Imagine you’re drafting tomorrow in a 12-team PPR league. Who would be the top three bargains to target in the first round? The following is based on current average draft positions (ADPs).
The easiest thing about drafting in the opening round is that almost everyone seems safe. The hardest thing is that almost no one seems like a clear-cut bargain. Among the current group in the top 12, most have yellow flags. Ironically, the three highest-ranked players are the safest, and therefore are the best bargains.
In other words, this is a draft where you want one of the first three picks. Jahmyr Gibbs (overall-1 ADP) and Bijan Robinson (overall-2) are as safe as they come. Both are only 24 years old, are highly utilized in the passing game, and compete in strong enough offenses to manufacture double-digit touchdowns.
Also, neither guy has a strong 1B running behind him. A seemingly fading Isiah Pacheco is backing up Gibbs, while the capable-but-low-ceiling Brian Robinson, Jr. is Bijan’s handcuff. Even if both backups earn roughly 100 touches, it won’t impact the starting RBs’ ceilings. Gibbs had fewer carries and touchdowns last year compared to 2024, yet averaged more fantasy points per game. The same goes for Bijan.
How did that happen? Monster target shares. Their floors are through the roof, and their ceilings are sky-high. Give them 250-275 carries, and they’ll be in elite territory. Give them 300+, and they could start breaking fantasy records.
Ja’Marr Chase (overall-3 ADP) is the other top first-round bargain. I know: it might not seem exciting compared to rolling the dice on other potentially elite options later in the round. But Chase is only one year removed from 400+ points. He averaged 20.1 points last season in Joe Burrow’s eight starts. Amazingly, he still averaged around 19 points when Burrow was hurt. In other words, Chase is practically QB-proof.
No doubt, the Bengals have a chip on their shoulders after posting a 24-and 27-win-loss record since 2023. They also have a supercharged offense, with Chase as the alpha. He’s both safe and uber-elite. That’s what makes a must-draft option at #3.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Top three bargains to target in the first round of fantasy drafts