14-Team Draft Strategy: How to Win From Any Spot

Pick-by-Pick 14-Team Draft Strategy

Fantasy drafts should be a blast...

But sometimes they can be a headache.

Think about the countless variables you need to consider each time you’re on the clock:

• Scoring system
• Positional value
• Team needs
• ADP
• Upside
• Injury risk

It’s easy to be overwhelmed and make costly draft mistakes.

And is there anything worse than seeing your top picks falter while your opponents land some late-round studs?

The solution: A pick-by-pick draft strategy guide to help you make optimal picks.

The 14-team draft strategy guide below will take you through top targets and secondary options for every round, no matter where you're picking.

We’re using our 3D Values and current ADP to pinpoint the top picks in each round.

Consider this your game plan heading into your draft.

Of course, no fantasy football draft matches ADP. You must adjust your 14-team draft strategy as you go to maximize value.

That’s where the customized, dynamic fantasy football cheat sheet in your Draft War Room comes into play. It instantly analyzes 17 value indicators each time you’re on the clock to help you make the best pick. Don't enter your next draft without it.

Note: This strategy guide assumes a 16-round draft and starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 K and 1 DST. The Draft War Room will help you adjust your strategy if your league settings are different. We're also keeping a best-case scenario approach intact for all draft positions, so you may not find players available when you're on the clock in a particular round. If that happens, simply skip ahead to the next round for draftable options. And remember: ADPs will vary across different fantasy platforms.

14-Team Draft Strategy for Pick 1 or 2

Round 1

Top Target: Puka Nacua

Nacua claims the top spot with a perfect 100 3D Value. He’s topped a 26% target share in all three seasons, producing WR1, WR4, and WR6 finishes in PPR points per game.

Nacua brings some risk, but otherwise, he's positioned for another high-end workload alongside Davante Adams.

Next Best: Ja’Marr Chase

Chase’s PPR points per game dropped from 23.7 in 2024 to 19.7 last fall. That dip looks less alarming when you remember Chase was unlikely to repeat a 17-TD season. He still finished WR3 even though Joe Burrow played a career-low eight games.

The 26-year-old retains a strong blend of safety and upside.

Other Options

• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Bijan Robinson

Rounds 2 & 3

Top Targets: Josh Jacobs* & Rashee Rice 

Jacobs missed part of camp with a groin injury, but he's fully expected to be ready for Week 1. He remains a clear lead back for a Packers offense that should lean on him.

Rice was released from jail after violating the terms of his probation. He comes with risk, but the upside is easy to see in a Chiefs offense that didn’t add meaningful target competition over the offseason. 

Rice averaged 18.5 PPR points per game in 2025, enough to finish as the WR5.

*August 30 Update: Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he's out indefinitely. Avoid him in fantasy drafts.

Next Best: Chris Olave & Javonte Williams

Olave averaged 6 catches, 82.5 yards, and 0.75 TDs in eight games with Tyler Shough. That’s a 17-game pace of 102 catches, 1,402 yards, and 12.75 TDs.

Jordyn Tyson once brought the potential to keep Olave from reaching that ceiling, but the rookie is now expected to miss regular season games with another hamstring injury.

Williams finished RB12 in PPR points per game last season while setting career highs in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), and rushing TDs (11). Dallas rewarded him with a contract extension right after the season, then passed on adding to the backfield this offseason.

That gives the 26-year-old another shot at RB1 production in a Dallas offense that finished second in yards and seventh in scoring in 2025.

Other Options

• Travis Etienne
• Malik Nabers
• DeVonta Smith
• Colston Loveland

Rounds 4 & 5

Top Targets: D’Andre Swift & Terry McLaurin

Swift averaged 16.2 opportunities per game on his way to an RB15 finish in Chicago’s balanced, up-tempo offense. The Bears return the same backfield setup with Kyle Monangai, keeping Swift in line for similar volume.

A quad injury and missed time from Jayden Daniels ruined McLaurin's 2025. Back healthy and still locked into a clear No. 1 WR role, he's a strong rebound candidate. New OC David Blough is expected to move him around the formation much more than Kliff Kingsbury did, which should create favorable matchups.

Adding Stefon Diggs hurts the ceiling, but it doesn't erase McLaurin's value.

Next Best: David Montgomery & Christian Watson

Montgomery played the 1B role behind Jahmyr Gibbs in each of the past two seasons, but he’ll regain lead back status in Houston. Like Swift, he brings a healthy volume projection (16.7 opportunities) for a fantasy RB2.

Watson posted career-best marks in targets per route run (0.23) and yards per route run (2.51) last year. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone and no major replacement added, Watson’s target outlook looks even stronger. 

He stands out as a priority WR in this range.

Other Options

• Jameson Williams
• D.J. Moore
• Rome Odunze
• Bhayshul Tuten
• Harold Fannin Jr.

