Fantasy football managers enter the 2025 season with one question on their minds: which players should they target in PPR formats to dominate their leagues? This year’s landscape features explosive rookies, revived veterans, high-volume receivers, dual-threat running backs, and quarterbacks who can win weeks on their own.
The 2025 fantasy football PPR rankings revolve around elite target hogs, running backs with receiving upside, and quarterbacks who contribute both through the air and on the ground. Players like CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, Puka Nacua, and Jahmyr Gibbs dominate early rounds, while sleepers such as Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, and Trey Benson have become major late-round considerations. With usage rates rising across the NFL and offensive schemes shifting toward speed-based spacing, PPR formats reward consistency, target share, and snap volume more than ever.
Understanding PPR Fantasy Football in 2025
What is PPR Scoring?
PPR stands for Points Per Reception. In this fantasy football format, players receive one point for every catch they make. This changes player value significantly when compared with Standard scoring or Half-PPR.
A running back who catches 6 passes for 40 yards (10 points) can outscore a running back who rushes 80 yards (8 points). Wide receivers and tight ends with high target volume are also elevated in importance.
Why PPR Is More Popular Than Ever (2025)
According to FantasyPros and ESPN Fantasy, PPR formats now account for more than 68 percent of all fantasy leagues. Analysts attribute this rise to:
The NFL’s shift toward pass-heavy, West Coast–influenced offenses
Spread formations increasing target opportunities
Growing emphasis on analytics and expected fantasy points (xFP)
Player versatility (WR/RB hybrids, pass-catching backs, move-tight ends)
Core Principles for Building a Winning PPR Team
Prioritize Target Share Over Touchdowns
Touchdowns fluctuate weekly, but targets remain consistent. Players with at least 25 percent target share are the gold standard. In 2024, CeeDee Lamb (31 percent), Amon-Ra St. Brown (28 percent), and Puka Nacua (29 percent) dominated PPR formats due to high volume rather than pure scoring plays.
Running Backs Must Catch Passes
Non-receiving running backs have minimal value in PPR. In 2025, top RBs such as Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, Jahmyr Gibbs, De’Von Achane, and Saquon Barkley all project for at least 45 to 70 receptions.
Draft Elite WRs Early
Elite WR1s now outscore almost every position. In 2024, seven WRs finished inside the top 10 overall PPR scorers. The 2025 ADP (Average Draft Position) trends show managers aggressively drafting wide receivers first.
Dual-Threat QBs Are King
QBs who run and throw are essential. Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Anthony Richardson provide massive weekly ceilings due to rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Top 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings (PPR)
This section identifies projected top performers for the 2025 season based on consensus expert rankings, historical data, usage trends, and 2024 outcomes. All projections combine data from ESPN Fantasy, PFF, and FantasyPros.
Elite Tier (Round 1 Targets)
CeeDee Lamb – WR, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb led the NFL in receptions in 2024 with 134 and projects to repeat as a top-three PPR asset. His chemistry with Dak Prescott and league-leading target share make him a no-brainer first-round pick.
Tyreek Hill – WR, Miami Dolphins
Even at 31, Hill remains unstoppable. He posted 1,700+ yards for the second straight season and continues to average over 23 PPR points per game.
Bijan Robinson – RB, Atlanta Falcons
Now playing under head coach Raheem Morris and an improved offensive line, Robinson finally projects for true RB1 volume. Expected 75+ catches makes him a top pick.
Breece Hall – RB, New York Jets
Hall led all RBs in targets (87) in 2024 and has elite efficiency. With Aaron Rodgers returning healthy, Hall’s red-zone opportunities rise significantly.
Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR, Detroit Lions
One of the safest PPR players in football. St. Brown has posted over 100 receptions for three straight years and continues to dominate from the slot.
High-End WR1 and RB1 Tier (Late Round 1 – Round 2)
Puka Nacua – WR, Los Angeles Rams
Nacua has become one of the league’s most reliable players. With Cooper Kupp’s role diminishing, Nacua sees WR1 volume week after week.
Jahmyr Gibbs – RB, Detroit Lions
Gibbs is expected to exceed 60–70 receptions. His speed and open-field ability make him a weekly PPR cheat code.
Garrett Wilson – WR, New York Jets
With Rodgers healthy, Wilson is poised for a breakout year. His 160+ target projection is one of the highest in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley – RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley benefits from one of the league’s strongest offensive lines. His role in the passing game remains vital to his PPR upside.
Jayden Daniels – QB, Washington Commanders
The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year provides elite dual-threat production. His rushing floor alone makes him a top fantasy quarterback.
