Top PPR Fantasy Football Rankings For 2024
Hey guys, fantasy football season is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it's time to dive deep into those PPR fantasy rankings! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a rookie looking to dominate your league, having a solid understanding of player values in a Points Per Reception (PPR) format is absolutely crucial. PPR leagues put a premium on pass-catching ability, making certain players significantly more valuable than in standard scoring formats. So, let's break down everything you need to know to crush your draft and build a championship-caliber team. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top players at each position, discuss key strategies for PPR drafts, and highlight some sleepers and potential busts to watch out for. Trust me, with the right knowledge and preparation, you'll be well on your way to hoisting that coveted trophy. Remember, in PPR leagues, those extra receptions can make all the difference, turning good players into fantasy superstars. The landscape of fantasy football is constantly evolving, with player values fluctuating based on offseason moves, training camp performances, and coaching changes. Staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends is essential for making informed decisions on draft day. Don't just rely on last year's stats – dig deeper, analyze the matchups, and identify the players who are poised for a breakout season. So, buckle up, grab your notepad, and let's get started on your journey to fantasy football glory! The key to a successful PPR draft is understanding which players benefit most from the format. Running backs who are heavily involved in the passing game, wide receivers who rack up high catch totals, and even tight ends who serve as reliable targets can become incredibly valuable assets. You'll want to target these players early and often, as they can provide a consistent stream of points week in and week out.
Top Quarterbacks in PPR
When it comes to quarterbacks in PPR leagues, the name of the game is consistency and volume. You want a guy who's throwing the ball a lot and racking up those completions. Think about it – each completion is a point in PPR, so the more attempts, the better! Guys like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts are perennial favorites for a reason. They're not just chucking the ball downfield; they're also making smart reads and using their legs to pick up extra yardage. Mahomes, for example, is a wizard at extending plays and finding open receivers, making him a PPR machine. Allen's dual-threat ability gives him a huge edge, as he can score points with both his arm and his legs. And Hurts? Well, he's proven to be a fantasy stud, especially with his rushing touchdowns. But don't sleep on some of the other quarterbacks out there! Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson are all capable of putting up monster PPR numbers. Burrow has an incredible receiving corps in Cincinnati, Herbert is a gunslinger with a strong arm, and Jackson's rushing ability gives him a high floor. The key is to identify quarterbacks who are in pass-heavy offenses and have a knack for finding the open man. Guys who are accurate and can avoid turnovers are gold in PPR. You also want to look for quarterbacks who have a strong rapport with their receivers. Chemistry is huge in the NFL, and a quarterback who trusts his targets is more likely to pepper them with passes. Another factor to consider is the offensive line. A quarterback who's constantly under pressure isn't going to have much time to throw, which can limit his PPR upside. So, do your research and identify the quarterbacks who are set up for success. Guys like Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence could be sneaky good PPR options this year. They've got the talent and the supporting cast to put up some big numbers. Remember, quarterback is a deep position in fantasy football, so you don't necessarily need to spend a super high draft pick on one. You can often find quality starters in the later rounds. But if you have the chance to snag one of the elite guys, it can give you a significant advantage in your league.
Top Running Backs in PPR
Alright, let's talk running backs, the backbone of any successful PPR fantasy team. In PPR, it's not just about the rushing yards and touchdowns; it's about those sweet, sweet receptions. A running back who can catch passes out of the backfield is like a cheat code in this format. Think about it – every catch is a point, so a back who's getting five or six receptions a game is essentially getting a free 50-60 rushing yards. Guys like Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Bijan Robinson are the cream of the crop in PPR. McCaffrey is a PPR monster; when healthy, he's arguably the most valuable player in fantasy football. Ekeler is a reception machine, and Robinson is poised to have a breakout season as the lead back in Atlanta. These guys are worth spending a high draft pick on, as they can single-handedly win you weeks. But don't forget about the other PPR studs out there! Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry can also be valuable assets in this format. Barkley is a dynamic playmaker who's involved in both the running and passing game. Taylor, when healthy, is one of the most talented runners in the league. And Henry, despite his size, is surprisingly effective as a pass-catcher. The key is to identify running backs who are the focal points of their offenses and are heavily involved in the passing game. Guys who are getting a lot of targets are going to have a higher floor in PPR. You also want to look for running backs who are playing on good offenses. A back who's scoring touchdowns is going to be more valuable than a back who's just racking up yards. Don't be afraid to target some of the pass-catching specialists in the later rounds. Guys like Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, and James Conner can be PPR gems. They may not be the flashiest runners, but they're consistent pass-catchers who can provide a steady stream of points. Another strategy is to target handcuff running backs who have the potential to become starters if the guy in front of them goes down. Guys like Alexander Mattison and Khalil Herbert could be league-winners if they get the opportunity. Remember, running back is a volatile position in fantasy football, so it's important to have depth. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Draft a few solid running backs and make sure you have some backups on your roster in case of injury.
