Danny Woodhead is the posterboy for PPR value picks

When joining a fantasy football league that implements a PPR format, the impact of rewarding a point per reception shuffles the value of many players. PPR scoring elevates the top-tier WRs and RBs who are targeted out of the backfield while capping the value of the traditional power RB.

For example, looking at the NFL fantasy scoring leaders from 2015 using standard scoring, the top 30 RBs compare quite similarly to the top 30 WRs.

• The 30^th ranked standard RB finished the season with just seven points less than the 30^th ranked WR.

• The top 60 combined RB/WR breaks into a 34 to 26 slight advantage in favor of WR.

In contrast, in PPR, the top 30 RB scoring trails off significantly compared to the top 30 WRs.

• The 30^th ranked PPR RB finished the season with 45 points less than the 30^th ranked WR, translating into nearly three points per week.

• In PPR, the combined top 60 RB/WR breaks into a commanding 40 to 20 advantage in favor of the WRs.

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These stats show that WRs have tremendous value in PPR formats. Drafting the top-flight WRs along with lesser-known RBs that carve out a role in their team’s passing game is a way to maximize the scoring potential for your PPR fantasy team. Here is a list of players to target after you’ve drafted a couple of those stud WRs.

Dion Lewis (NE) – RB16, overall rank No. 37
Prior to injury last season Lewis was phenomenal, fitting perfectly into the Patriots’ offensive system. Obviously health is a concern, but when on the field Lewis finds ways to consistently light up the fantasy scoreboard.

Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – WR27, overall rank No. 53
Fitzgerald had a resurgence last year, and while a repeat performance should not be expected, his role in the offense should keep him as a solid PPR option. Fitzgerald continues to own the middle of the field and fills the void of the weak TE corps.

Giovani Bernard (CIN) – RB24, overall rank No. 58
Bernard may stand only behind A.J. Green in the receiving pecking order as the season gets under way for the Bengals. Mass changes to the receiving corps and a slowly-recovering Tyler Eifert elevate Bernard’s status as a PPR RB to target. The plan to use more two-RB sets may create more opportunities this season as well.

Shane Vereen (NYG) – RB45, overall rank No. 130
Vereen is a solid late-round option in PPR who should continue his role in the Giants’ offense as the primary pass-catcher out of the backfield. Vereen should reach 50-60 catches along with 750+ total yards, making him a great pick in the range he is being taken.

Golden Tate (DET) – WR20, overall rank No. 39
Tate came on strong last year as a force in PPR leagues hauling in 90 passes, but that hasn’t translated into much hype as he’s still lingering in the twenties in WR rankings. The targets should be there once again with the departure of Calvin Johnson, making Tate a pretty safe pick for a similar, or even increased, stat line than last season.

Danny Woodhead (SD) – RB22, overall rank No. 54
The posterboy for PPR value picks, Woodhead finished third in PPR scoring last year among RBs. A tweaked ankle in minicamp should be cleared up by training camp, but even the threat of injury may cause him to drop in drafts yet again. He should continue a similar role as last year as Melvin Gordon does not appear to be pushing Woodhead for added playing time.

Jarvis Landry (MIA) – WR18, overall rank No. 33
Landry is a target machine, and while he may not be explosive after the catch, in PPR formats just making the catches at the rate he does makes him a value. The new offensive scheme could have him moving around more and not just in the slot. The risk is that the easy targets will be eliminated and fellow WR Davante Parker will take over as the go-to-receiver, but don’t overlook the comfort level of a QB with his safety valve. Landry has certainly proven to be the guy in Miami over the past two seasons.

Duke Johnson (CLE) – RB23, overall rank No. 66
Johnson proved himself as a pass-catching RB during his rookie season, and he should expand on that role heading into the upcoming season. There is an excitement that Johnson will thrive in new coach Hue Jackson’s offense, and this season could be a breakout year.

Theo Riddick (DET) – RB35, overall rank No. 99
Riddick had a huge season receiving out of the backfield last season, and should continue his third-down prowess this season. The departure of Joique Bell, the addition of the disappointing Stevan Ridley, and the underwhelming performance of Ameer Abdullah in the Lions’ backfield further cement the potential of Riddick heading into the upcoming season.

Charles Sims (TB) – RB34, overall rank No. 83
Sims cracked 1,000 total yards last season, in large part due to his receiving ability. With Doug Martin remaining in the Bucs’ backfield, Sims continues to remain under the radar and should again quietly carve out a productive PPR role as the pass-catching back.

Bilal Powell (NYJ) – RB38, overall rank No. 103
Powell is one of the best later-round picks available in PPR leagues. He is once again being overlooked as some think the addition of Matt Forte may reduce Powell’s role. However, they actually received similar contracts which shows the trust the Jets have in Powell and the likelihood that he will once again carve out a productive role out of the backfield.

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Micah Cedergen is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Micah, check out his archive and follow him @mcffinsights.