• Ja’Marr Chase is the top option at 1.01: Chase was the clear top wide receiver last season and enough stayed the same for the Cincinnati Bengals that we can expect minimal regression.
• Draft multiple running backs early: Only a few teams will be able to draft two running backs they are happy with. It would be advantageous to be one of those teams.
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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

This perfect draft strategy for 14-team, single quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy football leagues uses a consensus of current average draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo! to deliver a general round-by-round guide for managers. To find more information about any player mentioned in this article, click on the player’s name to find their fantasy football player profile.

Last updated: Thursday, July 31

Round 1, Picks 1-14: Draft a running back or wide receiver

The best option in the first round is simply to pick the best available player. Even though this is a 14-team league, you’ll be able to build your team around whoever is best in the first round. This could even mean picking Brock Bowers if you’re picking at the very end of the round.

Top Target: Ja’Marr Chase

Chase led all wide receivers in fantasy points and fantasy points per game last season. He’s consistently graded as a top-10 wide receiver, with his fantasy performance elevated by his environment. The Bengals made no changes to the coaching staff impacting Chase, the quarterback room, the wide receiver room or the tight end room. This puts Chase in one of the most pass-friendly environments in the NFL, catching passes from the best passer. While we should expect regression from anyone who finishes first in fantasy points, the lack of changes in Cincinnati should help minimize the regression.

Possible Targets: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Thomas Jr., Puka Nacua, Nico Collins

Round 2, Picks 15-28: Draft a tight end, wide receiver or Bucky Irving

It would be very difficult to pick both a tight end and quarterback early while still finding two good running backs. However, it is important to try picking one or the other early, so you can at least be set at one position throughout the season, barring injury. There should be several picks in this range where Trey McBride is a value, but you shouldn’t need to force it. There are both running backs and wide receivers who could be of value if McBride isn’t available.