Best Ball Fantasy Football: Hero Running Back Strategy

The rise of Best Ball fantasy football leagues has added excitement to the fantasy football landscape. Strategies have emerged to help players maximize their chances of success. One strategy is the “Hero Running Back” approach. This strategy focuses on drafting a single elite running back early in the draft, then waiting until later rounds to fill out the rest of your running back room while prioritizing other positions in the middle rounds. Here’s how to implement the Hero Running Back strategy in your Best Ball drafts. 

If you’re just getting started in Best Ball fantasy football, read Gator’s Beginner’s Guide first! Once you’re up to speed, check out all of our Best Ball Strategy Articles!

Understanding the Hero Running Back Strategy 

The Hero Running Back strategy centers on securing one top-tier running back in the early rounds of your draft. This player acts as your “hero,” anchoring your team with consistent and high-level production. After securing your hero, you shift your focus to drafting wide receivers, tight ends, and possibly a quarterback in the middle rounds before returning to add depth at the running back position later on. 

Why the Hero Running Back Strategy Works

Scarcity of Elite Running Backs

The top-tier running backs are scarce and often have a significant drop-off in production after the first few rounds. Securing one of these elite backs ensures you have a cornerstone player who can provide reliable points week in and week out. 

Wide Receiver Depth

The depth at the wide receiver position is always greater than that of running backs. By focusing on wide receivers in the middle rounds, you can build a strong and deep wide receiver room, which is crucial in Best Ball formats where weekly variance can be high.

Flexibility and Upside

By loading up on wide receivers and other positions early, you create flexibility and allow yourself to take high-upside running backs later in the draft. These later-round running backs can become valuable assets if they find themselves in favorable situations or if injuries occur to starters. 

Implementing the Hero Running Back Strategy

Draft Your Hero in the Early Rounds

In the first round, prioritize drafting a running back who is a proven workhorse and has minimal competition for touches. Players like Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, and Breece Hall fit this mold. These backs provide a high floor and ceiling, making them ideal heroes. 

Focus on Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

After securing your hero, turn your attention to wide receivers and tight ends in rounds 2 through 7. Aim to draft high-upside wide receivers who can deliver spike weeks. Additionally, if you have the opportunity to grab an elite tight end like Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews, do so, as the positional advantage can be significant.

Draft High-Upside Running Backs in the Later Rounds

In Rounds 8 and beyond, start targeting running backs with potential upside. These could be handcuffs to injury-prone starters, backups in high-powered offenses, or rookies with a chance to carve out significant roles. Players like Elijah Mitchell & Blake Corum are examples of later-round running backs who can provide substantial value. 

Monitor Bye Weeks and Build Depth

While focusing on upside, be mindful of bye weeks to ensure you have coverage for your hero running back. Draft enough running backs to provide depth and mitigate the risk of injuries. In Best Ball, it’s better to have a few more running backs than fewer, as the automatic lineup setting benefits from having multiple options.

Conclusion 

The Hero Running Back strategy offers a balanced and flexible approach to Best Ball drafts. By securing one elite running back early and focusing on wide receivers, tight ends, and potentially a quarterback in the middle rounds, you can build a robust and high-upside team. Remember to target high-upside running backs later in the draft to complement your hero and provide depth. With careful planning and execution, the Hero Running Back strategy can position you for success in your Best Ball leagues. 

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