Rounds 6 & 7

Top Targets: Tucker Kraft & J.K. Dobbins

The expectation is that Kraft will return for Week 1 on a limited basis. Although he played just two games with a healthy Watson last season, he still finished an impressive fourth among TEs at 14.7 PPR points per game. Romeo Doubs’ offseason departure (and the removal of his 85 targets) strengthens Kraft’s case for mid-tier TE1 production.

A season-ending foot injury interrupted another efficient year from Dobbins, who finished fourth among 51 qualifying RBs in rush yards over expected per attempt. Denver rewarded him with a two-year contract carrying $8 million guaranteed. RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman may obstruct the ceiling, but Dobbins should remain the lead option in an offense strengthened by Bo Nix’s development and Jaylen Waddle’s arrival.

Next Best: Michael Pittman & Trevor Lawrence 

Pittman’s short-area role should mesh with Aaron Rodgers, who has long favored quick, high-percentage throws. Pittman has finished below 9 yards in average target depth in four of six seasons and should clear a 20% target share in HC Mike McCarthy’s pass-friendly offense.

He’s ideally your WR3.

You probably haven’t been pushed toward a QB yet, which is fine given the options available now and later. 

Lawrence supplies a nice mix of safety and upside entering Year 2 in the Liam Coen offense. The Jags surround him with plenty of receiving talent, while Lawrence is coming off a career-best 359-9 rushing line.

Other Options

• Justin Herbert
• Kenneth Gainwell
• Jonathon Brooks
• Jordan Addison
• Jakobi Meyers

Rounds 8 & 9

Top Targets: Josh Downs & Bo Nix 

Downs has rarely played in two-WR sets. But with Michael Pittman and Adonai Mitchell gone, his usage should climb, even with the arrival of Keenan Allen. 

If you passed on QB earlier, Nix makes sense in this range. His rushing adds fantasy value after 21 yards and 0.29 TDs per game on the ground last season, and Jaylen Waddle gives him a major upgrade at WR.

Next Best: Kyler Murray & Stefon Diggs

Murray makes for a strong QB1 pick if you remain needy at the position.

He should have little trouble beating out J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. Any delay in naming him QB1 could keep his ADP suppressed, but Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s talented pass-catching corps boost the fantasy appeal.

Diggs landed in a great spot for WR3/flex value with the Commanders. He'll play the No. 2 role alongside Terry McLaurin, while the QB play should remain strong if Jayden Daniels can recapture his pre-injury form.

Other Options

• Xavier Worthy
• Romeo Doubs 
• Mark Andrews
• Dalton Kincaid

Rounds 10 & 11

Top Targets: Rashid Shaheed & Tyler Shough

Shaheed gets a full offseason after arriving in a midseason trade, and the target competition behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba is thin. Cooper Kupp looks like a fading role player after last year’s 2.9 catches and 37.0 yards per game, while Tory Horton is coming off an eight-game rookie season because of a shin injury. 

Shaheed could see something close to a full-time role and contribute to fantasy lineups as a WR3/flex.

Shough is a fallback option if you missed out on earlier-round QBs like Lawrence, Nix, or Murray. After taking over for Spencer Rattler, the Shough-led Saints finished fifth in situation-neutral pass rate, an approach we’d expect to continue under HC Kellen Moore.

Next Best: Jalen McMillan & Dylan Sampson

McMillan should see a target boost with Mike Evans in San Francisco. That's especially true if Emeka Egbuka's toe injury lingers.

Sampson showed his value in the passing game last year, topping Quinshon Judkins in yards per route (1.86 to 1.05) and Pro Football Focus receiving grade (80.6 to 64.2).

Judkins is also coming off a dislocated ankle and fibula fracture, and any lingering limitation could open the door to a larger weekly role for Sampson.

Rounds 12 & 13

Top Targets: Chig Okonkwo & Adonai Mitchell

If you landed a weekly starter like Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, or Colston Loveland, pass on a TE2 here. Otherwise, Okonkwo enters the mix. A healthy Jayden Daniels would be a major QB upgrade over what Okonkwo had in Tennessee.

Recall that the former Titan signed a three-year deal containing $16.7 million guaranteed, signaling a fantasy-relevant role.

Mitchell is a talent bet after flashing with games of 3-96, 8-102-1, and 6-58-1 last year. He should now fill a starting role alongside Garrett Wilson, even if rookies Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq added target competition.

Next Best: Tank Bigsby & Tre Harris

The 2025 sample was small, but Bigsby made his 63 carries count. 

Among 65 RBs with 50 or more attempts, he finished:

• first in yards after contact per attempt
• second in missed tackles forced per attempt
• third in yards per carry

That explosiveness makes him one of the more appealing contingency backs behind 29-year-old Saquon Barkley.

We're buying cheap pieces of an offense that should benefit from the arrival of OC Mike McDaniel. Harris fits the description ahead of his second season.

