Fantasy Football: Which Types of Running Backs Are Best for Zero-RB Rosters?

Different strategies have been deployed across fantasy football over the years in hopes of finding consistent success. One of the strategies that has become more and more popular in recent years is "Zero Running Back."

The idea of Zero RB is to wait until the later rounds to select running backs instead of targeting the early-round options at the position. Fading the big-name running backs and finding upside with later-round picks is the name of the game for this tactic.

With that in mind, how should we go about trying to find running backs who possess upside in the later rounds? Let's take a look at which types of running backs are best for those who want to utilize the Zero RB ploy in fantasy football drafts.

Zero RB Running Back Types to Target

Running Backs Who Could See Increased Role if Starter/Backup Misses Time

Injuries are inevitable at running back due to the wear and tear the position endures each season. When selecting a running back -- regardless of which strategy you are using in a draft -- we understandably want to find players who are going to garner consistent touches in their respective offenses.

At the running back position, there are players like Christian McCaffrey who dominate a backfield's workload. On the other hand, there are running backs who share touches with another capable player, which could limit both of their upsides in fantasy football.

Selecting a backup who would earn the majority of touches if the starter misses time is a solid strategy in zero RB builds. Jerome Ford and Gus Edwards are perfect examples for this as Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins both sustained unfortunate season-ending ailments last year, leading to both Ford and Edwards finishing as RB20 or better in half-PPR formats.

Additionally, a starter who splits the workload with another back could see an uptick in usage if the backup suffers an injury, making them more valuable in fantasy football. If the running back has some sort of a path to consistent touches due to missed time or a decreased role from another player, they may be worth taking on a zero RB roster.

Running Backs Who Are Capable of Getting Passing-Down Work

Running backs around the league have different skill sets and are more effective in certain situations. Teams may choose to deploy multiple backs who possess differing attributes, which tends to lead to running back rooms that cause headaches for those who play fantasy football.

Finding running backs who are able to catch passes and be on the field during passing downs can be a worthwhile tactic in zero RB builds. Teams also prioritize players who can excel in pass protection, so take note of the players who are drawing rave reviews in that area.

This point of emphasis can be applied to the above strategy about targeting running backs who could see an expanded role if the starter or backup misses time. If a running back is a capable receiver and can be an extension of the offensive line in pass protection, they have a better chance of earning an increased workload at some point.

The perfect example of this archetype is Kyren Williams. Williams caught 32 passes for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns while consistently getting praise from Sean McVay for his pass protection and receiving chops en route to finishing last season as the RB2 in fantasy points per game (19.9) in half-PPR leagues despite being one of the later picks in many drafts.

Running Backs Who Could Get Goal-Line Work

Touchdowns are undoubtedly valuable at every position in fantasy football, and we simply want to find running backs who have the best chances of finding the end zone often. There are some teams like the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles who have quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts who dominate goal-line touches in the running game.

Aside from the teams with dual-threat quarterbacks, there are some teams who have a designated goal-line back for short-yardage situations. The Detroit Lions are a prime example of this last season with how they utilized David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

While Gibbs finished with the 11th-most fantasy points per game (14.4) in half-PPR formats a season ago, Montgomery was right behind with 14.2 fantasy points per game. Montgomery's success was different than Gibbs' as he logged 13 rushing touchdowns while leading the Lions in rushing attempts inside the five-yard line (17).

Some backs are trusted more than others -- sometimes due to size -- to handle goal-line work. Finding late-round running backs who have a chance to score double-digit touchdowns can be the difference between a zero RB roster having success or not.

Rookie Running Backs Who Could See Increased Role as Season Progresses

Given the fragility of the position, there are almost always going to be rookie running backs who are expected to start immediately. But there are also common situations where a first-year back will need to earn playing time by gaining the trust of the coaching staff and quarterback.

As mentioned above, pass protection is crucial in the NFL, and running backs aren't going to see the field often if they can't pick up blitzes at a consistent rate. Being the reason why the starting quarterback is getting hit or sacked is one way for a rookie running back to remain a reserve on the bench.

Besides pass protection, we need to ask ourselves if the rookie running back has a realistic path to an expanded role, passing-down work, or touches near the end zone as the season advances. Even though Gibbs wasn't a late-round pick last year, his journey as a rookie last season fits this point.

After scoring fewer than 10 fantasy points in each of his first four games in 2023-24, Gibbs got more comfortable in Deroit's offense and earned the trust of Dan Campbell and Jared Goff, leading to him producing 15-plus fantasy points in 7 of his last 11 contests. Finding a late-round rookie running back who can be a consistent starter in your lineup down the stretch is like hitting gold in zero RB builds.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.