say they'll be gone by the end of Round 9.

Murray, however, still makes for a strong starting play at this stage. He never ranked lower than QB12 in fantasy points per game before last season's five-game sample. And now he's got Justin Jefferson.

I'm skeptical that Brooks will last this long, but ADP says you've got a shot at him here. If the third-year Panther does get to this turn, it's much easier to bet on his upside and not worry about the risk inherent in his twice-repaired ACL.

Next Best: Jared Goff & Chris Godwin

The Draft War Room boosts Goff here if Murray and the rest of the earlier-ADP QBs are gone. If you do land on Goff as your QB1, I'd recommend pairing him with someone still available (Tyler Shough? Jordan Love? Baker Mayfield?). Detroit's starter has historically produced much better at home than on the road.

Godwin gets here tied with Jayden Reed in 3D Value points on my board. Feel free to pick your favorite between them. I prefer Godwin because of the possibility he leads the Bucs in targets and because he brings more past production than Reed.

Other Options

• Dalton Kincaid
• Jayden Reed
• Jordan Addison
• Stefon Diggs
• Quentin Johnston
• J.K. Dobbins

Rounds 12 & 13

Top Target: Chris Godwin & Tyler Shough

If I liked Godwin as an option last turn, he only gets more attractive nearly two rounds later.

The Shough recommendation aligns here with what I mentioned for Goff above. Even if you take Murray -- or someone else -- as your QB1, though, drafting the second-year Saint carries upside.

Shough scored as the QB12 after taking over in his rookie season. If he does that again, then you've got:

• a terrific insurance policy
• a strong QB platoon
• and/or potential trade bait.

Next Best: Dalton Kincaid & Jordan Love

Kincaid gets the mention here in case you didn't draft your TE earlier. This would be a fine level to wait for at the position, with Dallas Goedert a potential fallback (along with other reasonable options).

Love follows Shough as an upside QB2. He could outscore his past couple of seasons if Green Bay leans pass more than it did in those years. Love delivered a top-12 fantasy season as a first-time starter in 2023.

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs
• Baker Mayfield
• KC Concepcion

Rounds 14, 15 & 16

Top Targets: K, DST, and Depth

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

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

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

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

Round 1

Top Target: Puka Nacua

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

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

Next Best: Ja’Marr Chase

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

Other Options

• Bijan Robinson
• Christian McCaffrey
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Round 2

Top Target: Kenneth Walker III

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

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

Next Best: Chase Brown

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

Other Options

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

Round 3

Top Target: Omarion Hampton

If you can start your draft with a stud WR and then the lead backs for both the Chiefs and Chargers, then you should be in pretty good shape.

I worry a bit that Hampton's weekly workloads will fluctuate in a crowded backfield, but he's clearly the lead runner, at least, and brings the talent of a 2025 first-round pick to the proven system of new OC Mike McDaniel.

Next Best: A.J. Brown

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

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

Other Options

• Rashee Rice
• George Pickens
• Breece Hall

Round 4

Top Target: Zay Flowers

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

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

Next Best: Tee Higgins

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

Other Options

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

Round 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins

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

Next Best: Bucky Irving

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

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

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

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

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

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• Quinshon Judkins
• Jaylen Waddle

Round 6

Top Target: D’Andre Swift

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

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

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

Next Best: David Montgomery

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

Other Options

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

Round 7

Top Target: Luther Burden

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

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

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

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

Both players present enticing upside for 2026.

Next Best: Christian Watson

ADP says you'll get another shot or two at Watson beyond this spot, but don't trust that if you covet him. (More on the Packers WR in a moment.)

Other Options

• Mike Evans
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Jaylen Warren

Round 8

Top Target: Jaylen Warren

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

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

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

Next Best: Christian Watson

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

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

Other Options

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

Round 9

Top Target: Christian Watson

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

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

Next Best: Parker Washington

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

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

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

Other Options

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

Round 10

Top Target: Kyler Murray

This turn had us looking at Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert by previous ADP, but the current numbers say they'll be gone by the end of Round 9.

