How Many RB Should I Draft In Fantasy Football?

The answer to how many running backs you should draft in fantasy football is generally four to five. However, this number can fluctuate based on your league type, draft strategy, and the specific players available.

In fantasy football, the running back position often dictates the success of a team. Given the physicality of the position and the inherent risk of injury, having robust RB depth is crucial. Many seasoned fantasy players advocate for a balanced approach, ensuring you don’t leave yourself too thin at this vital spot. Let’s delve deeper into the strategies and considerations for building a championship-caliber running back room in your fantasy football draft.

How Many Rb Should I Draft In Fantasy Football
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Deciphering RB Draft Strategy

Choosing how many running backs to prioritize in your fantasy football draft is a cornerstone of a successful season. It’s not just about filling roster spots; it’s about making calculated decisions that will provide a consistent edge throughout the year. Different draft philosophies can lead you to different conclusions about RB allocation.

The “Zero RB” Approach

One of the more polarizing yet increasingly popular strategies is “Zero RB.” This approach involves completely avoiding running backs in the early rounds of your fantasy football draft. The core idea is that the top-tier running backs carry a high risk of injury and a significant drop-off in production after the first few elites. Instead, “Zero RB” managers prioritize wide receivers and perhaps a top-tier quarterback or tight end in the initial rounds.

Key tenets of Zero RB:

Exploiting WR Value: The early rounds are often perceived as the best place to secure elite wide receivers who tend to be more durable and have longer careers.
Late-Round RB Flippers: The strategy relies on finding “RB flippers” or “boom/bust” candidates in the middle to late rounds. These are players who have the potential to break out due to opportunity, talent, or unforeseen circumstances (like an injury to a starter ahead of them).
Targeting Volume: The focus is on identifying running backs who are either direct backups to injury-prone starters or are in committees where they are expected to see a significant workload.
Post-Draft Waivers: A strong waiver wire game is essential for “Zero RB” managers to identify and acquire breakout RBs as the season progresses.

Pros of Zero RB:

Secures elite talent at other positions.
Avoids the early-round injury risk associated with RBs.
Can lead to significant value if late-round RBs hit.

Cons of Zero RB:

Requires a deep understanding of RB situations and potential.
Can be a struggle early in the season if late-round picks don’t pan out.
Relies heavily on waiver wire claims and shrewd trading.

The “Hero RB” Strategy

The “Hero RB” strategy is a more balanced approach that acknowledges the importance of the running back position without completely dominating your early draft capital. This strategy involves drafting one elite, workhorse running back in the first few rounds – your “hero” – and then filling in the rest of your running back needs with value picks and committee players later in the draft.

Key tenets of Hero RB:

Anchor RB: Secure a running back who is virtually guaranteed a high volume of touches and red zone opportunities. This player becomes your reliable RB1.
Balanced Approach: After securing your “hero,” you can then focus on other positions of need, such as wide receiver, tight end, or quarterback, in the middle rounds.
Volume and Talent: The “hero” is typically a player with a proven track record, immense talent, and a clear path to a massive workload.
Depth Over Stars: In the later rounds, the focus shifts to accumulating RB depth, targeting players in committees or those who could see increased opportunities if injuries occur.

Pros of Hero RB:

Provides a stable, high-scoring RB1 from week one.
Allows flexibility to address other positions in the middle rounds.
Still allows for accumulating RB depth without overspending early.

Cons of Hero RB:

Missing out on a top-tier WR in the early rounds if you prioritize RB.
If your “hero” RB gets injured, the strategy can falter.
Requires careful selection of your early RB to ensure they are truly elite.

The Balanced Approach

Many fantasy managers opt for a more traditional, balanced approach. This involves securing at least one, and often two, running backs within the first half of the draft. The goal is to establish a solid foundation at the position with reliable, high-volume backs, and then supplement with value picks and depth later on.

Key tenets of a Balanced Approach:

Early RB Investment: Draft RBs in the first few rounds to secure consistent production.
Targeting Volume and Talent: Prioritize RBs with significant workloads and proven ability.
Addressing Team Needs: While RBs are a priority, don’t ignore other positions if elite talent is available.
Depth Building: Continue to draft RBs in the middle to late rounds to ensure you have viable options and insurance.

Pros of a Balanced Approach:

Provides a solid floor of production at the RB position.
Less reliant on specific draft strategies or waiver wire pickups.
Offers flexibility in addressing other team needs.

Cons of a Balanced Approach:

May miss out on some of the elite players at other positions if RBs are prioritized too heavily.
Can be harder to find significant upside if all early RBs are more “safe” plays.

Factors Influencing Your RB Draft Decisions

Several critical factors should guide your decision on how many running backs to draft. These elements are dynamic and require careful consideration on a year-to-year and even draft-to-draft basis.

League Type and Scoring

The format of your fantasy league significantly impacts how you should approach the running back position.