Top Wide Receivers in PPR
Now, let's dive into the wide receivers, the PPR kings of fantasy football. In this format, the name of the game is targets, targets, targets! A receiver who's getting peppered with passes is a goldmine in PPR leagues. Think about it – every catch is a point, so a guy who's hauling in 8-10 receptions a game is going to be a PPR stud. Guys like Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb are the elite of the elite in PPR. Jefferson is a target hog in Minnesota, Chase is a dominant force in Cincinnati, and Lamb is the go-to guy in Dallas. These receivers are worth a top draft pick, as they can consistently put up huge numbers. But don't forget about the other PPR stars out there! Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and Cooper Kupp can also be incredibly valuable assets. Hill is a speed demon who's always a threat to score, Diggs is a reliable target for Josh Allen in Buffalo, and Kupp, when healthy, is one of the most productive receivers in the league. The key is to identify wide receivers who are the top targets on their teams and are getting a lot of looks in the passing game. Guys who are running a lot of routes and getting a high percentage of targets are going to have a higher floor in PPR. You also want to look for receivers who are playing with good quarterbacks. A receiver who's catching passes from a top-tier QB is going to have more opportunities to score. Don't be afraid to target some of the slot receivers in the later rounds. Guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Chris Godwin, and Hunter Renfrow can be PPR gems. They may not be the flashiest players, but they're consistent pass-catchers who can provide a steady stream of points. Another strategy is to target receivers who are in pass-heavy offenses. Teams that throw the ball a lot are going to create more opportunities for their receivers. Keep an eye on rookies and second-year players who have the potential to break out. Guys like Garrett Wilson, Drake London, and Chris Olave could be PPR stars in the making. Remember, wide receiver is a deep position in fantasy football, so you can often find value in the middle and later rounds of your draft. Don't reach for a receiver early if there are other good options available.
Top Tight Ends in PPR
Okay, let's talk tight ends, the unicorns of PPR fantasy football. Finding a reliable tight end can be a game-changer in PPR leagues, as the position is notoriously thin. A tight end who can consistently catch passes and score touchdowns is a huge advantage. Guys like Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and T.J. Hockenson are the top dogs in PPR. Kelce is a generational talent who's been dominating the position for years. Andrews is a reliable target for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, and Hockenson is poised to have a big season in Minnesota. These tight ends are worth spending a premium pick on, as they can provide a significant edge over your opponents. But don't forget about the other PPR options out there! George Kittle, Darren Waller, and Dallas Goedert can also be valuable assets. Kittle is a dynamic playmaker who's dangerous after the catch, Waller is a talented receiver who's looking for a fresh start, and Goedert is a consistent target for Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. The key is to identify tight ends who are the top targets on their teams and are getting a lot of looks in the passing game. Guys who are running a lot of routes and getting a high percentage of targets are going to have a higher floor in PPR. You also want to look for tight ends who are playing with good quarterbacks. A tight end who's catching passes from a top-tier QB is going to have more opportunities to score. Don't be afraid to target some of the up-and-coming tight ends in the later rounds. Guys like Kyle Pitts, Pat Freiermuth, and Dalton Schultz could be PPR sleepers. They have the potential to break out and become valuable fantasy assets. Another strategy is to target tight ends who are playing in offenses that like to utilize the position. Some teams feature their tight ends more than others, so it's important to do your research. Remember, tight end is a boom-or-bust position in fantasy football, so it's important to manage your expectations. Don't overspend on a tight end early in the draft if you can find value at other positions. But if you can snag a top-tier tight end, it can give you a significant advantage in your league.