Murray, however, still makes for a strong starting play at this stage. He never ranked lower than QB12 in fantasy points per game before last season's five-game sample. And now he's got Justin Jefferson.

Next Best: Jared Goff

The Draft War Room boosts Goff here if Murray and the rest of the earlier-ADP QBs are gone. If you do land on Goff as your QB1, I'd recommend pairing him with someone still available (Tyler Shough? Jordan Love? Baker Mayfield?). Detroit's starter has historically produced much better at home than on the road.

Other Options

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

Round 11

Top Target: J.K. Dobbins

Rhamondre Stevenson once lingered on the board into this range, but don't bet on that happening now.

Jonathon Brooks still looks like a potential option by format ADP, but I'm not counting on him getting here either.

So we'll lean toward the guy who worked clearly ahead of RJ Harvey last season and then got $8 million per year on a two-year extension in the offseason.

Next Best: Dalton Kincaid

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

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

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

Other Options

• Dallas Goedert
• Blake Corum
• Jordan Mason

Round 12

Top Target: Dalton Kincaid

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

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

Next Best: Dallas Goedert

Mark Andrews previously occupied this spot, but reports say he's had a rough training camp. That has us worried about his chances for a rebound.

Goedert's working against age just like Andrews, but he has faced less negativity and is coming off one of his most productive seasons. Expect the Eagles TE to regress from last year's TD count, but Goedert has finished six straight years among the position's top 12 in PPR points per game.

• Dallas Goedert
• Blake Corum
• Jordan Mason

Other Options

• Jayden Reed
• Jordan Addison
• Quentin Johnston

Round 13

Top Target: Chris Godwin

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

Godwin might not profile as your typical "upside" play at age 30, but concerns over his durability -- and probably last year's production -- have him going much later than we've seen a healthy Godwin finish.

His range of potential outcomes includes leading the Bucs in targets.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston

Johnston presents a far cheaper way to buy into the Chargers' pass offense than Ladd McConkey, and Johnston led the team in WR scoring last year.

Other Options

• Josh Downs
• Romeo Doubs
• KC Concepcion
• Makai Lemon

Rounds 14-16

Top Targets: DST, K, and Upside Stash

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

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

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

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 6 or 7

Round 1

Top Target: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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

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

Next Best: Amon-Ra St. Brown

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

Other Options

• CeeDee Lamb
• Jonathan Taylor
• Justin Jefferson

Round 2

Top Target: Saquon Barkley

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

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

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

Next Best: Kenneth Walker III

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

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

Other Options

• Chase Brown
• Omarion Hampton
• Drake London

Round 3

Top Target: Breece Hall

ADP says you might see Walker or Omarion Hampton approach this slot, but don't bet on either guy getting to you.

Hall's groin issue, on the other hand, makes him a good bet to last deep into Round 3. He should be on track for full participation by Week 1 and carries workhorse upside as soon as he's ready.

Next Best: A.J. Brown

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

Other Options

• George Pickens
• Josh Jacobs
• Javonte Williams

Round 4

Top Target: Travis Etienne

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

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

Next Best: Kyren Williams

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

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

Other Options

• Cam Skattebo
• Zay Flowers
• Tee Higgins

Round 5

Top Target: Tee Higgins

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

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

Next Best: Bucky Irving

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

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

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

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• Jaylen Waddle

Round 6

Top Target: Jaylen Waddle

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

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

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

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

Next Best: Luther Burden

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

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

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

Other Options

• Jameson Williams
• Christian Watson

Round 7

Top Target: Luther Burden

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

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

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

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

Both players present enticing upside for 2026.

Next Best: Christian Watson

ADP says you'll get another shot or two at Watson beyond this spot, but don't trust that if you covet him. (More on the Packers WR in a moment.)

Other Options

• Christian Watson
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Mike Evans

Round 8

Top Target: Christian Watson

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

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

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

Next Best: Jaylen Warren

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

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

Other Options

• DK Metcalf
• Michael Pittman Jr.

