Mastering the Art of Drafting Wide Receivers in PPR Leagues
As we approach the new year, fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of their favorite players’ ADP (Average Draft Position) rankings for the upcoming season. Among these, wide receivers are often one of the most sought-after positions on a team’s roster. With this in mind, it is crucial to know how to draft them effectively in PPR (Points Per Reception) fantasy leagues. In this blog post, we will provide expert advice on drafting wide receivers in PPR fantasy leagues for 2025.
Understanding PPR Fantasy Leagues
Before diving into the tips and tricks of drafting wide receivers, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how PPR fantasy leagues work. In these leagues, players earn points not only for receiving touchdowns but also for every reception they make during a game. This can significantly impact the value of certain wide receivers on your roster.
Key Differences Between PPR and Standard Fantasy Leagues
In standard fantasy leagues, a receiver’s value is largely determined by their ability to score touchdowns. In contrast, PPR leagues reward players who consistently catch passes throughout the game. As a result, some wide receivers may be more valuable in PPR leagues than they would be in standard leagues.
How to Draft Wide Receivers in PPR Leagues
Now that we have a basic understanding of PPR fantasy leagues, let’s dive into some expert advice on drafting wide receivers for 2025. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting your starting lineup:
Monitor ADP Rankings
One of the most important things you can do when drafting wide receivers is to monitor their ADP rankings closely. This will give you an idea of where they are likely to be selected and help you plan your draft accordingly.
Example: Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Chris Godwin is a prime example of a receiver who could excel in PPR leagues due to his ability to catch passes consistently throughout the game. In 2024, he caught 104 receptions for 1,472 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he continues to play at this level, he will be an extremely valuable asset on your fantasy roster.
Look for Receivers with a High Target Share
Another key factor to consider when drafting wide receivers is their target share. This refers to the percentage of passes thrown by their quarterback that are intended for them. In PPR leagues, receivers who consistently see a high target share will likely be more valuable than those who do not.
Example: Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
Cooper Kupp is an excellent example of a receiver with a high target share. In 2024, he saw 163 targets from his quarterback, Matthew Stafford. This means that nearly one-third of all passes thrown by Stafford were intended for Kupp. As a result, he caught 94 receptions and scored 10 touchdowns, making him a highly valuable asset on fantasy rosters.
Consider the Quarterback Situation
The quarterback situation is also an important factor to consider when drafting wide receivers in PPR leagues. Receivers who play with strong-armed quarterbacks will likely see more opportunities than those who play with weaker-armed quarterbacks.
Example: Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders)
Davante Adams is a prime example of a receiver who benefits from playing with a strong-armed quarterback like Derek Carr. In 2024, he caught 123 receptions and scored 10 touchdowns. If he continues to play at this level, he will be an extremely valuable asset on your fantasy roster.
Be Patient and Wait for Value
Finally, it is important to be patient when drafting wide receivers in PPR leagues. There are always talented receivers available later in the draft who can provide excellent value for their owners.
Example: DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
DeVonta Smith is an excellent example of a receiver who provides excellent value late in the draft. In 2024, he caught 95 receptions and scored 7 touchdowns. If he continues to play at this level, he will be an extremely valuable asset on your fantasy roster.
Conclusion
Drafting wide receivers in PPR fantasy leagues can be a challenging task, but with the right advice and strategy, you can build a strong lineup that will help you win your league. By monitoring ADP rankings, looking for receivers with a high target share, considering the quarterback situation, and being patient and waiting for value, you can make informed decisions about which wide receivers to draft in 2025. With this expert advice, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful fantasy football team that will dominate your league all season long.
About David Taylor
NBA and sports analytics enthusiast | Former fantasy sports editor at ESPN & Yahoo! Sports, now helping FitMatrix deliver game-changing AI stats to Fantasy League winners