PPR Draft Strategies
Now that we've covered the top players at each position, let's talk strategy for your PPR draft. One of the most important things to remember in PPR leagues is to prioritize pass-catching running backs and high-target wide receivers. These are the guys who are going to rack up the points week in and week out. Don't be afraid to spend an early pick on a running back who's heavily involved in the passing game, like Christian McCaffrey or Austin Ekeler. These guys are worth their weight in gold in PPR. Wide receivers are also crucial in PPR, so you'll want to target guys who are getting a lot of targets, like Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase. These receivers are consistent point-scorers who can carry your team. Another key strategy is to be aware of positional scarcity. Tight end is a notoriously shallow position in fantasy football, so if you can snag one of the top guys, it can give you a huge advantage. Travis Kelce is the gold standard at tight end, but Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson are also excellent options. Quarterback is a deep position in fantasy football, so you don't necessarily need to spend an early pick on one. You can often find quality starters in the later rounds. But if you have the chance to draft one of the elite quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, it can give you a significant edge. Don't be afraid to zig when others zag. If everyone else in your league is loading up on running backs early, you can pivot and focus on wide receivers. This can help you build a more balanced team and avoid the positional scarcity trap. Be sure to pay attention to bye weeks and plan accordingly. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of players on bye in the same week. It's also important to stay flexible and adjust your strategy as the draft unfolds. You never know what's going to happen, so you need to be prepared to adapt. Don't be afraid to trade! If you have depth at one position and a need at another, you can always make a trade to improve your team. Most importantly, have fun! Fantasy football is a game, so enjoy the process of drafting your team and competing against your friends.
Sleepers and Busts in PPR
Okay, let's talk about some sleepers and busts in PPR for the upcoming season. Identifying sleepers – those players who are undervalued and have the potential to outperform their draft position – is crucial for building a championship-caliber team. On the flip side, avoiding busts – players who are overvalued and likely to disappoint – can save you valuable draft capital.
PPR Sleepers:
- Running Backs: Guys like Khalil Herbert, AJ Dillon, and Rachaad White could be sneaky good PPR options this year. They're all in situations where they could see a significant workload in the passing game.
- Wide Receivers: Keep an eye on rookies like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zay Flowers. They have the potential to make an immediate impact in PPR leagues. Veterans like Brandin Cooks and Courtland Sutton could also be sleepers if they can establish a strong rapport with their quarterbacks.
- Tight Ends: If you miss out on the top tight ends, look for guys like Cole Kmet and Juwan Johnson in the later rounds. They could emerge as reliable PPR options.
PPR Busts:
- Running Backs: Be cautious about drafting running backs who are coming off injuries or are in crowded backfields. Guys like Cam Akers and JK Dobbins could be risky picks.
- Wide Receivers: Avoid receivers who are playing with questionable quarterbacks or are in run-heavy offenses. Guys like Darnell Mooney and Michael Thomas could struggle to produce consistent PPR numbers.
- Tight Ends: Don't overspend on tight ends who are inconsistent or are not heavily involved in their team's passing game. Guys like Evan Engram and Irv Smith Jr. could be busts.
Remember, these are just a few potential sleepers and busts. It's important to do your own research and make informed decisions based on your league's scoring system and roster settings.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to PPR fantasy football rankings for 2024! We've covered the top players at each position, discussed key strategies for PPR drafts, and highlighted some sleepers and potential busts to watch out for. Remember, in PPR leagues, it's all about those receptions. Prioritize pass-catching running backs and high-target wide receivers, and you'll be well on your way to building a championship-caliber team. Don't be afraid to zig when others zag, and always be prepared to adapt your strategy as the draft unfolds. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends, and most importantly, have fun! With the right knowledge and preparation, you can dominate your league and hoist that coveted trophy. Now go out there and crush your draft, guys!