Round 9

Top Target: Rico Dowdle

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

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

Next Best: J.K. Dobbins

Rhamondre Stevenson's no longer likely to last into this range, but Dobbins offers a similarly underrated backfield leader. He doesn't sport Stevenson's receiving upside but looks poised for the carry lead in an offense that upgraded by acquiring WR Jaylen Waddle.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Round 10

Top Target: Kyler Murray

This turn had us looking at Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert by previous ADP, but the current numbers say they'll be gone by the end of Round 9.

Murray, however, still makes for a strong starting play at this stage. He never ranked lower than QB12 in fantasy points per game before last season's five-game sample. And now he's got Justin Jefferson.

Next Best: Jared Goff

The Draft War Room boosts Goff here if Murray and the rest of the earlier-ADP QBs are gone. If you do land on Goff as your QB1, I'd recommend pairing him with someone still available (Tyler Shough? Jordan Love? Baker Mayfield?). Detroit's starter has historically produced much better at home than on the road.

Other Options

• Parker Washington
• J.K. Dobbins

Round 11

Top Target: J.K. Dobbins

You certainly don't need to draft Dobbins, no matter how many times I type his name here. But if he made sense in Round 9, then he's certainly not a worse option two rounds later.

Next Best: Jayden Reed

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

Other Options

• Jordan Addison
• Quentin Johnston

Round 12

Top Target: Jayden Reed

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

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

Next Best: Chris Godwin

Godwin might not profile as your typical "upside" play at age 30, but concerns over his durability -- and probably last year's production -- have him going much later than we've seen a healthy Godwin finish.

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs

Round 13

Top Target: Chris Godwin

ADP says you might well get another shot at Godwin here, and he obviously doesn't make any less sense a round later.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston

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

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

Other Options

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

Rounds 14-16

Top Targets: DST, K, and Upside Stash

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

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

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

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 8 or 9

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Target: Amon-Ra St. Brown & Kenneth Walker

The names have changed here vs. last time we ran this exercise, thanks in part to ADP shifts. But the strategy hasn't changed a whole lot.

Your best approach from these spots looks like a WR-RB start. St. Brown and Lamb feel comfier to me than the WRs likely to make it back around if you wait, whereas the RB options look pretty flat throughout this span.

Ashton Jeanty has taken himself out of contention with the ankle sprain.

Next Best: CeeDee Lamb & Saquon Barkley

Let the Draft War Room guide you on who's the best Round 2 option, given that the available names will differ by draft. But starting with Dallas' lead WR and Philly's workhorse RB certainly looks attractive.

Other Options

• Jonathan Taylor
• De’Von Achane
• Drake London

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Target: Breece Hall & Zay Flowers

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

Hall's working back from a groin injury, but the Jets have downplayed the severity all along. He should be ready for the opener and carries workhorse upside.

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

Next Best: Javonte Williams & DeVonta Smith

Williams delivered RB1-level scoring in his first Dallas season. He looks like a candidate to lose some receiving work this year, but negative late-August buzz on Jaydon Blue's development might keep that from happening.

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

Other Options

• Chris Olave
• Tee Higgins
• Garrett Wilson

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Target: Bucky Irving & Jaylen Waddle

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

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

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

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

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

Next Best: D'Andre Swift & Luther Burden

Swift led Chicago's backfield in opportunities and efficiency last year. He gains both floor and ceiling value with Kyle Monangai's knee injury.

Burden figures to linger on draft boards longer because of his August groin injury, but he's on track to be ready for the opener and carries enticing upside from this range.

Other Options

• Terry McLaurin
• Quinshon Judkins
• Christian Watson

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Target: George Kittle & Christian Watson

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

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

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

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

Next Best: Mike Evans & Jaylen Warren

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

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

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

Other Options

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

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Targets: Parker Washington & Trevor Lawrence

This turn appears to be sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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

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

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

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

Next Best: Brian Thomas Jr. & Justin Herbert

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

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

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• Brock Purdy
• J.K. Dobbins

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Targets: Dalton Kincaid & Jacory Croskey-Merritt

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

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

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

Croskey-Merritt has climbed our ranks off reports that he's flashing improved passing-game performance. He presents more upside than Rachaad White in Washington's open competition for backfield roles and touches.

