Yards Per Fantasy University: Zero RB

The next course in our YPF University series focuses on the polarizing niche draft strategy known as Zero RB.

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Defining Zero RB

The Zero RB term and strategy was originated by Shawn Siegele back in 2013. The basis of the strategy—as defined by Siegele—is to take, at most, one high-upside running back in either the fourth or fifth round of a draft or, in most cases, not to take any until at least the sixth round.

Why Zero RB?

At a time when the running back position is booming, why would we not take advantage and draft multiple in the first few rounds of our drafts? Especially considering how deep the wide receiver position is perceived to be. The answer is not cut-and-dry but it’s not that complicated either. When the Zero RB Draft strategy was first coined by Shawn Siegele, the forefront of his argument was that running backs are far more fragile and have a high bust rate compared to the other positions. The basis of the strategy then became to load up on WRs early with at least one QB or TE in the first five rounds, then find running backs with upside for high scoring weeks without paying high draft capital. The ultimate goal is that by the end of the season, we are just as strong at RB as our leaguemates. The difference is, we also have stud wide receivers and tight ends because we drafted top-tier guys early.

We want to build a juggernaut. A successful Zero RB team will do this while accessing upside and unlocking a ceiling greater than that of other roster constructions. Drafting third round running backs who don’t have elite running back ceilings, won’t allow our teams to reach their maximum potential.

When To Draft Zero RB?

Of course, this is easier said than done. Zero RB is a very niche strategy that can be very effective. But we have to know when to use it.

League settings are important when considering taking the Zero RB approach to draft day. The optimal leagues for this strategy will have:

• FAAB bidding: This allows you to be aggressive and be sure you acquire hot waiver wire RBs
• PPR: A must to pull this off
• Two RB starters: Allows the chance to load up on WRs early as opponent drafters are taking more RBs and  taking them earlier 
• Able to start at least 4-5 WRs: With all those early WRs, you’ll have an edge in multiple starting slots
• You’re not passing on elite bellcow RBs like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, or Dalvin Cook

How To Zero RB

Okay, so now we understand the strategy and when to use it. But now we need to know how to do it effectively. 

Zero RB works best as a contrarian strategy when the majority of drafters are going RB-heavy. This will leave a ton of wide receiver talent for us to absorb. After we load up on wide receivers early, with maybe a top-three tight end in the mix as well, we will eventually need to start drafting running backs. This is where it gets challenging. It’s not easy to find quality running back talent with potential to smash their ADP once we get passed the first few rounds. This is why so many fantasy drafters shy away from Zero RB. But it’s also why it’s so effective when done right. Luckily, analysts like Siegele, J.J. Zachariason, and Pat Kerrane have done extensive work to help us identify which running backs fit the archetype of a strong Zero RB target.

What we are looking for in middle and late round running backs:

• Have standalone value/are not traditional handcuffs
• Come from ambiguous backfields
• Pass-Catchers
• Have TD upside 
• Are athletic 
• Play in good offenses

Once the draft is complete, the strategy is not over. It’s really just getting started. We need to be vigilant and aggressive on the waiver wire, identifying running backs who can capture the same type of upside we look for in our draft targets. Luckily, because we took such a different approach on draft day, we won’t have to compete as much with our leagumates for waiver pickups. While they are already strong at RB, they are more likely to be targeting wide receivers and tight ends off waivers. As Zero RB drafters, we will already be strong at wide receiver and have less competition for those important running back adds.

Professor: Follow @a_johnsonFF