PPR (Points Per Reception) Leagues: In PPR leagues, pass-catching running backs gain significant value. This can influence the perceived value of RBs who are heavily involved in the passing game, potentially pushing them up draft boards. You might feel more comfortable drafting RBs who fit this mold, even if their rushing volume is slightly lower, knowing they have a higher floor.
Standard Leagues: In standard scoring leagues, volume and touchdowns are king. Running backs who get a lot of carries and are red-zone threats will typically have higher ceilings. You might prioritize pure runners with high volume in these formats.
Half-PPR Leagues: This format offers a blend, giving a half-point for each reception. It generally elevates the value of RBs who catch passes without elevating pass-catching specialists to the same tier as elite WRs.
IDP (Individual Defensive Player) Leagues: If your league includes defensive players, the roster construction changes dramatically. You might have fewer offensive roster spots, potentially reducing the number of RBs you can draft.
Superflex/Two-QB Leagues: In leagues where you start two quarterbacks, the premium on QB talent is immense. This often pushes other positions, including RBs, down the draft board. You might find better RB value later than you would in a traditional single-QB league.

Your Draft Position

Your draft position is a critical determinant of the players available to you at any given point.

Early Draft Picks (Picks 1-4): If you have an early pick, you are likely to have a shot at one of the elite, workhorse running backs. This makes the “Hero RB” strategy or a balanced approach very appealing. You can secure your anchor RB and build from there.
Middle Draft Picks (Picks 5-8): In the middle of the first round, the top RBs might be gone. You might have to decide between an elite WR or a slightly less elite, but still very good, RB. This is where draft strategy flexibility is key. You could lean into “Zero RB” if the WR talent is overwhelming or still grab a strong RB if one falls.
Late Draft Picks (Picks 9-12): With late picks, the top RBs are almost certainly gone. This is fertile ground for “Zero RB” proponents. You can grab elite WRs or other premium players and then pivot to RBs with upside in the middle and late rounds.

Roster Construction and Team Needs

Consider your overall roster construction as you make your running back selections.

Flex Spot: Most leagues have a flex spot (RB/WR/TE). This offers flexibility, but it also means you need at least two solid starting RBs, and potentially a third depending on the quality of your WRs and TEs.
Bench Depth: How many bench spots do you have? If you have a deep bench, you can afford to take more speculative RB picks with high upside or target backups to potential starters. If your bench is shallow, you’ll want to prioritize proven talent and safer options.
Identifying Value Picks: Throughout the fantasy football draft, always be on the lookout for value picks. These are players who are being drafted below their potential output. You might find a running back in the 6th round who is projected to score like a 3rd-round pick. Securing these value players can significantly bolster your RB corps.
Addressing Team Needs: Don’t draft a running back just for the sake of drafting a running back. Continuously assess your team needs. If you’ve secured two solid WRs and a good TE early, and there’s still good RB talent available, then it’s a good time to address RB. Conversely, if you’ve loaded up on RBs early, don’t neglect WR or other positions if value presents itself.

Player Injury Risk and Durability

Running backs are notoriously prone to injuries. This is a significant factor that influences how many you should draft.

Workhorse RBs: While they offer massive potential, the high volume of touches often increases their injury risk. This is why some managers shy away from RBs in the very first round, opting for less physically demanding positions.
Committee Backs: Players in committees might have a lower volume and therefore a slightly lower injury risk, but their fantasy production can be capped. However, if the starter ahead of them gets injured, they can become league winners.
Backup Strategy: Drafting a starting RB’s direct backup is a common strategy to mitigate injury risk. If your starter goes down, you have an immediate replacement.

How Many Running Backs to Draft: A Practical Guide

Based on the strategies and factors discussed, let’s break down practical recommendations for the number of running backs to target.

The General Rule of Thumb

For most standard 10- or 12-team leagues, aiming for four to five running backs is a solid approach. This typically breaks down as:

Two Starting RBs: You need at least two reliable starting running backs to fill your RB1 and RB2 spots.
One or Two Bench RBs: These players serve as backups, bye-week fillers, or potential breakout candidates. They are your insurance policies and potential upside plays.

Adapting Based on Strategy

Zero RB: If you’re committed to “Zero RB,” you might only draft two or three running backs, focusing on players with high upside in the later rounds and relying on the waiver wire. Your first RB pick might not come until the 5th or 6th round.
Hero RB: With this strategy, you’ll definitely draft one elite RB early and then aim for three to four more in the middle to late rounds, focusing on volume and potential.
Balanced Approach: This approach typically sees you drafting two RBs in the first five rounds, and then adding two to three more throughout the draft.

Sample Draft Scenarios

Let’s illustrate with a few hypothetical draft scenarios for a 12-team league.