Next Best: Dallas Goedert & Tyjae Spears

Goedert's near the end but heads into 2026 with a shot to rank among the Eagles' top two targets. He's likely headed for TE regression but has finished six straight seasons among the position's top 12 in PPR points per game.

Spears appears headed for more of a work split than he got last year, when Tony Pollard clearly controlled the rushing. Add to that Spears being four years younger, and you can see the upside path for the Titan.

Other Options

• Bo Nix
• Jordan Addison

Rounds 13 & 14

Top Targets: Chris Godwin & Dallas Goedert

Goedert trailed Mark Andrews in our rankings earlier this draft season, but a reportedly rough camp for the veteran Raven has moved him down.

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

Godwin, meanwhile, simply makes sense as a bench WR. We've seen top-12 upside when he's fully healthy. And even if he no longer possesses that ceiling, there's still a path to leading the Bucs in targets. That would mean huge value from this draft position.

Next Best: Quentin Johnston & Kyler Murray

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

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

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

Other Options

• Jordan Mason
• Tyjae Spears
• Stefon Diggs

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: DST & K

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

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

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

10-Team PPR Draft Strategy: Pick 10

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Targets: Justin Jefferson & James Cook

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

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

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

Cook has a shot at increasing his reception volume with a new head coach and OC running the unit. He delivered top-10 PPR numbers even with modest receiving the past two years.

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

Other Options

• Kenneth Walker
• Drake London

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Target: Breece Hall & Zay Flowers

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

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

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

Next Best: Javonte Williams & Chris Olave

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

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

Other Options

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

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Target: Quinshon Judkins & Jaylen Waddle

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

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

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

Next Best: D'Andre Swift & Luther Burden

Swift led Chicago's backfield in opportunities, production, and efficiency last year, setting him up to maintain his lead workload. Kyle Monangai's knee injury only makes that more certain.

Burden has a better chance of sliding down draft boards because of his groin injury, but the Bears expect him back for Week 1. And the upside remains for the second-year wideout.

Other Options

• David Montgomery
• Joe Burrow

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Target: Tucker Kraft & Mike Evans

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

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

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

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

Next Best: George Kittle & Christian Watson

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

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

Other Options

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

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Target: Rico Dowdle & Parker Washington

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

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

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

Next Best: Jayden Reed & J.K. Dobbins

Reed faces target competition but should benefit from a more concentrated WR group than in the past. He posted top-36 rankings in PPR points per game each of his past two healthy seasons.

Dobbins replaces Rhamondre Stevenson in this range as the underrated veteran RB set to lead the backfield again in a strong offense.

Other Options

• Kenneth Gainwell
• Stefon Diggs
• Chris Godwin
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Target: Kyler Murray & Jayden Reed

Murray looks likely to remain available longest among our top-12 QBs. He scored in that range every year of his career before his five-game 2025.

You're likely to get another shot here at Reed, who would even fit decently as a handcuff-type tied to Kraft or Watson on your roster.

Next Best: Bo Nix & Jordan Addison

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

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

Other Options

• Quentin Johnston
• Josh Downs
• Xavier Worthy

Rounds 13 & 14

Top Target: Quentin Johnston & Jared Goff

Ladd McConkey might be the “probable” lead receiver for this year’s Chargers, but it’s possible Johnston beats him in playing time. And Johnston already beat McConkey in fantasy points last season. He’s well worth stashing at this point.

You don’t need to grab a QB2 in this format, because there will be options on the waiver wire. But Goff's a quality option if you do.

Next Best: Stefon Diggs & Jordan Mason

Diggs might climb beyond this range as Jayden Daniels' No. 2 receiver. If not, he's a nice stash on your bench. He was productive for last year’s Patriots, even at lower than usual playing time coming off his ACL tear.

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

Other Options

• Romeo Doubs
• Tyjae Spears

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: DST & K

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

Some streaming D options likely to be available:

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

Build Your 10-Team Draft Strategy

Now that you've gotten round-by-round tips from your draft position, it's time to set your own board.

The Draft War Room will sync with your league and guide you through your draft -- for any format.

Learn more about the industry's most powerful draft assistant in this video.