Other Options

• Cam Ward
• Brian Robinson Jr.
• Kaytron Allen
• AJ Barner
• Terrance Ferguson

Rounds 14, 15, & 16

Top targets: High-upside bench stash, K & DST

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Mike Washington Jr.
• Ryan Flournoy
• Caleb Douglas
• Malik Washington
• Jack Bech

You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:

DSTs

• Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
• Jaguars (vs. CLE)

Ks

• Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
• Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)

14-Team Draft Strategy for Pick 3, 4, or 5

Round 1

Top Target: Jahmyr Gibbs 

Assuming Nacua and Chase are gone, Gibbs is the top choice here. 

He led all RBs in PPR scoring over the second half of last season, and the David Montgomery trade could shift even more work his way.

Next Best: Bijan Robinson

Robinson has finished RB4 and RB2 over the past two seasons. 

The QB questions persist in 2026, but Robinson has already proven he can overcome them. His 730 touches over the past two seasons lead the league.

Other Option

• Christian McCaffrey

Round 2

Top Target: A.J. Brown

Brown didn’t deliver the dominant season fantasy managers expected, but he still finished 12th in PPR points per game. Now paired with Drake Maye in last year’s fourth-ranked passing offense, Brown retains a high ceiling in New England.

Next Best: Josh Jacobs*

Jacobs missed part of camp with a groin injury, but he's fully expected to be ready for Week 1. He remains a clear lead back for a Packers offense that should lean on him.

*August 30 Update: Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he's out indefinitely. Avoid him in fantasy drafts.

Other Options 

• George Pickens
• Malik Nabers
• Brock Bowers

Round 3

Top Target: Javonte Williams

Williams finished RB12 in PPR points per game last season while setting career highs in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), and rushing TDs (11). Dallas rewarded him with a contract extension right after the season, then passed on adding to the backfield this offseason. That gives the 26-year-old another shot at RB1 production in a strong Dallas offense.

Next Best: DeVonta Smith

Smith’s target outlook improved after the trade of A.J. Brown. Makai Lemon arrives to likely prevent Smith from seeing an elite target share, but that’s not needed for him to return value as our WR14. 

Current projections still have the sixth-year pro for a career-high 25.8% target share.

Other Options

• Travis Etienne
• Tee Higgins 
• Garrett Wilson

Round 4

Top Target: Terry McLaurin

A quad injury and missed time from Jayden Daniels ruined McLaurin's 2025. Back healthy and still in a clear No. 1 WR role, he's a strong rebound candidate. 

He should also benefit from the arrival of new OC David Blough, who's expected to move him around the formation much more than former play caller Kliff Kingsbury. That’ll allow McLaurin to see more favorable matchups.

Adding Stefon Diggs hurts the ceiling, but it doesn't erase McLaurin's value.

Next Best: D’Andre Swift

Chicago’s balanced, up-tempo offense helped Swift finish as the RB15 in PPR points per game last season. Johnson will return the same backfield pairing with Kyle Monangai, which still supplied Swift with 16.2 opportunities per game.

Other Options

• Quinshon Judkins
• Luther Burden
• Ladd McConkey
• D.J. Moore
• Rome Odunze

Round 5

Top Target: Christian Watson

Even while working back from a January 2025 ACL tear, Watson produced the best season of his career by several measures. 

He finished 19th among WRs in PPR points per game, set new highs in yards per route run and PFF receiving grade, and now gets an extra boost from Romeo Doubs’ exit.

Next Best: Jalen Hurts

Hurts has reached 8 rushing TDs in five straight seasons. The arrivals of rookies Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers, plus the trade for Dontayvion Wicks, give this group more depth than it has had in recent seasons.

Other Options

• Joe Burrow
• Bhayshul Tuten
• D.K. Metcalf
• Harold Fannin Jr.

Round 6

Top Target: Parker Washington

OC Grant Udinski expects Washington’s season-ending hot stretch from 2025 to carry over to the fall. He enters a contract year after finishing WR16 from Week 8 on.

Travis Hunter’s expected focus on defense only helps Washington’s path to snaps and targets.

Next Best: Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh let Kenneth Gainwell and his 85 targets walk in free agency, and some of that work should shift to Warren, who projects as the 1A ahead of Rico Dowdle. 

After a 61-catch 2023, Warren has recorded 38 and 40 catches over the past two seasons.

Other Options

• J.K. Dobbins
• Brian Thomas Jr.
• Tucker Kraft

Round 7

Top Target: Trevor Lawrence

You probably haven’t been pushed toward a QB yet, which is fine given the options available now and later. 

Lawrence supplies a nice mix of safety and upside entering Year 2 in the Liam Coen offense. The Jags surround him with plenty of receiving talent, while Lawrence is coming off a career-best 359-9 rushing line.

If you already drafted Bhayshul Tuten and Parker Washington, consider Justin Herbert here or wait another round or two for Kyler Murray.

