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What is Zero RB strategy and how can it help you dominate your best-ball fantasy football drafts?
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Fantasy football enthusiasts are constantly seeking innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge in best ball tournaments. One approach that has gained considerable attention and success in recent years is the “Zero RB” draft strategy.
In this article, we will dive into the concept of Zero RB and discuss how it can be effectively used to maximize your chances of advancement and victory in best ball tournaments.
What is the Zero RB strategy?
The Zero RB strategy is built on the premise of minimizing investments in running backs during the early rounds of your draft, instead focusing on other positions such as wide receivers and tight ends. While running backs are traditionally viewed as the backbone of fantasy teams, the Zero RB strategy capitalizes on the volatile and injury-prone nature of the position, aiming to find value and consistency elsewhere.
Advantages of Zero RB in Best Ball Tournaments
- Wide Receiver Depth: By targeting top-tier wide receivers early in the draft, Zero RB maximizes the advantage of the position’s depth and consistency. Wide receivers often provide a higher floor and a more predictable weekly output compared to running backs.
- Upside Potential: In best ball tournaments, you need to accumulate as many high-scoring weeks as possible. Wide receivers have a greater potential for explosive performances, generating significant point differentials that can make a substantial impact on your overall score.
- PPR Scoring Leverage: In formats that award 1 point per reception (PPR) or half-PPR, Zero RB becomes even more potent. Wide receivers are more likely to accumulate receptions and yards, enhancing their value and overall contribution to your team’s success.
- Unpredictable Running Back Landscape: In recent years, the NFL has witnessed increased committee backfields, injury concerns and unpredictable usage patterns. The Zero RB strategy mitigates the risks associated with investing heavily in running backs, ensuring you are not left with underperforming or injured players.
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Implementing the Zero RB Draft Strategy
- Focus on Elite Wide Receivers: In the early rounds of your draft, target the top-tier wide receivers who have high target shares, established quarterback connections and consistent production. Landing and elite receiver early will set you up for success throughout the season.
- Leverage Late-Round Running Backs: Instead of drafting running backs early, shift your focus to the middle and late rounds, targeting high-upside options, pass-catching specialists, and backups who have a clear path to significant playing time. This approach allows you to accumulate depth and capitalize on favorable matchups.
- Balance with Value at Other Positions: While wide receivers take precedence in the Zero RB strategy, don’t neglect other positions. Identify value picks at tight end and quarterback to round out your roster and ensure overall balance.
- Trust the Process: The Zero RB strategy requires patience and faith in your pre-draft research. Understand that it may take time for your roster to reach its peak performance, but when it does, the results can be highly rewarding.
When should you draft your first RB in Zero RB strategy?
Of course, when we discuss “Zero RB” strategy, we aren’t actually talking about a draft in which you select zero running backs for your team. The term simply means you wait until later in your draft to select your first player at the RB position.
For the highest rate of success, you want to be sure to have at least 1 RB on your team by the end of Round 7, if not the end of Round 6. Waiting any longer diminishes the positive returns of the Zero RB strategy.
Finding value at the RB position in the later rounds can be tricky, so you’ll need to do your research. Here are a few tips for finding sleeper running backs in the late rounds:
What to look for in late-round RBs
- Opportunity and Upside Potential: Look for running backs who have a clear path to playing time or an opportunity for an increased workload. Consider factors such as injuries to starters, competition in the backfield or the team’s offensive scheme. Focus on players who possess the potential for significant fantasy production if given the opportunity. One example? Jerome Ford, who is Nick Chubb’s top backup for the Cleveland Browns. As Chubb’s top backup in 2022, Kareem Hunt got 123 carries to Chubb’s 302. Look for Ford to have a similar workload in 2023, which would provide good value, as Ford’s current average draft position (ADP) for Underdog best-ball tournaments is 161.5.
- Pass-Catching Abilities: In PPR or half-PPR leagues, prioritize running backs who are involved in their team’s passing game. These players have a higher floor due to their ability to accumulate points through receptions, even if their rushing output is limited.
- Talent Evaluation: Evaluate the talent and skill set of late-round running backs. Look for players with strong athleticism, good vision and agility. Analyze their college careers, preseason performances and any limited opportunities they might have had in the NFL. Identifying players with potential breakout abilities or hidden talents can be a game-changer for your team.
- Offensive Line Strength: Pay attention to the offensive line of the team the running back is on. Research the offensive line rankings and consider how it may impact the late-round running back’s performance.
- Matchup Analysis: Assess the schedule and upcoming matchups for the late-round running back. Look for favorable matchups against weak run defenses or games where the team is expected to run the ball more frequently. Target players who have a favorable stretch of games or face easier opponents during the fantasy playoffs.
- Preseason Performance and Training Camp Reports: Stay updated on preseason performances and training camp reports. Monitor the buzz surrounding late-round running backs and any positive news that suggests they might have an expanded role or are impressing coaches. This information can help you identify potential breakout candidates.
Remember, not all late-round running backs will pan out, so it’s important to diversify your approach and consider multiple options. Stay informed, do your research and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise during the draft and throughout the season.
My Zero RB Draft
I entered Underdog’s Poodle 3 contest recently and employed the Zero RB strategy. I had the 11th pick in Round 1, which is a good spot to be to go for a Zero RB system.
In the first round, I snagged Detroit WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and followed him up with Las Vegas WR Davante Adams in Round 2. I got Deebo Samuel and Christian Watson in Rounds 3 and 4 and then scooped up Diontae Johnson and Trevor Lawrence in Rounds 5 and 6.
I finally snagged my first RB (James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals) in Round 7 before going back to the WR pool and picking George Pickens in Round 8.
Going with a trio of rookies as my tight ends makes me a bit nervous, but there’s good value to be had if one of them has a breakout season. My wide receiver position is absolutely loaded and there are some solid potential sleepers at running back. We’ll see how this team fares in Underdog’s The Poodle 3 tournament!
Conclusion
The Zero RB draft strategy has gained prominence in best ball tournaments, offering a unique and potentially lucrative approach to team construction. By targeting elite wide receivers early, leveraging late-round running back options, and maintaining flexibility throughout the season, you can maximize your team’s scoring potential and position yourself for success in best ball tournaments. Remember, in the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football, innovation and adaptation are key to staying ahead of the competition.
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Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
