Running backs are back. Over the past couple of seasons, we’ve seen a real renaissance at the position. They’ve stayed healthier than usual, and the top backs are outproducing the elite wide receivers for fantasy football.
That said, one of the most popular roster-building approaches in fantasy drafts is Hero RB, also referred to as Anchor RB.
So what is that exactly?
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Fantasy Football Draft Strategy & Targets: Hero RB
Implementing a Hero RB or Anchor RB draft strategy means selecting one of the elite backs early — typically in round one or round two — and then hammering wide receivers, while also spending up at the onesie positions (quarterback and tight end).
The allure of this approach lets you lock in a true difference-maker at running back, while still allowing you to load up on premium talent at the other positions. After you’ve built a well-balanced core, you can focus on filling your RB2 slot and adding depth later in the draft.
Hero RB Targets
Here’s how to attack the running back position at the top of the draft if you’re trying to anchor your running back room:
Early Round 1 Targets:
Middle Round 1 Targets:
Late Round 1 Targets:
If you want to go receiver with your first pick, you can still utilize this approach — especially if you’re drafting near the back half of the first round.
On the way back in a snake draft, there are some attractive options available in the early-to-middle part of the second round, but the position withers shortly after that. Here are the running backs to target in round two for your first ball-carrier:
Round 2 Options:
- Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
- Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)
- Kenneth Walker III (RB – KC)
- De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
- Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)
Keep in mind these players carry a little more risk, particularly someone like Derrick Henry, who’s entering his age-32 season. But if they hit, they can serve as your RB1 and hold down the position for your roster.
Why Hero RB Works
There just aren’t many bell-cow backs anymore. Only four players recorded over 300 carries in 2025. Twenty years ago, 10 players topped that mark. Most teams administer some form of running back by committee (RBBC) approach, limiting the number of high-touch backs from yesteryear. That’s why it’s important to land a workhorse if you get the chance.
Once you lock in your RB1, turn your attention to receivers who are going to get peppered with targets or are the clear No. 1 option in their offense. Drake London, Nico Collins, George Pickens, Chris Olave, Tetairoa McMillan and Zay Flowers make for great targets in rounds two and three if you took a running back in round one.
This build also gives you the freedom to splurge a little at tight end or quarterback. High-upside options like Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren are available in rounds four and five.
Or maybe you spend up for one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson or Drake Maye. That’s the beauty of building this way — while others are chasing middling rushers, you are adding talent at the top of those other positions.
Later-Round RB Targets
Round 6:
Round 8:
Round 9:
Round 10:
Round 11 or Later:
- Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI)
- Nicholas Singleton (RB – TEN)
- Keaton Mitchell (RB – LAC)
- Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE)
- Kaytron Allen (RB – WSH)
Dos and Don’ts of Hero RB
- Do take an every-down running back in the first two rounds — preferably in round one. You want someone who will get the rock 20+ times per game.
- Don’t stress about your RB2 spot. It’s the easiest spot in fantasy to play the matchups on a week-to-week basis.
- Do smash wide receivers in rounds two through four, focusing on high-volume players and top target-earners in their own offense.
- Don’t load up on older backs. Running back is a young man’s game; older ball-carriers have a greater risk of injury and decline.
- Do spend up at quarterback and tight end. With this approach, you want to be strong everywhere else.
- Don’t take low-floor running backs late. You want to take shots on high-upside rushers, ones who catch passes or play in high-powered offenses.
Hero RB Mock Draft
Using FantasyPros’ fantasy football mock draft simulator, I completed a mock draft from the 10th spot so you can see what a team using the Hero RB approach might look like.
This is a 12-team, full-PPR mock draft with the following roster requirements: 1 -QB, 2-RB, 3-WR, 1-TE, 1-FLEX, 1-K, 1-D/ST and six bench spots.
1.10: James Cook (RB – BUF)
James Cook was the RB6 in fantasy points per game (17.8) last season with 350-touch potential in one of the most explosive offenses in football.
2.03: George Pickens (WR – DAL)
George Pickens was the fantasy WR5 in 2025 with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Huge upside catching passes from Dak Prescott.
3.10: Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
Lamar Jackson‘s top target. Zay Flowers was fifth in yards per route run (2.62) among receivers and averaged 14.3 fantasy points per game (WR12) last season.
4.03: Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
Emeka Egbuka had 938 receiving yards and six scores as a rookie. Room to go up with Mike Evans no longer in Tampa.
5.10: Tyler Warren (TE – IND)
Tyler Warren was the fantasy TE4 through Week 13 when Daniel Jones was starting. It could be better in 2026 without Michael Pittman.
6.03: D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)
Death. Taxes. D’Andre Swift finishing as an RB2. He had nearly 1,400 total yards and scored 10 touchdowns last season, good for 14.3 fantasy points per game (RB16).
7.10: Parker Washington (RB – JAX)
Parker Washington averaged 22.3 fantasy points per game in the final four games. Massive PPR potential in a full-time slot role.
8:03: Tony Pollard (RB – TEN)
Four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Tony Pollard is a dependable running back who can be started during bye weeks.
9.10: Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
Matthew Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns last year. The Rams are gunning for a Super Bowl, so a repeat of last season’s success is possible for the reigning NFL MVP.
10.03: Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
Xavier Worthy is a bounce-back candidate after an injury-plagued 2025. If Rashee Rice misses time, Worthy could be the No. 2 target behind Travis Kelce.
11.10: Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE)
Dylan Sampson had 33 catches as a rookie. Has standalone PPR upside and would be startable if Quinshon Judkins misses any time.
12.03: Keaton Mitchell (RB – LAC)
Mike McDaniel loves speed, and Keaton Mitchell has plenty of it. Could see double-digit touches weekly as a complement to Omarion Hampton.
13.10: Antonio Williams (WR – WSH)
Antonio Williams is a shifty slot weapon who could see significant snaps opposite Terry McLaurin.
14.03: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – WSH)
Chigoziem Okonkwo signed a three-year deal this offseason and could be Jayden Daniels‘ No. 2 target in the passing game.
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Wolf Trelles-Heard is a fantasy football analyst for FantasyPros. Find him on X at @DynastyFFWolf.