Next Best: Justin Herbert

Under new OC Mike McDaniel, Herbert has worked to speed up his footwork, which should create more efficiency, more yards-after-catch chances, and fewer hits.

McDaniel’s resume includes two top-six finishes in yards and a No. 1 finish in scoring, both with a much more limited QB in Tua Tagovailoa.

Herbert has the talent and supporting cast to approach a top-five season.

Other Options

• Kyle Monangai
• Blake Corum

Round 8

Top Target: Jayden Reed

Reed’s 2025 numbers undersell his ability after injuries derailed much of his season. He has already proven capable of leading Green Bay in receptions, and 131 vacated targets leave plenty of opportunity behind.

Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and Tucker Kraft will command targets, but Reed’s short-area usage gives him a distinct role in the offense.

Next Best: Xavier Worthy

Worthy's PPR points per game fell from 11.0 as a rookie to 7.9 last season, but Andy Reid said a shoulder injury was limiting him. 

Back healthy and now named the Chiefs' "summer practice MVP" by The Athletic's Jesse Newell, Worthy looks like the clear No. 2 WR in a Chiefs offense that lacks pass-catching depth.

Of course, there’s room for a larger role given the volatile start to Rashee Rice’s career.

Other Options

• Kyler Murray
• Josh Downs
• KC Concepcion

Round 9

Top Target: Kyler Murray

Murray is one of our favorite mid-round QB picks thanks to his rushing ability and his new landing spot with HC Kevin O’Connell. 

Murray averaged 35 rushing yards per game before last year’s foot injury, while Minnesota surrounds him with a strong WR corps of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. We fully expect him to secure the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy.

Next Best: Romeo Doubs

Doubs posted a career-high 1.73 yards per route run last season. He then joined the Pats on a four-year free agent deal that calls for $39 million in guarantees. 

Doubs will sit behind A.J. Brown, but he gets a QB upgrade in Drake Maye and joins a team that ranked fifth in pass rate over expected and sixth in red zone pass rate over expected last season.

Other Options

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt
• Dalton Kincaid
• Mark Andrews

Round 10

Top Target: Dalton Kincaid

A healthy Kincaid could return plenty of value. Last year, his 2.79 yards per route and 0.70 fantasy points per route led all 38 TEs with 40+ targets.

Dawson Knox will remain involved, but there’s room for Kincaid to capture a larger role if he can stay healthy.

Next Best: Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed gets the benefit of a full offseason after coming over in a midseason trade. His target competition is light behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, with Cooper Kupp barely hanging on as a role player after last year’s 2.9 catches and 37.0 yards per game. Meanwhile, second-year WR Tory Horton is coming off an eight-game rookie season due to a shin injury. 

Shaheed could see something close to a full-time role and contribute to fantasy lineups as a WR3/flex.

Other Options

• Tyler Shough
• Tyjae Spears
• Woody Marks
• De'Zhaun Stribling
• Jalen McMillan

Round 11

Top Target: Dylan Sampson

Sampson showed his value in the passing game last year, topping Quinshon Judkins in yards per route (1.86 to 1.05) and Pro Football Focus receiving grade (80.6 to 64.2). 

Judkins is also coming off a dislocated ankle and fibula fracture, and any lingering limitation could open the door to a larger weekly role for Sampson. 

Next Best: Chris Rodriguez

Rodriguez won't catch many passes, but he could handle the vast majority of the goal line work for a rising offense.

Other Options

• Jordan Love
• Rashid Shaheed
• Chig Okonkwo

Round 12

Top Target: Chig Okonkwo

Okonkwo never delivered a true breakout in Tennessee, although poor QB play deserves some of the blame. A healthy Jayden Daniels gives him a much better setup in Washington, while a three-year contract containing $16.7 million guaranteed points to a meaningful role.

Assuming you didn’t already draft a weekly TE1 or a pair of TE1 candidates, Okonkwo is worth stashing as a TE2 while we see how large a target share he can command.

Next Best: Keaton Mitchell

Mitchell's speed pairs well with new OC Mike McDaniel and his history of productive run games. He likely needs Omarion Hampton to miss time to really pop in fantasy, but Mitchell has the skill set and the offense to warrant a stash.

Other Options

• Cam Ward
• Tank Bigsby

Round 13

Top Target: Tank Bigsby

The 2025 sample was small, but Bigsby made his 63 carries count. 

Among 65 RBs with 50 or more attempts, he finished:

• first in yards after contact per attempt
• second in missed tackles forced per attempt
• third in yards per carry

That explosiveness makes him one of the more appealing contingency backs behind 29-year-old Saquon Barkley.

Next Best: Ryan Flournoy

Flournoy topped 100 yards twice in 2025, including once with Lamb active. That production helped him claim the No. 3 WR role and build trust with both Dak Prescott and HC Brian Schottenheimer.

