Alright, let’s talk about drafting in that 12-team fantasy football, half PPR setup. You know, sometimes folks overcomplicate it, but it’s all about keeping things steady and picking folks who’ll bring home the points week after week.
Pick Your Spot Right

If you’re sitting at pick number 1 or 2 in a 12-team setup, that’s a real blessing. With that top pick, you’re likely to get one of them strong running backs who’ll give you the best shot at solid points every week. And in a half-PPR league, you know them running backs can be gold. They’ll get catches, sure, but their running game is where you bank those reliable points.
First Few Rounds – Go with the Big Guns
Now, in those first few rounds, you’re aiming for the best of the best – those players who are top-ranked in both running backs (RBs) and wide receivers (WRs). Keep it simple, folks. You don’t wanna get all fancy and go for a quarterback too early. It’s them RBs and WRs that’ll give you that weekly edge. Look at the high-value RBs first because they’re harder to come by. But if your pick comes and the best RBs are off the table, don’t hesitate – grab a top WR. These fellas might not be running the ball, but they’ll catch plenty and get you the points you need.
Keep an Eye on Quarterbacks
By round 3, it might be a good time to eye a quarterback. If you’re lucky, them big names like Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts could still be floating around, and they’re known for racking up points both with their arms and their legs. If you wait much longer, though, you could be stuck picking from the leftovers, so try and snag a quarterback by rounds 3 or 4 if there’s a strong one still available.
Rounds 4 to 7 – Balance It Out

After your big picks, you’ll wanna start balancing things out with more WRs and maybe a second RB, depending on who’s available. Half-PPR means those catches matter, but not as much as in full PPR, so don’t go overboard on WRs. A good split is to have two RBs and two WRs by the time you’re halfway through the draft. You’ll have a balanced team that way – one that can handle injuries or bye weeks without you having to scramble.
Don’t Sleep on the Tight Ends
Alright, so by now, you got your RBs, WRs, and maybe even a quarterback in place. Now’s the time to consider a solid tight end (TE) if there’s still one of the top guys left. Good TEs can be hard to find, and the best ones are a huge advantage in any league. If you miss out on a top-tier tight end by this point, don’t sweat it too much – just grab one later and focus on the rest of your lineup.
Round Out the Team
As you go deeper in the draft, look for folks who might not be on everyone’s radar but have the potential to break out. Players who might get more catches due to injuries or who are set to play more as the season goes on can make a big difference in a 12-team league where everyone’s scrambling for depth. Backup RBs with a chance to step into the starting role, WRs who are second in line, and even solid defenses can help you here.
Remember Your Bench

And don’t forget the bench, alright? You want some players who can cover bye weeks and injuries without losing too much in points. Go for a mix of high-upside rookies and steady veterans. In fantasy, having options makes all the difference. Avoid stashing too many players from the same position; instead, think about who can bring you points if called up.
Quick Tips for Drafting Strategy
- Pick top RBs or WRs in the first few rounds – don’t reach for a quarterback too early.
- Get a quarterback by round 3 or 4 if you can grab a solid one.
- Balance your roster by round 7 – have at least two RBs and two WRs.
- Look for a tight end if a good one’s available; if not, wait until later rounds.
- Draft for depth in later rounds with backup RBs and WRs who have upside.
All in all, the goal in a 12-team half-PPR league is to keep things steady. Don’t get too fancy – pick the best players that’ll give you points week after week. Stick with this strategy, and by the end of the season, you’ll be the one with a lineup that folks will be jealous of!
Tags: [fantasy football draft strategy, 12 team half PPR, fantasy football tips, fantasy football 2023, draft guide]