Drafting in 2025 feels different. Seriously. We aren't just looking at the same old "running backs in the first round" blueprint anymore. The 0.5 PPR—or half-point per reception—format has become the ultimate sweet spot for most home leagues because it balances the raw yardage of old-school ball with the modern pass-heavy era. But if you’re looking at 2025 fantasy football half ppr rankings and seeing the same names from three years ago at the top, you're already behind.
The league has shifted. The elite "bell-cow" back is a dying breed, making guys like Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley even more valuable because they’re some of the few left who actually stay on the field for three downs. Honestly, if you don't land a top-tier RB in the first two rounds this year, you might find yourself staring at a roster full of "committee" backs who break your heart by Week 4.
The Elite Tier: Who Owns the First Round?
When we look at the consensus for 2025 fantasy football half ppr rankings, a few names are basically locked in. Ja'Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb are usually the first two receivers off the board. Why? Consistency. Chase led the league in just about everything last year—receptions, yards, and touchdowns. It’s hard to bet against that kind of volume in a Cincinnati offense that refuses to run the ball.
But let’s talk about the RBs. Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia is a cheat code. Moving from the Giants to the Eagles was the best thing to happen to his career. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 2024. That’s insane. Even with Jalen Hurts "stealing" touchdowns at the goal line, Barkley’s big-play ability—he had 17 carries of 20-plus yards last season—makes him a top-three pick in any format.
Then there’s Bijan Robinson. Atlanta’s offense was a bit of a mess last year, yet he still crossed 300 carries and 60 receptions. If the Falcons get even slightly better quarterback play from Michael Penix Jr., Bijan has the ceiling to be the overall RB1. He doesn't need "luck" to produce; he just needs the ball.
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The Rise of the Sophomores
Keep an eye on the guys entering year two. Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. are already pushing into the first-round conversation in some sharp circles. Nabers is basically the entire Giants offense. If you’re drafting for volume, he’s your guy.
On the flip side, we have the "proven" veterans who might be losing their grip. Christian McCaffrey is the biggest question mark. He’s the most talented player in fantasy when healthy, but the "when healthy" part is getting louder. Coming off a season plagued by Achilles and calf issues, drafting him at the 1.01 feels like playing Russian roulette with your entry fee.
Mid-Round Values You Can't Ignore
This is where championships are actually won. You can't win your league in the first round, but you can definitely lose it. In the middle rounds of 2025 drafts, the focus has to be on projected target shares.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA): The breakout finally happened. JSN finished as a top-10 WR last year, and the experts are still split on him. Some see him as a top-tier WR2, while others are worried about the crowded Seattle room. In half-PPR, his ability to win in the short-to-intermediate game gives him a high floor.
- Bucky Irving (TB): This kid is the real deal. He was one of the most efficient runners in the league last year. He’s currently being drafted as a mid-range RB2, but his metrics suggest he’s a top-10 talent. He’s the kind of "Hero RB" target that lets you load up on WRs early.
- Brock Bowers (LV): Tight end is a wasteland after the top three or four names. Bowers, however, is the exception. He had the most receiving yards by a rookie TE in NFL history. With Geno Smith now in Las Vegas, Bowers could realistically lead all TEs in scoring this year.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Should you take a QB early? Only if it’s Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. In half-PPR, the rushing floor of these guys is too valuable to ignore. They’re the only ones who consistently hit 100+ carries. If you miss them, wait. Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts are great, but the gap between the QB4 and the QB12 isn't nearly as wide as the gap between a starting RB and a backup.
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Why Rankings Are Just a Starting Point
Everyone has a list. Your league mates probably have the same "expert" rankings pulled up on their phones during the draft. To win, you have to look at the context of the 2025 fantasy football half ppr rankings.
For example, a lot of people are down on Justin Jefferson because of the J.J. McCarthy situation in Minnesota. But talent usually wins out. Jefferson has been a top-five WR for four straight years. Even with "worse" QB play, he’s still the primary read on every single pass play. Don't let a "ranking" scare you off a generational talent who falls to the end of the first round.
Also, watch out for the "dead zone." Usually, this is rounds 4 through 7 where RBs go to die. Guys like Rhamondre Stevenson or Joe Mixon might look tempting, but their upside is capped. This is the time to hammer "upside" wide receivers like Ladd McConkey or George Pickens. Pickens is now the alpha in Dallas after a trade, and his ceiling is astronomical in that pass-heavy scheme.
Rookie Fever
Don't be the person who overpays for rookies, but don't ignore them either. Ashton Jeanty in Las Vegas is the name to know. He’s a bruising runner who fits Greg Roman’s scheme perfectly. He might start slow, but by November, he’ll be the guy winning people playoff games.
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Actionable Draft Strategy for 2025
Stop drafting for "safety." Safety gets you third place. If you want to win, you need players who can break a slate.
- Target the "Hero RB" build: Take one of the elite backs (Saquon, Bijan, Gibbs) in the first round, then ignore the position until round 6.
- Prioritize Tier 1 TEs: If you can get Brock Bowers or Trey McBride in the 3rd or 4th, do it. The positional advantage is massive.
- Fade the 30+ Club: Derrick Henry and Tyreek Hill are legends, but the cliff comes for everyone. In 2025, the younger, high-volume players like Nico Collins or Drake London are the safer bets for season-long health.
- Wait on QB: Unless Allen or Lamar falls past their ADP, pick up a Bo Nix or Drake Maye in the double-digit rounds. The rushing upside for those young guys is legit and costs almost nothing.
Check your league's specific settings. If your "half-PPR" league also gives points for first downs, RBs like Jonathan Taylor move up significantly. If it's a 3-WR league, you almost have to go WR-WR in the first two rounds just to keep pace. Rankings are a map, but you still have to drive the car.
Build your board around players with a guaranteed path to 20% or higher target share. In 0.5 PPR, those catches are the tie-breakers that turn a mediocre week into a win. Stick to the volume, trust the young talent, and don't be afraid to reach a round early for "your guy."