Aug 9

WorstBet's Perfect Fantasy Team: 1 Spot, 12-man Half PPR

As the summer winds down and the NFL season inches closer, fantasy football enthusiasts are turning their attention to the draft board. This series is designed to help you navigate the complexities of drafting by providing a comprehensive guide on assembling the best possible lineup from each draft position in a 12-man half-PPR league.

From analyzing player rankings to conducting mock drafts, we’ll break down the tactics and insights you need to dominate your fantasy league. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a newcomer looking to sharpen your skills, get ready to refine your draft strategy and put yourself in the best position to claim your league's championship.

League and Draft Settings

This guide is for a 12-man half PPR league using a snake draft.

The 1 Spot

Securing the 1st overall pick in your fantasy football draft is a golden opportunity, so there's no need to stress. Despite the chatter online that might make you second-guess, remember that holding the top spot is a significant advantage. With the first pick, you can select the most coveted player in the league, setting the tone for your entire draft strategy.

Take a deep breath, embrace the excitement, and seize control of the draft with confidence. You’re in the prime position to build a powerhouse team from the outset, leveraging your top pick to create a lineup that will be the envy of your league.

1.01

Don't fall for your league-mate's advice to pass on McCaffrey. It's all smoke and mirrors. Christian is the best player in the draft on the best team in the NFL. He gets to run behind the best offensive line in the league, on a team that loves to run the ball.

If the run gets shut down for San Fran, CMC is a liability to defenses with his catching ability out of the backfield.

He is the clear 1.01 in the draft, so select him with confidence and excitement!

2.12

After a long wait, you now have two back-to-back picks. This draft is very RB-deficient, so it is crucial to snag a top back before they're gone.

Achane's ADP is climbing, but there is still a good possibility he will be available at 2.12. If he is, you snag him faster than you snagged CMC.

Achane proved last year that he is a must-have on your fantasy team after he broke out for the Dolphins. Achane's speed out of the backfield and pass-catching abilities make him a nightmare for the defense.

A CMC/Achane backfield might be the scariest duo in fantasy football history.

3.01

With back-to-back picks, you want to secure the #1 TE in the draft. Sam LaPorta broke out in his rookie season for Detroit and will be better this year.

He is not the main target (Amon-ra St. Brown) but is the clear-cut #2. His production will increase from last season, and he will finish this year as the unanimous TE1.

You assembled the RB1 and TE1 on your team, with an RB2 in Achane that can top CMC in the final rankings. This is looking very good for you!

4.12

We sacrificed a top-tier WR for two of the top running backs and the best tight end. Fortunately, this draft is extremely WR-heavy! It is now time to get out WR1. There are a lot of different options, but we are taking DeVonta Smith here.

Smith is a safe option and has performed well in each of his first three seasons. I will also be backing the Eagles this year and hoping their offense gets back on track this season.

Smith can take the reigns in Philly at any moment, but being the 2nd option behind AJ Brown is fine. AJ Brown, and recently acquired Saquon, will draw attention away from Smith. Expect a couple of deep touchdowns from the speedster this year.

5.01

We will be stocking up at WR with another selection. At 5.01 we are going to take another safe and highly productive wide receiver in Amari Cooper. Cooper is the WR1 in Cleveland. We also haven't seen his full potential with Watson at QB. Cooper could explode, or could just do what he always does; get 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns.

This is not a spot to take a risk on a young WR. That time will come later in the draft. Don't fall for Nabers here. He may have all the talent in the world, but remember, he plays for the Giants.... When was the last time the Giants had a productive WR?

6.12

Now is a perfect time to take a riskier WR that could make or break your fantasy team.

We will be selecting Jayden Reed in the 6th round. Reed is not often talked about but has climbed up everyone's ADP.

Green Bay and Jordan Love kicked it into gear late last season, and Reed emerged as a playmaker. The speedy young wide receiver could be the sleeper that propels your team to a perfect season.

7.01

What better pick to pair with Jayden Reed than his star QB? Jordan Love is great value, and after a rough start to his NFL career, he ended on a high note.

He has a bunch of weapons offensively and seriously could end the year as a top 3 QB.

There are other RBs and WRs that we could grab here, but they would be a reach, and I feel that there is better value waiting on them.

8.12

Time to get a backup running back, and I love Brian Robinson Jr. for this pick. Robinson has emerged as more than just a power back. He recorded 367 receiving yards and 4 TDs last season and will be the main workhorse for the Commanders this season.

Sure Washington got Ekler, but his ADP should tell you all you need to know on who is going to be the premiere back in Washington.

9.01

Who is the Chargers WR1? Your guess is as good as mine, but if you guess correctly, you will be a very happy fantasy owner! It comes down to three options, Johnston, Palmer, or McConkey.

According to ADP, McConkey is the guy and I'd have to agree. He is not going to be the big play player, but his production will be high. I expect Ladd to be the most targeted WR on the Chargers, and we're taking a risk on him sneaky into the endzone a handful of times.

10.12

No QB no problem. Courtland Sutton is a big and safe target for your fantasy team, with high upside ability.

The Quarterback room in Denver is a disaster, but if Zach Wilson or Bo Nix figure it out, Sutton will be their main target after the departure of Jerry Jeudy.

With two risky picks in the 8th and 9th rounds, it's reassuring to snag a viable WR3 for your roster in the 10th.

11.01

An 11th-round TD machine to pair with Jordan Love in case Reed was a bust. Romeo Doubs has become one of Love's favorite targets, especially in the red zone.

Doubs reeled in 8 TDs last season as a career-high as well as 674 receiving yards. You could make the argument his numbers were boosted because of Christian Watson's injuries, but there's no saying he won't suffer injuries again. I love the upside of Doubs especially paired with Love.

12.12

Jaleel McLaughlin was one of the most explosive backs last year when he got the ball. He rushed for 410 yards and had 160 receiving yards with 3 TDs last season, and his numbers will only increase.

The Broncos will be in a world of hurt this season, with a lot of long 3rd downs and garbage time for backups. I think McLaughlin will fight for the starting role toward the end of the season, but even if he doesn't get it, he should get his touches in easily as a backup.

13.01

In this scenario, no defense has been selected yet. This is all draft-dependent, but with this pick, we will snag the best defense in the league; The San Fransico 49ers.

Ravens or Cowboys would also be a solid pick from this spot, but if a top 3 defense isn't available, I'd suggest taking the best available WR or RB.

14.12

With news of Aiyuk most likely out in San Fransico, it is worth taking the risk to draft Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers have the best all-around offense and Ricky is the best all-around rookie WR in the draft.

If you need him to play running back, catch bubble screens, go deep, throw the ball, he is your guy. He is going to be a lot of fun to watch, and with the likely departure of Aiyuk, the door is wide open for Pearsall.

15.01

Kicker Time. Take the best available. You will probably have your choice of the litter.

I'm going with Tucker, but it doesn't really matter a whole lot. You should be able to draft a top 3 kicker.

Full Team:

QB: Jordan Love

RB: CMC

RB: Achane

WR: Smith

WR: Cooper

TE: LaPorta

FLX: Reed

DST: 49ers

K: Tucker

B: Robinson Jr.

B: McConkey

B: Sutton

B: Doubs

B: McLaughlin

B: Pearsall