Draft Fantasy Football Running Backs
The old school of thought believes Running Back is by the far the most important position in professional football and in many cases this is correct. A stud work horse Running Back will lead your fantasy team to victory nine times out of ten and while it is very important to have good depth of Running Backs it is equally important not to overvalue the position. The first round of almost every fantasy football draft will see the top 6-10 running backs fly off the board. However, it is imperative you assess the value of each player and decide accordingly if that player indeed warrants your first round selection. In this day and age of pass first offenses and Running Back by committee scenarios, finding at least one feature back can sometimes make a world of difference simply by the number of touches he gets each game. However if that feature back is stuck behind the leagues worst offensive line or on a team that is always playing from behind (and therefore passing a lot) you may be better served looking elsewhere.
There are four standard fantasy draft strategies when it comes filling your roster with a stable of Running Backs; A) Grab a stud Running Back with your first round pick, and then focus on the other positions with your next two picks before returning to the Running Back position. B) Forgo a Running Back in the first round grabbing a big time Quarterback or Wide Receiver. This leaves you with an additional spot to pick up a running back in the all important rounds 2-5. You may very well get a steal and avoid a bust. C) Draft Running Back, Running Back, Running Back. Having three studs you can count on gives your team security and a strong core to build around. You can focus on filling your other positions with your next 5 fantasy picks and still get good value. It may serve you well to grab the “handcuff” to one or two of those Running Backs to insure your team investment. D) Draft Running Back, Wide Receiver, Running Back, Wide Receiver – this strategy will give your fantasy football team balance. And is probably the most common approach to a standard league draft. These first four picks are often followed by Quarterback and Tight End selections. |
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Running Back Fantasy Trade Options
Easily the most sought after position in football. Whether it’s a stud or a backup with potential, most fantasy football trade offers include a Running Back. When it comes to overall fantasy points, the year end top ten is usually littered with Running Backs and it’s often the same 3-5 names year after year. Even the most trade savvy owner can get tripped up and sink his or her season on the wings of a Running Back trade gone wrong. Unlike with the Quarterback position, there are only so many viable Running Back options on a weekly basis. Even the worst Quarterback can get you ten points or so whereas the worst Running Backs (that actually play) could easily get you a “goose egg” or worse! This is why this fantasy position is so very important and why Running Backs are dealt so often.
There are many reasons to trade for a Running Back but here are a few of the more commons instances;
A) Injury – How awful is it to watch your Running Back blow out his knee or suffer a dreaded high ankle sprain? Well it happens, all season every season. Usually fantasy owners who are lucky enough to avoid such tragedies find themselves going deep into the playoffs. For the unlucky masses there is still hope, but before you rush out to make a trade deal, grab the injured players back up! (if he is still available) No position in fantasy football guarantees as many touches or opportunities as the Running Back position. That back up who never got any touches before could be primed for a breakout season!
B) Unforeseen Coaching – One can only make an educated guess as to what a football player’s performance will be any given season. We take an assessment of the previous season, his track record and his current playing status and draft with confidence. Unfortunately we cannot yet gaze into the future and may run into a scenario where a particular runner gets his legs cut out from under him. His coach may decide to switch to a pass first offense or a Running Back by committee leaving you with a part time player that just won’t cut it. This player will be hard to deal away which isn’t always a bad thing. Hang onto him if you have the roster space. The situation could change in the blink of an eye. If you draft a rusher who all of a sudden finds himself on a pass first offense he will hopefully also find himself near the goal line and could be in line for numerous touchdowns. If your Running Back is bogged down in a RBBC (running back by committee) that other guy could easily get injured freeing up more touches for your Running Back. Even if some sort of miracle occurs making your fantasy Running Back a viable option you will still want to see about obtaining a more reliable option, so be prepared. That Running Back you drafted to be a starter could very easily be reduced to spot start duty at best.
C) Poor Draft – At the end of your draft you may find yourself a little light at the Running Back position. Sometimes things just do not bounce your way and you are forced to adjust. This usually means you are strong somewhere else (hopefully) meaning you could always deal with what you have or trade off some of that strength to create a more balanced team. Either way can be very effective so a trade may not be warranted. As always keep your eyes open and watch the waiver wire for viable Running Back options in lieu of trading.
There are many reasons to trade for a Running Back but here are a few of the more commons instances;
A) Injury – How awful is it to watch your Running Back blow out his knee or suffer a dreaded high ankle sprain? Well it happens, all season every season. Usually fantasy owners who are lucky enough to avoid such tragedies find themselves going deep into the playoffs. For the unlucky masses there is still hope, but before you rush out to make a trade deal, grab the injured players back up! (if he is still available) No position in fantasy football guarantees as many touches or opportunities as the Running Back position. That back up who never got any touches before could be primed for a breakout season!
B) Unforeseen Coaching – One can only make an educated guess as to what a football player’s performance will be any given season. We take an assessment of the previous season, his track record and his current playing status and draft with confidence. Unfortunately we cannot yet gaze into the future and may run into a scenario where a particular runner gets his legs cut out from under him. His coach may decide to switch to a pass first offense or a Running Back by committee leaving you with a part time player that just won’t cut it. This player will be hard to deal away which isn’t always a bad thing. Hang onto him if you have the roster space. The situation could change in the blink of an eye. If you draft a rusher who all of a sudden finds himself on a pass first offense he will hopefully also find himself near the goal line and could be in line for numerous touchdowns. If your Running Back is bogged down in a RBBC (running back by committee) that other guy could easily get injured freeing up more touches for your Running Back. Even if some sort of miracle occurs making your fantasy Running Back a viable option you will still want to see about obtaining a more reliable option, so be prepared. That Running Back you drafted to be a starter could very easily be reduced to spot start duty at best.
C) Poor Draft – At the end of your draft you may find yourself a little light at the Running Back position. Sometimes things just do not bounce your way and you are forced to adjust. This usually means you are strong somewhere else (hopefully) meaning you could always deal with what you have or trade off some of that strength to create a more balanced team. Either way can be very effective so a trade may not be warranted. As always keep your eyes open and watch the waiver wire for viable Running Back options in lieu of trading.
Free Running Back Trade Analysis
The detailed information above will help you be prepared for your fantasy football season. Running Backs will make or break your team and studying draft and trade techniques can help you create a powerhouse team that will leave you victorious at the end of the season. If you are considering a trade and are experiencing inner-turmoil with the decision feel free to contact one of our fantasy football trade experts or head to our homepage and submit your trade for FREE. What do you have to lose- other than your fantasy season?!?