Fantasy Football 2026: Building the Perfect First Round in Half-PPR Formats

These players are the best options to draft in the 1st round of Half-PPR Fantasy Football Leagues.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III (4) is a legit first round target in half PPR fantasy formats. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) will be a player in high demand during half-PPR league drafts. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Elite three-down RBs should be selected early and often, and it's imperative for fantasy owners to secure at least 2 solid options. There are 3 questions managers must ask when deciding on taking an RB in the first round of Half PPR leagues. Do they have 300-touch potential? How involved are they in the passing game? Do they generate touches in the red zone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, that player more than qualifies.

Every NFL team usually has at least one RB they use specifically as a third-down specialist. These pass-catching backs come with limited rushing and TD opportunities, and fantasy owners must stay disciplined enough not to spend a first-round pick on these archetypes. Even if these RBs get 5 receptions, that only accounts for 2.5 fantasy points; they will have to get a high number of catches just to make a difference.

RB's to Avoid Drafting In 1st Round of Half-PPR Format

Player/Team/ADP	Reason to Avoid In 1st Round
Rachaad White/WAS/38	Rushing Inefficiency and Low Ceiling
Devon Achane/MIA/9	New Offensive Scheme May Affect Touches
Saquon Barkley/PHI/7	Regression and Workload are Concerning
Breece Hall/NYJ/14	Efficiency Decline and Competition
Christian McCaffrey/SF/4	Age and Mileage Are Areas of concern

The RBs who rarely get chances in the red zone are also ones to avoid in half-PPR formats. It limits their chances to produce satisfactory weekly results. Dual-threat RBs also have value, and a few have first-round potential. Those who receive around 15 touches per game and can get you at least 50 receptions on the season should be considered. Dual-threat RBs usually work as a platoon, similar to how the Lions used Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery last season. Gibbs would be the ideal choice in the first round, but Montgomery could be a great steal if a manager decides he is worth it.

ADP Rankings provided by FantasyPros.com.

2026 1st Round Mock Draft for Half-PPR Leagues

Pick	Player/Team	Position
1st	Bijan Robinson/ATL	RB
2nd	Jahmyr Gibbs	RB
3rd	Ja'Marr Chase	WR
4th	James Cook	RB
5th	Ashton Jeanty	RB
6th	Justin Jefferson	WR
7th	Kenneth Walker III	RB
8th	A.J. Brown	WR
9th	Jaxon Smith-Njigba	WR
10th	Trey McBride	TE
11th	CeeDee Lamb	WR
12th	Brock Bowers	TE