Fantasy Football is a game of strategy. Among the many tactics that fantasy managers employ, the Zero RB and Hero RB approaches have gained popularity in recent seasons. These strategies focus on how to best allocate early draft picks, particularly when it comes to the running back position.

Creator: Rey Del Rio | Copyright: 2021 Rey Del Rio

The Zero RB Strategy

The Zero RB strategy involves deliberately avoiding the selection of running backs in the early rounds of a fantasy football draft. Instead, managers prioritize other positions, such as wide receivers and tight ends, aiming to capitalize on the depth and consistency these positions offer. The idea is to minimize risk in the early rounds and focus on positions with more predictable performance.

Benefits of Zero RB:

1. Mitigating Risk:

Running backs are more prone to injury than other positions. By avoiding early investments in this position, managers reduce the risk of losing a high draft pick to injury. A majority of the time you will see a handful of first and second round running backs have injuries that last multiple weeks. An example of this last year was Nick Chubb losing his season to an ACL injury early last year.

2. Capitalizing on Depth:

The Zero RB strategy relies on the depth of the running back position. By waiting until later rounds, managers can select high-upside backups or committee backs who could emerge as starters due to injuries or performance. You will be able to find these guys later after rounds 4 and 5.

3. Maximizing Value:

By drafting elite wide receivers and tight ends early, managers can secure consistent, high-scoring players while still finding value in the later rounds at running back. You can get an elite receiver or two in the first three rounds while gaining a positional advantage at QB or TE. Players that you can get that have high volume later in the draft include Zach Moss, Devin Singletary, James Conner. and Zamir White. These players will all receive 15+ touches to start the season and will look like steals in the draft.

Hero RB Strategy

The Hero RB Strategy In contrast, the Hero RB strategy involves selecting a top-tier running back early in the draft. This approach is often used when a manager has a high draft pick and can secure one of the elite running backs.

Benefits of Hero RB:

1. Securing a Stud:

By drafting a top running back early, managers ensure they have a reliable, high-scoring player at a position that can be difficult to fill with consistent production. We all know how valuable the top end running backs are and that is why we always discuss drafting them because of their positional value. When you get a guy like Christian McCaffrey you know if he is healthy, he is getting you 20+ points every week.

2. Flexibility in Later Rounds:

With a stud running back secured, managers can focus on other positions in the middle rounds, knowing they have a solid foundation at running back. It is easier to find hidden gems at QB, WR, and TE compared to RB in fantasy drafts. In PPR drafts you can find consistent WR2 / WR3 caliber players through round 10. You can also go searching for that QB in the later rounds you believe is a good value.

3. Trade Value:

A top running back can be a valuable trade asset if a manager decides to pivot strategies mid-season. Teams will be looking to solidify their backfield if they feel they can’t find consistency at the position before the trade deadline. Since you loaded up on RBs in the draft you have the flexibility of trading one to upgrade a position of need for your team.

Both Zero RB and Hero RB strategies offer unique benefits and can be effective depending on the draft position and the overall strategy of the manager. Zero RB minimizes risk and capitalizes on depth, while Hero RB secures a stud and provides flexibility. The key to success in fantasy football is not just in the strategy but in the execution and the ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of the game.