Does the Zero-RB draft strategy work? Fantasy football players have argued about it for years. The truth is it can work if executed correctly and if Lady Luck is on your side.
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Zero RB Fantasy Football Draft Strategy
How does the strategy work? You don’t avoid running backs during the entire draft, just the first handful of hands. Typically, you wait until the fifth or sixth round to draft your first running back using this strategy.
Instead of targeting running backs early in your draft, you want to load up at other positions. Ideally, you want to secure a stud wide receiver, an elite tight end, and a top-tier quarterback. The point of this strategy is to sacrifice at running back to have a star-studded lineup at other positions.
While the Zero-RB strategy works in all scoring leagues, it is the easiest to execute in PPR leagues. The reason why this strategy works best in PPR scoring leagues is that pass-catching running backs can offer top-24 performances some weeks. It is also a more appealing strategy in superflex leagues, as teams will let running backs slide as they load up on quarterbacks early in the draft.
This draft strategy isn’t ideal if you have a top pick in a 1QB league. You don’t want to pass on Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley. Instead, you want to use the Hero-RB strategy. Draft Robinson or Barkley in the first round, then wait till the later rounds to load up on running backs.
Types of Running Backs to Target
High Upside Backs
The key to successfully pulling off the Zero-RB strategy is to hit on the running backs in the later rounds. One type you need to target is high-upside running backs. These players currently don’t have the most upside but have a potential path to a top-12 finish.
Typically, these running backs are guys who have a shot at replacing the current starter with or without needing an injury. Some potential targets include Bhayshul Tuten and Jordan Mason.
Handcuffs
Handcuffing your running backs could be the key to winning your fantasy league. However, targeting other teams’ handcuffs is the key to successfully pulling off a Zero-RB draft strategy. Every year, running backs get hurt, whether for a few weeks or the rest of the season. The backup can fill the void and produce at a similar level most of the time.
Kenneth Walker III missed a career-high six games in 2024 with multiple injuries. His handcuff, Zach Charbonnet, averaged a rushing touchdown and 17.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game while filling in as the starter for Walker. Some other potential targets besides Charbonnet include Isaac Guerendo and Tyler Allgeier.
PPR Stars
It’s easier to execute a Zero-RB draft strategy in a PPR-scoring league because there is more depth at the running back position. Running backs who don’t provide much fantasy value on the ground are borderline worthless in non-PPR or standard scoring. However, they are excellent, safe floor players in PPR scoring and provide critical value when using a Zero-RB draft strategy.
Usually, any running back that averages 3.5 or more receptions per game typically scores at least 10 PPR fantasy points per contest. These running backs won’t win you the league, but they will provide a safe floor option for your RB2 slot. Some potential targets include Jaylen Warren and Dylan Sampson.
Early Season Fillers
Most of the running backs you draft will be lottery tickets or high-upside players. However, you will need a few stable options for the first couple of weeks of the season. These running backs can be the same PPR targets mentioned above.
They can also be running backs you can count on to start the year, but might get replaced or hurt after a few weeks. A couple of veterans you should target for the first few weeks of the season include Najee Harris and Aaron Jones.
The Ideal Zero-RB Start
Round 1: Superstar Wide Receiver
Everyone has heard the saying, “You can’t win your league in the first round, but you can lose it.” Well, that’s 100% accurate. It’s even more meaningful when using the Zero-RB strategy. Unless you’re playing in a superflex league, you want to draft a stud wide receiver in the first round. Ideally, you want a high-volume wide receiver with a safe floor like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, or Malik Nabers.
Round 2: Elite Tight End
Some have the mindset of waiting till the later rounds to draft a tight end. However, you will want an elite tight end if your running back position lacks a superstar. Having a weekly advantage at the tight end position is critical if you use this draft strategy. Grabbing Brock Bowers or Trey McBride when using a Zero-RB strategy is a MUST.
Round 3: Top Tier Quarterback
Like with tight ends, you want an elite quarterback on your team. The gap between the top five quarterbacks and the rest in the top 12 is significant this year. Fantasy players can consider waiting until the fourth round to draft a quarterback and grab another wide receiver with this pick. However, leaving your draft with one of the top five quarterbacks should be your goal when using a Zero-RB strategy.
Round 4: High Upside WR2
If you want to go with an abbreviated version of the Zero-RB strategy, you can draft a running back in this round. If not, targeting a high-end WR2 is the alternative. After grabbing a safe floor stud wide receiver in the first round, you want to target a high-upside player with this pick, even if they come with significant risk. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Xavier Worthy are two appealing options.
Round 5: Another Wide Receiver
After taking a high-upside wide receiver with one of your previous two picks, fantasy players can play it safer with their WR3 selection. While you want to aim for upside when picking using the Zero-RB strategy, it’s always good to have roster balance, especially with your early-round picks. Courtland Sutton, Tetairoa McMillan, and Zay Flowers are potential fifth-round draft targets.
Potential Zero RB Draft Targets
- Round 6: James Conner & David Montgomery
- Round 7: Quinshon Judkins & Aaron Jones
- Round 8: Brian Robinson Jr. & Jaylen Warren
- Round 9: Najee Harris & Zach Charbonnet
- Round 10: Jordan Mason & Travis Etienne Jr.
- Round 11: Bhayshul Tuten & Jaydon Blue
- Round 12: Trey Benson & Isaac Guerendo
- Round 13: Ray Davis & Rico Dowdle
- Round 14: Tyler Allgeier & Dylan Sampson
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
