If you have been playing fantasy football for a while, you have probably come across several strategies, including Hero RB and Zero RB.
Today, we are going to talk about the Zero RB strategy and how to implement it, and highlight specific backs to draft. But what exactly is Zero RB?
Zero RB is built around loading up on elite non-running-back talent early in your fantasy draft, particularly wide receivers, while also securing a difference-maker at quarterback and/or tight end. While there’s no universally agreed-upon cutoff, I tend to wait until the fifth/sixth rounds before loading up on running backs, but it really all depends on how your draft falls.
The philosophy behind the strategy is simple: The running back position is the most volatile in fantasy football. Injuries are common. Every season, backup running backs emerge as starters and immediately become valuable fantasy assets thanks to increased volume, regardless of their overall talent.
Rather than investing premium draft capital in a position with a high injury risk, Zero RB managers build strength at the more stable positions early and then target multiple high-upside running backs in the middle and late rounds.
The goal is to capitalize on the inevitable chaos at the position while giving yourself multiple chances to uncover league-winning value as the season unfolds. The real question becomes, who to target when implementing a Zero RB build?
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Fantasy Football Zero RB Targets to Draft
Using PPR Scoring settings in a traditional 12-team league, here are 19 running backs I’d target starting in the fifth round.
Round 5
Jadarian Price (RB – SEA), Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
Jadarian Price will have every opportunity to be the lead back in Week 1 with Zach Charbonnet recovering from his injury.
Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle
Round 6
Tony Pollard (RB – TEN), Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
Tony Pollard averaged 5.5 yards per carry (YPC) and 99.7 total yards per game last season. The Titans didn’t really add much competition to the backfield.
Chubba Hubbard still offers RB1 value on the Panthers’ roster, but a healthy Jonathon Brooks offers a higher ceiling.
Round 7
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN), Kenneth Gainwell (RB – TB), Rico Dowdle (RB – PIT)
Bucky Irving was a fantasy darling two years ago, but regressed mightily last season. Kenneth Gainwell is quarterback-friendly and could have a big impact on Tampa Bay’s passing game.
Round 8
Blake Corum (RB – LAR), Rachaad White (RB – WSH)
Blake Corum could be a league winner if anything happens to Kyren Williams. Including the playoffs, Corum handled double-digit touches in nine of the Rams’ last 14 games.
Rachaad White has the chance to be the Commanders’ No. 1 RB. With only Jacory Croskey-Merritt and sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen to compete with.
Round 9
Aaron Jones (RB – MIN), Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
I prefer Jason Mason over Aaron Jones if choosing a back from the Vikings. Jones is fading fast with age, and Mason has proven to be an efficient runner between the tackles.
Round 10
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG)
Tyrone Tracey Jr. is an insurance policy for Cam Skattebo. He is primed for a big role if Skattebo has a setback in his recovery.
Round 11
Keaton Mitchell (RB – LAC), Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – JAX)
Keaton Mitchell is a great handcuff to Omarion Hampton. Mitchell has game-breaking speed and is a big play waiting to happen. He could be a nice weapon for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Round 12
Woody Marks (RB – HOU), Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI)
Both backs are great handcuff options.
Round 13
Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE), Jonah Coleman (RB – DEN)
Dylan Sampson and Jonah Coleman are buried on their respective depth charts and need a few injuries to see meaningful playing time.
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