Middle Rounds: Best Value Players (Round 3 to Round 7)
Xavier Worthy – WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy’s blazing speed and Patrick Mahomes’ accuracy create significant PPR upside. He projects for over 115 targets as Kansas City reshapes its offense.
Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, Arizona Cardinals
Already one of the top route runners in the league. With Kyler Murray fully healthy, Harrison projects for 1,200–1,400 yards.
Trey Benson – RB, Arizona Cardinals
A breakout candidate who’s efficient on the ground and improving as a pass-catcher. Benson’s ADP is rising fast.
Ladd McConkey – WR, Los Angeles Chargers
McConkey’s role as Justin Herbert’s primary target in a rebuilt offense makes him a strong value WR2 in PPR.
De’Von Achane – RB, Miami Dolphins
Achane’s explosive speed and improved receiving usage make him a high-ceiling RB2.
Late-Round Sleepers (Round 8–12)
Roman Wilson – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
A projected volume bump makes him a great late-round steal.
Jonathon Brooks – RB, Carolina Panthers
Expected to lead the backfield by midseason and participate heavily in the passing game.
Jake Ferguson – TE, Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson ranked top three in tight end target share in 2024 and remains a safety valve for Dak Prescott.
Deep Sleepers (Round 12 and Beyond)
Ricky Pearsall – WR, San Francisco 49ers
Versatile, agile, and may see more volume depending on injuries.
Antonio Gibson – RB, New England Patriots
A perfect PPR running back due to his pass-catching history.
Real-Life Examples: How PPR Drafts Played Out in 2024
Fantasy managers in 2024 learned hard lessons from inconsistent players. For example, managers who drafted Nick Chubb early struggled due to his limited receiving role. Players who chose running backs like Kyren Williams succeeded because Williams caught passes at a high rate.
Similarly, selecting reliable WRs like Tyreek Hill and Amon-Ra St. Brown provided consistent weeks even during low-touchdown periods.
Important PPR Trends for 2025
Running Backs Are Catching More Passes Than Ever
NFL teams increased running back targets by 12 percent from 2022 to 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rookie WRs Continue to Dominate Early
Recent history:
2022 – Garrett Wilson
2023 – Puka Nacua
2024 – Marvin Harrison Jr.
2025 could see Xavier Worthy or Brian Thomas Jr. follow this trend.
Quarterbacks with Mobility Are Essential
Jayden Daniels and Anthony Richardson continue to trend upward as fantasy favorites.
Practical Draft Tips for the 2025 PPR Season
Draft at Least Three WRs in the First Five Rounds
This aligns with modern roster construction and league scoring trends.
Select Dual-Threat RBs
Running backs who catch passes offer a far safer weekly floor.
Stack Players for High Upside
QB-WR stacks (e.g., Kyler Murray + Marvin Harrison Jr.) can win weeks.
Pay Attention to Camp Reports
Beat writers consistently break news about target usage, snap counts, and role changes.
FAQs
Who is the number one overall PPR pick for 2025?
CeeDee Lamb and Bijan Robinson are leading consensus rankings, with Lamb slightly ahead in PPR formats due to consistency.
Which rookies should I draft in PPR leagues?
Top PPR rookies include Xavier Worthy, Brian Thomas Jr., and Trey Benson due to their expected target share and offensive roles.
Which quarterbacks offer the best PPR value?
Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, and Anthony Richardson offer the highest combinations of rushing yards and passing touchdowns.
Which players should I avoid in PPR drafts?
Players with low target share or touchdown-dependent scoring, such as Derrick Henry or certain committee-based running backs.
What round should I draft a tight end in PPR leagues?
Elite TEs like Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, or Trey McBride can be drafted in the first three rounds. Otherwise, wait until Round 7–10.
In Summary
The 2025 fantasy football PPR landscape is marked by high-scoring offenses, increased player versatility, and evolving usage trends. Managers who prioritize target share, receiving running backs, and dual-threat quarterbacks are positioned to dominate their leagues. Whether you are aiming for your first championship or adding another trophy to your collection, understanding player roles, offensive schemes, and statistical projections is the key to success.
As you prepare for your draft, consider real-life examples, lean on trustworthy data, and stay updated on preseason developments. The fantasy football world continues to grow more competitive each year, but with the right strategy and awareness of 2025 trends, you can build a roster capable of outperforming your competition each week.
For further reading and related insights, explore the following articles:
Liverpool vs Real Madrid 2025: https://liverpooldaily.news/liverpool-vs-real-madrid-2025/
Christmas at Kew Gardens 2025: https://londoncity.news/christmas-at-kew-gardens-2025/
Carolina Panthers Depth Chart: https://birminghamjournal.co.uk/carolina-panthers-depth-chart/
To read more; Birminghamjournal