"He earned it the right way, he earned it through special teams. He earned it by doing the run blocking, doing the things in the run game -- the dirty work, if you will," Schottenheimer said in June. "Now he's one of those guys -- because he does everything right -- Dak [Prescott] doesn't hesitate when he looks at him. He just turns it loose. He gets to his spot."

Other Options

• Brian Robinson Jr.
• Kaytron Allen
• AJ Barner
• Greg Dulcich
• Terrance Ferguson

Rounds 14, 15, & 16

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Mike Washington Jr.
• Caleb Douglas
• Malik Washington
• Jack Bech

You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:

DSTs

• Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
• Jaguars (vs. CLE)

Ks

• Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
• Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)

14-Team Draft Strategy for Picks 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10

Round 1

Top Target: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The four names listed in Round 1 make up Tier 2 of our PPR WR rankings. Ideally, you’d land JSN, who finished last year as the WR2 in PPR points per game.

Next Best: Amon-Ra St. Brown

If you can’t secure Smith-Njigba, there’s not much of a drop-off to St. Brown. His 3D Value is only 3 points behind the Seahawk after finishing as a top-five PPR scorer in three straight seasons. 

He also hasn’t missed a game since Week 5 of 2023.

Other Options

• CeeDee Lamb
• Justin Jefferson

Round 2

Top Target: Kenneth Walker

Starting with a Round 1 WR will likely steer the board toward RB here, and a couple of options fit the value well. Walker tops the list after landing in Kansas City, where Emari Demercado and fifth-round rookie Emmett Johnson present limited competition. 

Walker brings workhorse upside behind a line that ranked 12th in adjusted line yards last season. Ignore the recent report about a foot injury; he's healthy ahead of Week 1.

Next Best: Chase Brown

The Bengals have given Brown little reason to worry about his workload entering a contract year. Samaje Perine profiles as a lightly used No. 2, leaving Brown positioned for another busy season. 

He finished RB8 in PPR points per game last year, even with Joe Burrow sidelined for nine games. Brown remains a strong candidate to land in that range again.

Other Options

• Drake London
• A.J. Brown
• Nico Collins
• Brock Bowers

Round 3

Top Target: Javonte Williams

Williams finished RB12 in PPR points per game last season while setting career highs in carries (252), rushing yards (1,201), and rushing TDs (11). Dallas rewarded him with a contract extension right after the season, then passed on adding to the backfield this offseason. 

That gives the 26-year-old another shot at RB1 production in a strong Dallas offense.

Next Best: Zay Flowers

Even with Lamar Jackson unavailable for four full games and limited in others, Flowers finished 13th among WRs at 14.5 PPR points per game. He hit a career-high in catches (86) and yards (1,211), and the team certainly signaled trust in him by only adding mid-round rookies Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt to the WR corps this offseason.

If Jackson stays healthy, Flowers could reach new career highs in 2026.

Other Options

• Travis Etienne
• Cam Skattebo
• Garrett Wilson
• Colston Loveland

Round 4

Top Target: Jaylen Waddle

Waddle lands among our top 20 PPR WRs after joining the Broncos. 

Denver’s catch-and-run-friendly attack should give him plenty of opportunities to turn short completions into chunk gains.

Next Best: Terry McLaurin

A quad injury and missed time from Jayden Daniels ruined McLaurin's 2025. Back healthy and still in a clear No. 1 WR role, he's a strong rebound candidate. He should also benefit from the arrival of new OC David Blough, who's expected to move him around the formation much more than former play caller Kliff Kingsbury. That’ll allow McLaurin to see more favorable matchups.

Adding Stefon Diggs hurts the ceiling, but it doesn't erase McLaurin's value.

Other Options

• D’Andre Swift
• David Montgomery
• TreVeyon Henderson
• Ladd McConkey
• Luther Burden

Round 5

Top Target: Christian Watson

Watson posted career-best marks in targets per route run (0.23) and yards per route run (2.51) last year. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone and no major replacement added, Watson’s target outlook looks even stronger. 

He stands out as a priority WR in this range.

Next Best: Joe Burrow

We saw the ceiling on Burrow in 2024, when he finished QB2 in fantasy points per game. His history of missed time is notable, but few other offenses boost passing volume like Cincy. 

Burrow’s 35.1 attempts in his healthy games last year trailed only Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, and Dak Prescott. Another pass-happy approach should remain alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Other Options

• Bhayshul Tuten
• Rome Odunze
• Harold Fannin Jr.
• Sam LaPorta

Round 6

Top Target: Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh let Kenneth Gainwell and his 85 targets walk in free agency. A chunk of those should shift to Warren, who projects as the 1A runner ahead of new Steeler Rico Dowdle. 

After a 61-catch 2023, Warren has recorded 38 and 40 catches over the past two seasons.

Next Best: Parker Washington

OC Grant Udinski expects Washington’s season-ending hot stretch from 2025 to carry over to the fall. He enters a contract year after finishing WR16 from Week 8 on.

Travis Hunter’s expected focus on defense only helps Washington’s path to snaps and targets.

