Fantasy Football: 10 Receivers and Backs Who Get a Boost in PPR Leagues

Most fantasy football leagues fall in under one of two categories that will impact your drafting style: PPR (points per reception) and non-PPR leagues.

If you are in a PPR league, you need to draft differently if you want to remain competitive. Some receivers and backs will go much earlier than they do in non-PPR leagues because of their prowess for catching the ball.

The following takes a look at 10 tight ends, wide receivers and running backs that will yield more value in a PPR league.

Wes Welker

Anytime you think of a PPR league, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker comes to mind almost immediately. He is not a big touchdown guy, but he ends up at least challenging for the most receptions in the NFL on a yearly basis.

Welker is normally ranked around the 20th wide receiver in regular drafts, but his value is at least double that in PPR formats. You can normally write down at least 100 receptions and 1,000 yards for Tom Brady's security blanket.

While he did not reach the 100/1,000 last season, it was mostly because the Patriots did not have a deep threat opposite him that could stretch the field and take defenders off him. That will change this year with the addition of Chad Ochocinco.

LeSean McCoy

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was 14th overall last season with 78 catches. He caught more passes than the likes of star wideouts Calvin Johnson and Greg Jennings.

McCoy only had seven rushing touchdowns in 2010-2011, but was still a superstar running back in PPR formats. He might have even fewer touchdowns this season with the addition of Ronnie Brown and Michael Vick at quarterback for a whole season.

The third-year runner is ranked among the top 10 running backs on draft day, but will be most likely be more of a top five guy in PPR leagues. Even if hes not reaching the end zone, the football just seems to find him and he will rack up a lot of yardage.

Jason Witten

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was third overall in the NFL in catches in 2010-2011, as he dominated his position in PPR leagues. Expectations should be down a little bit with Tony Romo back in charge, but he should still be the first tight end off the board in PPR leagues.

Witten will probably go for about 80 catches in 2011-2012, and if you draft him, it will be just like having another wide receiver on your team. He should have no problem leading his position in catches again this season, unless Dallas Clark returns to his old form.

Reggie Wayne

While Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has lost some of his explosiveness, he is still one of the best possession receivers in football. His flawless route running produces at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards year in and year out.

Whether or not Peyton Manning is at 100 percent should not affect Wayne too much in PPR leagues. He will still be one of the most targeted receivers in the league.

Wayne doesn't have much upside left, especially scoring wise, and his ADP has slipped this season. But he will still catch 80-100 balls as he always does, increasing his value.

Matt Forte

The value of Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte in PPR leagues versus regular leagues may be even higher in 2011. The addition of Marion Barber could take away goal-line carries for the stud back.

Forte has caught at least 50 passes over the last three seasons, and he fits perfectly into the scheme for Mike Martz.

The durable back will get a lot of touches in 2011-2012, but may not see the end zone very often. That makes him a much safer and wiser pick in PPR formats.

Brandon Marshall

While the three touchdown total that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall amassed last year may be something of an anomaly, he is still better suited for PPR leagues. The Dolphins are expected to be one of the more abysmal offensive teams again this season.

That being said, Marshall still finished tied for seventh in the league with 86 catches in 2011-2012, even with missing two games. He's a big target that tends to be among the league leaders in targets each season.

Brandon Pettigrew

Not many people would have guessed that Brandon Pettigrew of the Detroit Lions would finish third among tight ends in catches last season. But his 71 catches trailed only Witten and Chris Cooley at his position.

The scary thing here is that Pettigrew will be entering just his third season in 2011-2012, so he is only getting better. He also played much of last season without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, so this offense will only be better in the future.

The young player has not been able to find his groove in the red zone yet, but has mastered the art of possession receiving. That makes him no worse than a top 10 tight end in PPR formats.

Reggie Bush

When Reggie Bush was at his best in his first seasons in the NFL, he combined for over 150 receptions. All indications this preseason point to the Miami Dolphins running back as looking as good as he did in those seasons.

Bush is slated for a major role for the Dolphins in 2011-2012, and could really provide a spark to a lackluster offense. While he is not a prototypical type back that can be given 25 carries a game, he can still be very valuable in PPR leagues.

Santana Moss

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss is probably one of the more understated players at his position in the league. But he goes out every year and just gets his job done, with super consistency.

Last season, Moss finished only behind Roddy White and Reggie Wayne in receptions. He will be running routes for a new quarterback this season, but still figures to see a good amount of targets.

The injury to Cooley could also help Moss. Moss is not a big red zone target, keeping his rank low in regular leagues, but should be a top 20 receiver in PPR leagues.

LaDainian Tomlinson

New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson may be on his last legs, but he still has enough left to help fantasy owners out. Shonn Greene is expected to get more carries this year, but it is unknown how he will react to that and if he can hold off the all-time great.

Tomlinson had 52 receptions in 2011-2012, making him no worse than a solid bye-week replacement or matchup plug-in. If he receives as many carries as last year, he will be much more valuable than that.