NFL: DEC 22 Titans at Colts
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
The Perfect 12-Team PPR Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Round-by-Round
Creating the perfect round-by-round fantasy football draft strategy for a 12-team league in the 2025 NFL season depends on your scoring format (PPR, half-PPR, or standard), roster settings, and draft position.
But assuming full PPR, a 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1FLEX, D/ST, K, 7 bench format, here’s a general round-by-round blueprint to dominate your draft.
But first a few draft tips:
Don’t draft based on last year’s finish. Watch preseason usage.
Use tiers. Don’t blindly follow rankings.
Monitor training camp injuries and rookie usage.
Use value-based drafting: always compare ADP vs. ceiling.
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1. General Principles (2025)
NFL: DEC 01 Chargers at Falcons Source:Getty
RBs are deeper than recent years, but elite pass-catching backs are still gold.
WRs are king in PPR – target high-target share and route runners.
Late-round QBs and TEs are still viable unless elite value falls.
Don’t draft a defense or kicker early. Stream weekly.
Watch the NFL preseason — avoid outdated rankings.
2. Rounds 1–2: Lock in a Stud WR or Elite RB
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams Source:Getty
Avoid reaching for QB or TE unless Travis Kelce falls to Round 2.
3. Rounds 3–4: Anchor Your Starting Lineup
AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills Source:Getty
If QB1s like Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen fall to Round 4, consider it.
4. Rounds 5–6: Fill FLEX + Consider QB/TE
Tennessee Titans v Indianapolis Colts Source:Getty
5. Rounds 7–8: High-Upside Depth
Philadelphia Eagles v Kansas City Chiefs Source:Getty
6. Rounds 9–10: Round Out Bench + Grab Your QB/TE If Needed
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers Source:Getty
7. Rounds 11–14: Lottery Tickets & Sleepers
NFL: DEC 28 Broncos at Bengals Source:Getty
8. Rounds 15–16: Defense & Kicker
Las Vegas Raiders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Source:Getty