Other Options

• J.K. Dobbins
• Jonathon Brooks
• Michael Pittman
• Jakobi Meyers

Round 7

Top Target: Justin Herbert

Under new OC Mike McDaniel, Herbert has worked on speeding up his footwork in offseason practices. The result should be greater efficiency, more yards-after-catch opportunities, and fewer hits taken from the frequently battered Herbert.

McDaniel’s resume includes two top-six finishes in yards and a No. 1 finish in scoring, both with a much more limited QB in Tua Tagovailoa.

Herbert has the talent and supporting cast to approach a top-five season.

Next Best

Ricky Pearsall used to occupy this space, but recent knee trouble makes him a risky pick here.

Instead, consider where you're thin and fill in. If you're needy at WR and already selected Christian Watson, pass on Jayden Reed.

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• Wan’Dale Robinson
• Jayden Reed

Round 8

Top Target: Stefon Diggs

Diggs landed in a great spot for WR3/flex value with the Commanders. He'll play the No. 2 role alongside Terry McLaurin, while the QB play should remain strong if Jayden Daniels can recapture his pre-injury form.

Next Best: Josh Downs

Downs has historically left the field in two-WR formations, limiting his overall usage. With Michael Pittman and Adonai Mitchell gone, though, he should see a larger role in 2026, even after the Colts added Keenan Allen.

We saw something closer to his ceiling in 2024 when he set career highs in catches (72), yards (803), and TDs (5) in only 14 games. That type of production is well within reach, especially if Daniel Jones can make a smooth recovery from his Achilles tear.

Other Options

• KC Concepcion
• Matthew Golden

Round 9

Top Target: Kyler Murray

No sweat if you missed out on Herbert. Murray is one of our favorite mid-round QB picks thanks to his rushing ability and his new landing spot with HC Kevin O’Connell. 

Murray averaged 35 rushing yards per game before last year’s foot injury, while Minnesota surrounds him with a strong WR corps of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. We fully expect him to secure the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy.

Next Best: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

The Commanders’ RB room is wide open, but Croskey-Merritt likely has the upper hand for early-down work after rushing for 805 yards and 8 TDs as a rookie.

"I think it's really exciting to think about what he can look like in a second year behind this offensive line," new OC David Blough said early this offseason. "And it depends exactly kind of how the room looks, but man, [I'm] incredibly confident in what Bill can be in this league as a starting running back."

Just don’t expect much receiving work, especially after the Commanders added Rachaad White. That leaves JCM best suited as an RB3 or RB4 while this backfield shakes out.

Other Options

• Tyjae Spears
• Jordan Mason
• Woody Marks
• Romeo Doubs

Round 10

Top Target: De'Zhaun Stribling

Stribling has impressed in preseason action, carrying over momentum from training camp. He brings the frame, athleticism, and opportunity to become a useful WR3/flex in time.

Next Best: Dalton Kincaid

A healthy Kincaid brings the potential to give fantasy managers a nice ROI. Last year, his 2.79 yards per route and 0.70 fantasy points per route led all 38 TEs with 40+ targets.

Dawson Knox will remain involved, but there’s room for Kincaid to capture a larger role if he can stay healthy.

Other Options

• Chris Rodriguez
• Jalen McMillan

Round 11

Top Target: Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed gets the benefit of a full offseason after coming over in a midseason trade. His target competition is light behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, with Cooper Kupp barely hanging on as a role player after last year’s 2.9 catches and 37.0 yards per game. Meanwhile, second-year WR Tory Horton is coming off an eight-game rookie season due to a shin injury. 

Shaheed could see something close to a full-time role and contribute to fantasy lineups as a WR3/flex.

Next Best: Tyjae Spears

The Titans used a mid-round pick on Penn State RB Nick Singleton, but HC Robert Saleh called Spears and Tony Pollard the team’s “bell cows” over the summer. 

Spears’ exact role under new OC Brian Daboll is still coming into focus, but he at least projects as the top receiving back after hitting 45 catches in two of the past three seasons.

Other Options

• Adonai Mitchell

Round 12

Top Target: Adonai Mitchell

Mitchell is a bet on talent. He flashed it last year with games of 3-96, 8-102-1, and 6-58-1 and should now fill a starting role alongside Garrett Wilson. 

Mitchell also generated some hype, with The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt calling him one of the Jets’ “biggest stars” of the offseason.

Next Best: Chig Okonkwo

Feel free to pass here if you landed a weekly TE1-type.

Everyone else can consider Okonkwo as a streamer. Washington’s commitment – $16.7 million guaranteed over three years – suggests he’ll get opportunities.

Other Options

• Brian Robinson Jr.
• Keaton Mitchell
• Tank Bigsby
• Denzel Boston

Round 13

Top Target: Ryan Flournoy

Flournoy topped 100 yards twice in 2025, including once with Lamb active. That production helped him claim the No. 3 WR role and build trust with both Dak Prescott and HC Brian Schottenheimer.

