Best Strategies for Drafting Running Backs in Fantasy Football: Essential Draft Tips for Beginners
Fantasy football is a fun way to enjoy the game and compete with friends. Running backs are very important because they can score a lot of points and help you win. In this guide, you will learn the best strategies for drafting running backs in fantasy football. We will share easy tips to improve your drafting and roster management skills, so you can perform better in your fantasy league.
Running Back Importance in Fantasy Leagues
Running backs (RBs) are like the backbone of your fantasy football team. They score points consistently and often carry the weight of your roster. In many leagues, RBs are the highest-scoring players. Understanding their importance can significantly impact your success. So, why should beginners care about RBs?
Key Takeaway: Drafting strong RBs can lead to winning weeks. They get more carries, touchdowns, and can even catch passes.
When you look at the stats, you’ll see that having two solid RBs can set you apart from others in your league. In most leagues, you must start at least two RBs each week. This means that RBs often go fast in drafts, especially the top ones. (Imagine a hot cake at a bakery; it’s gone in seconds!)
What to Look For:
- Workload: Check how many touches a player gets. You want someone who gets about 20 touches per game. More touches mean more chances to score points.
- Injury History: Look at how often they get hurt. Some players have a track record of injuries, which can hurt your team.
- Team Offense: Research the offense they play for. A strong offense usually translates to more scoring opportunities.
Remember, not all RBs are created equal. Finding those who can catch passes or score touchdowns can boost your points significantly.
Fantasy Football Running Back Draft Tips for Beginners
Now, let’s get into how to draft running backs in fantasy football effectively. As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry! Here are some essential tips to guide your draft process.
Key Takeaway: Prioritize running backs early in your draft. They are crucial to your team’s success.
- Research Players: Before your draft, spend time reviewing player stats, injury reports, and their roles on their NFL teams. This will give you a sense of who to target.
- Mock Drafts: Participate in mock drafts to practice your strategy. This helps you understand when to pick RBs and how the draft board might look.
- Stay Updated: Follow the latest news right up until your draft. Injuries or trades can change a player’s value instantly.
Sample Draft Scenario:
Imagine you’re in the middle of a 10-team draft. You notice that three top RBs are already off the board. You have the choice between a top wide receiver or the next best RB. If you choose the wide receiver, there’s a chance you miss out on a solid RB who could be a game-changer.
In this case, go for the RB because they are more challenging to find later in the draft. This decision can set you up for a successful season.
Trends in Running Back Performance for Fantasy Drafting
Key Takeaway: Analyzing recent performance trends is vital for making informed decisions.
Trends show how players perform over time. Knowing these can help shape your draft strategy. For example, look at the number of touches a player had last season. Research shows that RBs who had over 370 touches often struggle the following year. They may be more prone to injury or fatigue.
Data Example: In the past few seasons, many top RBs like LeSean McCoy and David Johnson had fewer touches after heavy workloads. This trend indicates you should be cautious with players who had high usage rates last year.
You should also keep an eye on how offenses change. For instance, if a team adds a new quarterback or changes its coach, it might affect how the RB performs.
Adjusting Your Tactics:
Using trends, you can adjust your draft strategy. If you see a player is trending down, consider passing on them for someone who is rising. This can lead to a more robust roster and better weekly scores.
Drafting Running Backs in PPR Leagues Strategies
Key Takeaway: In PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues, you want running backs who can catch the ball.
In PPR leagues, every catch counts for a point. This changes how you should draft RBs. Look for dual-threat RBs who not only run but also catch passes effectively. Players like Christian McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler shine in these formats because they can score points through receptions, not just rushing yards.
Specific Tips for PPR:
- Target Pass-Catching RBs: Look for RBs who are involved in the passing game. They provide more scoring opportunities.
- Check Offensive Schemes: Teams that use a lot of short passes often benefit their RBs. Understand the offensive style of the team when drafting.
Drafting Running Backs vs Wide Receivers
Key Takeaway: Understand when to prioritize RBs over wide receivers.
When you draft, you’ll face decisions between RBs and wide receivers (WRs). While both positions are vital, RBs usually offer more consistent scoring.
- Drafting Order: Early in drafts, focus on securing top RBs. These players are often harder to find later. After securing your RBs, then look to fill in WR spots.
- Balanced Roster: Having a good mix of RBs and WRs is crucial. But if you have to choose, prioritize RBs who can score consistently.
Sample Decision Tree:
- Is a top RB available?
- Yes: Draft him.
- No: Look for the next best RB or a solid WR depending on your league’s scoring rules.
This decision-making process can help you stay organized and focused during your draft.
Conclusion: Summarizing Your Winning Draft Strategy
As you prepare for your fantasy football draft, remember the importance of running backs. They can be game-changers for your team. By utilizing the best strategies for drafting running backs in fantasy football, you can build a strong roster that leads to victory.
Keep researching, stay updated, and practice through mock drafts. Use these strategies to make informed decisions that can enhance your fantasy football performance.
FAQs
Q: How can I evaluate a running back’s potential beyond the basic stats to make smarter draft decisions?
A: To evaluate a running back’s potential beyond basic stats, consider their team context, including the team’s win-loss record and overall offensive capability, as these factors influence scoring opportunities. Additionally, assess the running back’s age, durability, and the quality of their offensive line and teammates, as these elements can greatly impact their performance and opportunities for success.
Q: What adjustments should I make to my running back strategy if I’m in a PPR league compared to a standard scoring format?
A: In a PPR league, prioritize running backs who are active in the passing game and can catch passes, as they gain additional points for each reception. Consider drafting running backs with high reception totals or those who play in offenses that utilize short passing plays, as they will have more opportunities to score points compared to standard scoring formats.
Q: When I’m deciding between a top running back and a top wide receiver in the early rounds, what factors should I consider to determine the best pick?
A: When deciding between a top running back and a top wide receiver in the early rounds, consider the scarcity of the position and their potential for consistent scoring. Top running backs are often scarcer and have a higher per-round differential in scoring, making them more valuable early in the draft, while wide receivers can be found later due to a larger pool of viable options.
Q: How can I use recent trends in running back performance to fine-tune my draft strategy throughout the season?
A: To fine-tune your draft strategy throughout the season, monitor the performance trends of running backs, focusing on regression toward the mean and injury rates. Prioritize drafting established veterans in the early rounds, as they typically provide more consistent performance, while considering emerging talents or rookies in later rounds to balance risk and reward.