Two of the most popular draft strategies in fantasy football right now are Zero RB and Hero RB, and both come with advantages and risks.
Zero RB means you skip running backs early and load up on wide receivers, quarterbacks, or tight ends. The idea is that WRs are more consistent, while RBs are more volatile and injury-prone. Then, you fill out your RB spots later with handcuffs, backups, and pass-catching specialists. This strategy can work if you find the right sleepers, but it puts a lot of pressure on your late-round picks to hit.
Hero RB, on the other hand, is more balanced. You draft one elite RB early to anchor your roster, then build the rest of your team with strong receivers and depth at QB/TE before coming back to RB later. It’s a safer approach because you’re still getting stability from a top running back without over-investing in a risky position.
In today’s NFL, with teams rotating backs more than ever, Hero RB has become the preferred approach for many fantasy managers. It lets you capture the upside of a stud like Bijan Robinson or Christian McCaffrey while still building depth elsewhere.
Fantasy Takeaway: Zero RB can win if you hit the lottery with late-round backs, but Hero RB offers the balance and safety that works better in most leagues.