"He earned it the right way, he earned it through special teams. He earned it by doing the run blocking, doing the things in the run game -- the dirty work, if you will," Schottenheimer said in June. "Now he's one of those guys -- because he does everything right -- Dak [Prescott] doesn't hesitate when he looks at him. He just turns it loose. He gets to his spot."

Next Best: Justice Hill

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic wrote that the Ravens “view Hill as a good complement to Derrick Henry” while noting his ability as a receiver and in pass protection.

Baltimore used a mid-round pick on RB Adam Randall, but his two-year stint at the position suggests he’ll need time to develop. Hill makes for a fine stash behind the 32-year-old Henry.

Other Options

• Cam Ward
• Malik Willis
• Kaytron Allen
• Emmett Johnson
• AJ Barner

Rounds 14, 15, & 16

Top Targets: High-upside bench stash, K, & DST

Target a player with big upside in Round 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Mike Washington Jr.
• Caleb Douglas
• Malik Washington
• Jack Bech

You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:

DSTs

• Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
• Jaguars (vs. CLE)

Ks

• Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
• Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)

14-Team Draft Strategy for Picks 11, 12, 13, or 14

Rounds 1 & 2

Top Targets: Justin Jefferson & James Cook

Jefferson might not make it here with an ADP of 1.10. But it’s certainly possible, and we’re happy to buy any kind of dip on the 27-year-old. 

Poor target quality helped sink his production last year, with a 71.7% catchable-target rate that ranked 36th among 43 qualifying WRs. Upgrading from J.J. McCarthy to Kyler Murray gives one of the league’s premier receiver talents an excellent chance to regain WR1 status.

Buffalo returns the same backfield and four of five offensive-line starters from a unit that ranked second in adjusted line yards. 

Promoting Joe Brady from OC to HC also preserves the offensive structure that helped Cook post consecutive top-eight PPR finishes.

Next Best: Kenneth Walker & Drake London

The Chiefs paid up for Walker in free agency, and he's looked like a top performer through training camp. The former Seahawk projects as an offensive focal point.

Whoever starts at QB should continue funneling targets toward London. His 29.2% target share last season marked the third time in four years that he topped 28%, while his 16.8 PPR points per game established a new career high.

The board leans toward a balanced start here, but remain willing to double up at RB or WR if a clear value falls.

Other Options

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

Rounds 3 & 4

Top Targets: Cam Skattebo & Tee Higgins

Skattebo quickly took the backfield from Tyrone Tracy Jr. last year and finished as the RB8 in PPR points per game from Weeks 2-7. The sample was limited because his season ended with a right ankle injury that required surgery.

Fortunately, Skattebo is on track to play Week 1. The Giants have given multiple indications that this offense will run through the second-year back. We're not too concerned by the recent arrival of Najee Harris, who's coming off an Achilles tear. 

Burrow’s nine-game absence didn’t stop Higgins from posting a WR13 finish in PPR points per game. When the pair stayed healthy in 2024, Higgins ranked fifth among WRs.

At 27, Higgins is also squarely in his prime according to our historical aging curves for WRs.

Next Best: Jaylen Waddle & Colston Loveland 

Waddle cracks the top-20 of our PPR WR rankings after the move to the Broncos. Our piece on NFL coaching changes highlighted his fit in an offense that’ll continue to feature catch-and-run opportunities.

A late draft slot likely takes you out of the running for Brock Bowers or Trey McBride, but this is a reasonable range to chase Loveland’s upside after what he showed as a 21-year-old rookie.

Among the highlights: a TE5 fantasy finish over the second half, plus a final five games (including the postseason) that really saw him take over:

• 80% route rate
• 25.1% target share
• A TE-high 19.1 expected PPR points per game 

Other Options

• TreVeyon Henderson
• Quinshon Judkins
• Terry McLaurin
• Luther Burden

Rounds 5 & 6

Top Targets: Christian Watson & Sam LaPorta

Watson posted career-best marks in targets per route run (0.23) and yards per route run (2.51) last year. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone and no major replacement added, Watson’s target outlook looks even stronger. 

He stands out as a priority WR in this range.

LaPorta’s 2025 back injury is the concern, but his pre-injury production remained strong. He ranked seventh among TEs in PPR points per game and should continue to command a significant role in Detroit when healthy.

Next Best: Parker Washington & Jaylen Warren

OC Grant Udinski expects Washington’s season-ending hot stretch from 2025 to carry over to the fall. He enters a contract year after finishing WR16 from Week 8 on.

Travis Hunter’s expected focus on defense only helps Washington’s path to snaps and targets.

Pittsburgh let Kenneth Gainwell and his 85 targets walk in free agency. A chunk of those should shift to Warren, who projects as the 1A runner ahead of new Steeler Rico Dowdle. 

After a 61-catch 2023, Warren has reached 38 and 40 catches over the past two seasons.

