Points Per Reception (PPR) is a scoring system in fantasy football where players earn additional points for each reception (catch) they make. This scoring format is different from standard scoring, where points are awarded only for yards gained and touchdowns scored. In PPR leagues, receptions become an important aspect of a player’s value, making players who catch a lot of passes more valuable even if they don’t gain many yards or score many touchdowns. With that in mind, in this article I’ll discuss some of the keys to PPR draft strategy that will help you have a successful draft.
Keeping the differences in mind, your strategy for drafting players in a PPR will differ significantly from standard scoring formats. Most leagues now have a standard of half point per reception or a full point per reception. Selecting players who are heavily involved in their team’s passing game is huge in PPR leagues. We will cover some key considerations and strategies for drafting in a PPR league, including the importance of target share, teams with high pass volumes, and identifying running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends who dominate their team’s targets.
PPR Draft Strategy for 2024 Fantasy Football Leagues
1. Understanding Target Share
Target share refers to the percentage of a team’s total targets a player receives. In PPR leagues, players with high target shares are invaluable because they are more likely to rack up receptions, and thus, fantasy points. When drafting, prioritize players who are the primary or secondary options in their team’s passing attack.
2. Focus on Teams with High Pass Volumes
Teams that pass frequently are gold mines for PPR leagues. Here are a few teams that have historically been among the highest in pass attempts:
- Miami Dolphins: With Tua Tagovailoa at the helm, the Dolphins are known for their speed and passing attack.
- Detroit Lions: Jared Goff will play most of his games this season in a dome and the team’s pass-heavy scheme make many of the Lions a top target for PPR players.
- Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb is a VERY big thing.
- San Francisco 49ers: This team has 3 players you will want to draft all catching passes from Brock Purdy.
- Houston Texans: CJ Stroud has 3 incredible wide receivers. His chemistry with Nico Collins and Tank Dell will only get better this season, and Stefon Diggs has been added to this wide receiver room.
3. Utilize These Running Backs with High Target Shares
In PPR leagues, running backs that are heavily involved in the passing game provide a significant edge. Look for backs who, not only run the ball effectively but also serve as frequent targets for their quarterbacks. Key examples include:
- Breece Hall (Jets): A dual-threat back, Hall is a top PPR option due to his involvement in the passing game with 94 targets in 2023. Hall saw 16.7% of the Jets targets in the passing game.
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers): Renowned for his receiving skills, McCaffrey is the focal point of the Niners’ offense. Fourth on the team in targets, CMC saw 83 passes thrown his way in 2023.
- Alvin Kamara (Saints): Kamara’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a PPR superstar. He was second on the Saints in target share in 2023. He had 86 targets.
- Bijan Robinson (Falcons): Robinson is another do-it-all all running back who receives a significant target share, 85 targets in 2023, third on the Falcons in targets.
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) – Heavily involved in the Lions passing game, Gibbs was third on the Lions in targets with 72. He had a 14% share of the targets.
4. Also Target These Wide Receivers with High Target Shares
Wide receivers who are the first or second options in their team’s passing game are essential in PPR leagues. These players are typically targeted frequently and can amass a high number of receptions. Key players to consider include:
- CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys): Dominated the Cowboys passing game with 181 targets in 2023. Lamb had a 29.9% target share of Cowboys passes in 2023.
- Davante Adams (Raiders): Adams saw 33% of the targets for the Raiders last season. That was 176 targets.
- Tyreek Hill (Dolphins): Hill saw 32.8% of the Dolphins targets. That was 172 total targets in 2023.
- Garrett Wilson (Jets): I can’t believe I am writing about another Jets player as well, but Wilson had 169 targets. 30% of the Jets passes were thrown to Wilson.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions): The sun god shines bright with just under 30% of the Lions targets at 29.9% in 2023.
5. Prioritize These Tight Ends with High Target Shares
Tight ends who are heavily involved in the passing game can give your PPR team a significant boost. Focus on those who are primary or secondary options in their offenses. Key tight ends include:
- Travis Kelce (Chiefs): Kelce’s target share is among the highest for tight ends with a 22% target share. Kelce saw 122 targets leading the Chiefs in targets for 2023.
- Evan Engram (Jaguars): Engram is another tight end who led his team in targets in 2023 with 143 (most by any Tight End). He had a whopping 23.6% target share.
- David Njoku (Browns): Njoku was second on the Browns in target share with 21.5% of the passes thrown to him. That was 122 targets for 2023.
6. Recognize Teams with Small Passing Trees
Teams with small passing trees – those that concentrate their targets among a few players – are particularly valuable in PPR leagues. This ensures that the primary and secondary options receive a larger share of the targets. Evidently, the fewer branches on the passing tree and the more condensed the target share is for a few players, the better PPR options those players become. Examples include:
- Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson dominate the target share with over 50% of passes thrown to one of these two players.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers see a whopping 53.8% of the targets for the Raiders.
- Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle get 55.5% of the Dolphins passes thrown to them.
- Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp combined saw an astonishing 54.1% of the Rams targets in 2023
More PPR Tips
- Prioritize Pass-Catchers: Focus on drafting wide receivers and tight ends who are heavily targeted in their offenses. High volume of targets will lead to more receptions.
- Seek Dual-Threat Running Backs: Running backs who catch passes as well as run the ball are invaluable in PPR formats.
- Monitor Team Offenses: Stay updated on team dynamics, such as changes in quarterback, coaching staff, or offensive schemes, which can impact target distribution.
- Consider Value: Don’t overreach for players just because they are in a pass-heavy offense. Balance value and potential when drafting.
Final Take
Drafting in a PPR league requires a strategic focus on players who are heavily involved in their team’s passing game. Prioritizing high target shares, understanding team passing volumes, and identifying key players in streamlined passing trees, you can build a robust fantasy roster that capitalizes on the PPR scoring system. Consequently, keep these insights in mind as you prepare for your draft, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful fantasy football season.
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