Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Underrated picks in the first 10 rounds of a 10-team, half-PPR league

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I've covered the safest and most overrated players this week, so now it's time for my top underrated picks — by round — in a 10-team, 0.5 PPR fantasy football league draft. With the biggest draft weekend of the year approaching, several proven veterans are being discounted far too heavily. Players like Davante Adams, Mike Evans and Aaron Jones Sr. still offer steady production but are slipping below Yahoo's Consensus Expert Rankings (CER).

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Here's a round-by-round look at the best values based on seven-day Yahoo ADP trends.

Round 1: CeeDee Lamb – WR, Dallas Cowboys

It's rare to call a first-rounder "undervalued," but CeeDee Lamb fits the bill. His Yahoo ADP sits at 6.7 overall, yet Yahoo's CER places him at 4.4 — over two spots higher.

That's the largest margin among Round 1 players. In an offense projected to lean heavily on the pass, Lamb is the unquestioned WR1 and a legitimate candidate to finish as the overall WR1 this season.

Round 2: Drake London – WR, Atlanta Falcons

London was my safest pick in Round 2, and I'm doubling down on him as the most undervalued. His preseason ADP of 18.5 has already climbed to 16.3 on Yahoo, but still trails Yahoo's CER of 14.

The Falcons' offensive line is banged up, but London's chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. is undeniable — he averaged over seven receptions and 117 yards per game with Penix under center last season. That rapport makes him a value at cost. Don't be surprised if he goes off the board in the early second.

Round 3: Chase Brown – RB, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals' weak defense ensures their offense will be on the field often, creating volume opportunities for the third-year back. Chase Brown's ADP sits at 22 over the past week, yet Yahoo's CER ranks him 19th— the difference between being a second- or third-rounder in 10-team leagues.

While he may cede passing work to Samaje Perine, Brown finished as RB12 last year and looks poised for a breakout behind an improving offensive line. Brown averaged 18.3 fantasy points per game (FPPG) across the final nine games of the season when he became the workhorse back for Cincinnati. At worst, he should be a mid-seconder.

Round 4: Mike Evans – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans continues to slip in drafts, with a seven-day Yahoo ADP of 35.6 compared to a Consensus Expert Ranking of 31.4. Now 32, he remains one of fantasy's most reliable veterans, averaging 14+ FPPG and double-digit touchdowns in three of his last four seasons.

Another 1,000-yard campaign would set an NFL record with 12 straight seasons hitting that mark, something Evans has done in every NFL season he's played. His consistent role in the red zone makes him undervalued at this price.

Round 5: Davante Adams – WR, Los Angeles Rams

Davante Adams' Yahoo ADP of 45.9 lags behind his CER of 40.6, making him undervalued in Round 5. Concerns about Matthew Stafford's health and Puka Nacua's breakout have cooled enthusiasm, but Adams still commanded a 29% target share (top-five in NFL) and top-three in red-zone looks last season.

He averaged 14 FPPG and, if not for a hamstring injury and trade drama, was on pace for far more than 1,063 yards and eight scores. Adams deserves better.

Round 6: Xavier Worthy – WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Calling Xavier Worthy underrated might sound strange after Rashee Rice's six-game suspension, but the market still hasn't fully caught up. His Yahoo ADP sits at 59.4, while his CER is 53.7 — a notable gap.

Worthy brings true DeSean Jackson-type explosiveness and quietly ranked 10th in red-zone targets last year. With Patrick Mahomes likely leaning on him early, his ADP could climb into early Round 5 territory in 10-team leagues before Week 1.

Round 7: D.J. Moore – WR, Chicago Bears

D.J. Moore shows the widest gap between Yahoo's CER (51.1) and his ADP (63.3), making him one of the most undervalued picks in this range. Caleb Williams impressed in the preseason and while second-year pro Rome Odunze and rookie Luther Burden III are drawing hype, Moore remains the proven veteran.

Last year's down season was mainly due to poor quarterback play, shaky protection and Keenan Allen (who returned to the Chargers) eating into his target share. With a stabilized offensive line and better QB efficiency, Moore profiles as a bounce-back candidate and bargain WR2 at this cost.

Round 8: Aaron Jones Sr. – RB, Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. is slipping too far, with a Yahoo CER of 62 compared to an ADP of 74.9. That's an overcorrection for age, as he still produced 1,500 scrimmage yards and 13 FPPG in 2024.

Behind a top-five Vikings offensive line, Jones remains the lead back and a passing-game factor — ranking top-10 among RBs in target share and routes run. With Jordan Mason unlikely to cut into those looks, Jones is a clear value in Round 8.

Round 9: Tyrone Tracy Jr. – RB, New York Giants

The Giants spent meaningful draft capital on rookie Cam Skattebo, but he has yet to push Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of the RB1 role. Tracy's Yahoo CER sits at 71.1, while his seven-day ADP is still lagging at 79.6 after opening at 86.7.

That's a clear value in Round 9, where RB options dry up quickly. Tracy isn't flashy, but his projected workload makes him a decent RB2 or flex play with Russell Wilson taking over at QB.

Round 10: Jerry Jeudy – WR, Cleveland Browns

Jerry Jeudy revived his career in Cleveland last season, posting 90 catches (11th in the NFL) for 1,229 yards (6th) and four scores. With Joe Flacco set to start, Jeudy should continue to command heavy volume, potentially pushing a 25% target share.

Despite a Yahoo CER of 77.1, his seven-day ADP is 93.5 — WR3/4 range for a player with WR1 upside. That makes him a Round 10 steal.

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