Scenario 1: Hero RB Strategy (Drafting from Pick 5)

Round 1 (Pick 5): Elite RB (e.g., Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey)
Round 2 (Pick 20): Top-tier WR (e.g., Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase)
Round 3 (Pick 29): Solid WR or TE
Round 4 (Pick 44): RB with RB2 upside or a player in a good committee.
Round 5 (Pick 53): Another RB, perhaps a high-upside player or a direct backup.
Rounds 6-10: Focus on WR depth, QB, TE, and then target another RB with potential or a safe floor.
Rounds 11-15: Fill out the roster with lottery tickets, handcuffs, or players in new situations.

In this scenario, you might end up with 4-5 RBs.

Scenario 2: Zero RB Strategy (Drafting from Pick 10)

Round 1 (Pick 10): Elite WR (e.g., Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs)
Round 2 (Pick 15): Another Top WR or TE/QB
Round 3 (Pick 34): WR/TE/QB depth
Round 4 (Pick 43): RB with high upside or in a favorable situation (e.g., a starting RB returning from injury or a committee member with potential).
Round 5 (Pick 58): Another RB, perhaps one with passing game involvement.
Rounds 6-10: Continue building WR depth and other positions, then target RBs with committee roles or those in potentially explosive offenses.
Rounds 11-15: Look for RBs who are direct backups to injury-prone starters or have a clear path to volume if opportunity arises.

In this scenario, you might end up with 3-4 RBs, with a higher reliance on the waiver wire to find your RB2 and RB3.

Scenario 3: Balanced Approach (Drafting from Pick 7)

Round 1 (Pick 7): Strong RB (e.g., Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry)
Round 2 (Pick 18): Solid WR
Round 3 (Pick 31): Another RB with RB2 potential
Round 4 (Pick 42): WR depth or TE/QB
Round 5 (Pick 55): RB with upside or a committee player.
Rounds 6-10: Continue to build depth at all positions, prioritizing RBs who offer a decent floor or have a clear role.
Rounds 11-15: Fill out your roster with best available players and potential stashes.

In this scenario, you are likely to end up with 5-6 RBs to ensure solid depth.

Key Running Back Targets and Considerations

When you’re on the clock, identifying potential running back targets is crucial. This involves looking beyond just raw talent and considering their situation.

Identifying RB Depth and Opportunity

Volume: Prioritize running backs who are projected to receive a high volume of carries. This is often a good indicator of a player’s fantasy floor.
Red Zone Usage: Rushing touchdowns are a significant source of fantasy points. Target RBs who are expected to get opportunities inside the 10-yard line.
Passing Game Involvement: In PPR and Half-PPR leagues, a running back who catches passes can provide a valuable weekly floor, even if their rushing numbers aren’t elite.
Offensive Line Play: A strong offensive line can significantly boost a running back’s efficiency and volume. Research team offensive line rankings.
Coaching Tendencies: Some coaches are known for establishing the run and feeding their primary running back.
Talent vs. Situation: Sometimes, a highly talented running back is stuck in a bad situation (poor offensive line, poor offense overall). Conversely, a less talented back might thrive with immense volume in a great situation. It’s a balance to consider.

Utilizing Draft Analysis and Value Picks

ADP (Average Draft Position): Use ADP as a guide, but don’t be a slave to it. If you see a player you love falling outside their ADP, that’s a value pick.
Expert Rankings: Consult multiple expert rankings and draft analysis reports to get a broader perspective on player valuations.
Mock Drafts: Participate in mock drafts to practice your strategy, see how drafts typically unfold, and identify where you can find value.
Tier-Based Drafting: Group players into tiers. Once you draft a player in a tier, you know the remaining players in that tier are roughly equivalent in your eyes. This helps you avoid reaching or missing out on players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many running backs are typically drafted in a fantasy football league?

In a 12-team league with standard roster sizes, most teams will draft between four and six running backs over the course of the 15-16 rounds. This usually includes two starters and two to four bench players.

Is it okay to draft zero running backs in the first five rounds?

Yes, it is a viable strategy known as “Zero RB.” It involves prioritizing other positions like wide receivers or tight ends in the early rounds and then targeting running backs with high upside in the middle to late rounds, or relying on waiver wire pickups.

What is a “Hero RB” strategy?

The “Hero RB” strategy involves drafting one elite, high-volume running back early in your fantasy football draft to anchor your team at the position, and then addressing other needs before taking more running backs in the later rounds.

How does league scoring affect my RB draft strategy?

In PPR leagues, pass-catching running backs gain more value. In standard leagues, pure volume and touchdown-scoring running backs are paramount. Your strategy should adapt to the scoring format.

When should I consider drafting a running back’s direct backup?

Drafting a running back’s direct backup is a smart move when your primary RB is injury-prone or when the backup is a talented player who would see a massive increase in volume if the starter were to miss time. This is often done in the later rounds as a speculative pick or as a handcuff.

By carefully considering these strategies, league settings, and your specific draft position, you can construct a dominant running back stable that will carry your team to fantasy football glory.