Changing your Fantasy Football Draft Strategy can be tough, but it’s necessary in today’s game. In the past, winning relied heavily on having a top-tier running back who could handle 20 rushing attempts and play all three downs. However, that’s not the case anymore. That’s why some people are considering the Zero Running Back Strategy (zero RB strategy). This means you don’t draft a running back until at least the fifth round. Keep in mind; this strategy may only work in some leagues, such as the Scott Fish Bowl. Make sure you know your league rules before making any decisions on if you will use this strategy.
Zero RB Strategy is Here to Stay
The Last Three Workhorses
If you’re thinking about using the Zero RB Strategy this year, it may be worth considering why it could be a smart move in 2023. During the previous season, only three running backs had an average of 20+ touches per game (TPG), as indicated below:
Running Back TPG in 2022
-Derrick Henry (23.0 TPG)
-Josh Jacobs (23.1TPG)
-Saquon Barkley (22.0 TPG)
In the NFL, teams now often use more than one running back, making it challenging to have a workhorse running back on your fantasy team. As teams devalue running backs, so should fantasy managers. In 2005, 18 running backs averaged 20+ touches per game. In light of recent developments, it is crucial to modify your draft strategy for the upcoming year.
Wide Receivers Are Scoring Points
One factor is the changing nature of the wide receiver role. In 2022, six wide receivers in Yahoo Sports’ full-point PPR formats averaged 18 or more points per game (PPG). Below are the names of these six players.
Wide Receivers 18+ PPG in 2022:
-Justin Jefferson 22.1 ppg
-Tyreek Hill 20.8 ppg
-Devante Adams 20.5 ppg
-Stefon Diggs 18.5 ppg
-AJ Brown 18.4 ppg
-Ceedee Lamb 18.2 ppg
The NFL has transformed into a faster and higher-scoring league, which has made the wide receiver position more important than ever in both the NFL and Fantasy Football. Having a top-tier wide receiver is crucial for success in Fantasy Football, but they can be challenging to find. It’s essential to prioritize drafting one or two of these star wide receivers early in your draft. Not all league managers in your league will use this strategy, so getting a top-tier receiver(s) is highly possible.
Keep An Eye On The Free Agent Pool (Waiver Wire)
To improve your chances of success in Fantasy Football, it’s important to keep an eye on the waiver wire and consider picking up a backup running back. These players can become valuable contributors to your team, especially if the starting running back gets injured. Backup running backs are similar to a team’s premier backup quarterback and are often referred to as “handcuff” players. Running backs are more prone to injuries due to the physical demands of their position, which means their backups may have more opportunities to play. By building a strong team with dependable wide receivers and handcuff players, you can increase your chances of winning in Fantasy Football.
League owners have found the Zero Running Back Strategy to be an enjoyable and well-liked tactic. To prepare for the draft night, research and practice this Fantasy Football Draft Strategy during a mock draft. By adopting a zero RB strategy and making strategic moves during waiver wire periods, you can surpass your league mates and stand out from the competition.
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