Other Options

• Rico Dowdle
• Michael Pittman Jr.
• Courtland Sutton
• Tucker Kraft

Rounds 7 & 8

Top Targets: Justin Herbert & Xavier Worthy

Your QB1 spot is likely open, making it a fine time to consider the veteran Charger.

New OC Mike McDaniel's history with Tua Tagovailoa shows he can maximize a far less talented QB. Now, with Herbert surrounded by a deep group of pass catchers, he could return mid-level QB1 numbers.

As always, one huge key will be the health of the Chargers' O-line.

Worthy's PPR points per game dropped from 11.0 as a rookie to 7.9 last season. But he played through a shoulder injury that HC Andy Reid said was limiting. Back healthy, he looks like the clear No. 2 WR for a Chiefs offense that lacks pass-catching depth. The Athletic's Jesse Newell named Worthy the Chiefs' "summer practice MVP."

Of course, there’s room for a larger role given the volatile start to Rashee Rice’s career.

Next Best: Trevor Lawrence & Jayden Reed

Lawrence is worth considering in this range after the elite QBs are gone. He ranked first among all QBs in fantasy scoring following Jacksonville’s bye week (a 10-game sample). 

Now, he gets a full offseason with Jakobi Meyers. And there’s optimism that Brian Thomas Jr. can look more like the breakout player we saw in 2024.

Reed enters a contract year with plenty of opportunities in front of him.

The Packers moved on from Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks over the offseason, removing 131 targets from the 2025 offense, and Reed should absorb some of that work with no major target competition added alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

Other Options

• Blake Corum
• Stefon Diggs
• Jordan Addison

Rounds 9 & 10

Top Targets: Kyler Murray & Mark Andrews

If you weren’t able to land Lawrence or Herbert, Murray’s a fine alternative thanks to his rushing ability and his new landing spot with HC Kevin O’Connell. 

Murray averaged 35 rushing yards per game before last year’s foot injury, while Minnesota surrounds him with a strong WR corps of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. We fully expect him to secure the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy.

Andrews shouldn’t be treated as a weekly fantasy starter at this point in his career. But he certainly brings some bounce-back appeal with Lamar Jackson back healthy and Isaiah Likely on the Giants. 

Next Best: Dalton Kincaid & De'Zhaun Stribling

A healthy Kincaid brings the potential to return steadier TE1 production. We saw his ceiling last year with three top-4 fantasy finishes.

Stribling has impressed in preseason action, carrying over momentum from training camp. He brings the frame, athleticism, and opportunity to become a useful WR3/flex in time.

Other Options

• Woody Marks
• Chris Rodriguez
• Romeo Doubs
• Rashid Shaheed
• Jalen McMillan

Rounds 11 & 12

Top Targets: Tyjae Spears & Adonai Mitchell

The Titans used a mid-round pick on Penn State RB Nick Singleton, but HC Robert Saleh called Spears and Tony Pollard the team’s “bell cows” over the summer. 

We’ll see what kind of role Spears can earn under new OC Brian Daboll. At a minimum, Spears projects as the top receiving back having hit 45 catches in two of the past three seasons.

Mitchell is a bet on talent. He flashed it last year with games of 3-96, 8-102-1, and 6-58-1 and should now fill a starting role alongside Garrett Wilson. 

Mitchell also generated some hype, with The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt calling him one of the Jets’ “biggest stars” of the offseason.

Next Best: Dylan Sampson & Chig Okonkwo

Sampson showed his value in the passing game last year, topping Quinshon Judkins in yards per route (1.86 to 1.05) and Pro Football Focus receiving grade (80.6 to 64.2).

Judkins is also coming off a dislocated ankle and fibula fracture, and any lingering limitation could open the door to a larger weekly role for Sampson.

If you already landed Colston Loveland or Sam LaPorta, pass on a TE2 here. Otherwise, Okonkwo enters the mix. A healthy Jayden Daniels would be a major QB upgrade over what he had in Tennessee.

Other Options

• Brian Robinson Jr.
• Keaton Mitchell
• Ryan Flournoy
• AJ Barner
• Terrance Ferguson

Rounds 13 & 14

Target a player with big upside in Rounds 13 & 14. You can sort by projected ceiling in your Draft War Room to find players with difference-making upside.

Some names to consider:

• Mike Washington Jr.
• Caleb Douglas
• Malik Washington
• Jack Bech

Rounds 15 & 16

Top Targets: K & DST

You’ll probably want to play matchups and stream at K and DST throughout the season. Here are a few options at both positions with favorable early-season schedules:

DSTs

• Chargers (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Packers (at MIN, at NYJ, vs. ATL)
• Jaguars (vs. CLE)

Ks

• Cameron Dicker (vs. ARI, vs. LV)
• Tyler Loop (at IND, vs. NO, at DAL)
• Harrison Mevis (vs. SF, vs. NYG)