It’s draft time, and they draw the No. 1 overall pick. Everyone is waiting to see which direction she will go, and the pressure is on to get this right. A 1st round pick for any fantasy team should set the tone, bolster your season and be a sure thing. If you’re stuck on number 1, today we’re getting into that question to make sure you make the right choice without looking like a fool.
There are two directions this question can go, depending on if you are actually playing in a Point Per Reception (PPR) league or based on regular scoring. There’s a different No. 1 for every system, and now you’re about to break down your top picks.
PPR League: Bijan Robinson, RB – Atlanta Hawks
Bijan is always hovering in the top 5 when you look at the top rankings, but the issue for him being a clear No. 1 in PPR leagues is really simple: what else do the Falcons have? With a dual-threat running back like Robinson, when Atlanta is paired with a tight end at QB, he’s going to define MASSIVE usage for the back and he’s going to rack up the points.
In the year In 2025, Robinson finished with over 2,200 all-purpose yards, which included 79 receptions on 103 targets. Not only is he the top three-down running back, he’s also third in targets. When you look at Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., you have two quarterbacks under a lot of pressure to play mistake-free football. That leads to more checking routes for Robinson, short passing and trying to move the offense up the chain through the RB.
We’ve seen seasons like this, especially Christian McCaffrey’s years with the Carolina Panthers in 2019 when Cam Newton was injured. That year, the team had to do everything in the CMC, and he finished with over 2,350 yards from scrimmage, 19 total touchdowns and a team-high 116 receptions to annihilate everyone in the PPR League. That’s the impact Bejan Robinson will have on the NFL this season and why he’s the clear No. 1 in PPR.
Regular League: Ja’Marr Chase, WR – Cincinnati Bengals
Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to Bengals superstar wide receiver Jay Marr. Even at worst (like we saw in 2025) he’ll still be better than any receiver in the league, and with a healthy Joe Burrow for a full season – watch out.
Boasting an incredible five straight seasons of over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, Chase has a chance to return to form in 2024, with over 1,700 yards receiving on 127 receptions and 17 touchdowns. Those are high-water marks to be sure, but it’s definitely within reach with this offense.
Part of the reason Chase is so highly rated is because of the Bengals’ defensive struggles. This team regularly finds itself in holes or shots, which require passing a lot of balls, with Chase being the focal point. Not only is he the best receiver in the NFL, but he’s a perfect storm in which to be in a situation where he can be used as much as possible to help his team win.
Is there anyone else in the conversation?
If you really hate the idea of BJean Robinson in PPR, then the Lions’ Jahmir Gibbs might be the case. Another dual-threat running back, Detroit is clearly the better team, so they have the edge when it comes to offensive line play and overall talent. The downside is that Gibbs may not get many looks because the Lions have other weapons.
For formal, another choice is puca nacua. He will get plenty of targets and yards, as he always does, but the lingering question when it comes to the Rams is how many red zone targets will go to Davante Adams. That hurt Naquan as a fantasy receiver last season, and it could be a problem in 2026 as well.
