Fantasy Football: Trying Zero RB in 2025? Here's why it might be a better strategy than you think — if done right

Yahoo

2 days ago

I don't know if Zero RB will be the sharpest fantasy football strategy in 2025. What I do know is that if you deploy it correctly, you can still build a dominant roster while embracing the volatility that historically defines the running back position. In the first four rounds, you could walk away with two elite wide receivers, potentially an elite tight end and a high-end asset at the quarterback position.
This approach leans into the reality of today's NFL: So many split backfields, 1A/1B situations and specialized roles for pass-catching backs.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
There is value to be found in deploying this strategy — but you must hit on your other positions, and more importantly, you have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. That means accepting a running back room that won't look like the Avengers and continually working the waiver wire for that one backup who's a tweaked ankle away from opportunity.
Why Go Zero RB in 2025?
Running backs play one of the most violent positions in football. Injuries are not the exception — they're the expectation. Sprained ankles, torn ligaments and shared backfields make the RB position incredibly volatile year-to-year. Sure, 2024 gave us a surprise: RBs actually held up. But let's not forget what the data actually says.
2024: The Outlier, Not the Trend
According to Scott Connor of DD Fantasy Football, RBs in 2024 averaged slightly more fantasy points than in 2023 — but by less than 0.5%. The real reason they felt more reliable? Availability.
In 2024, the top-30 RBs who averaged 12+ points per game also averaged 15.7 games played. For context, similarly productive WRs averaged just 14.4 games. That one extra game (or more) per RB created the illusion of a running back renaissance.
But it wasn't a usage or scoring explosion — it was simply fewer injuries.
Banking on that happening again in 2025 is risky. Durability isn't sticky. The volatility is very real.
The Modern RB Landscape: No Bell Cows
The days of the 350-touch workhorse are mostly gone. Most NFL teams use at least two running backs, meaning we're looking at 60+ RBs seeing weekly touches. Only a handful of players can be trusted to deliver 250+ opportunities over a season.
This wide dispersion of volume means:
Opportunity is fleeting.
Backups and committee RBs have weekly value.
Injury fill-ins can become league-winners.
Zero RB leans into this chaos. You can start strong at WR, QB and TE, then build depth and upside with RBs in Rounds 5 through the double-digit rounds.
You'll Be Just Fine If You Wait on RB
If you pass on RBs early in 2025, the ECR shows there's still plenty of talent to build a competitive RB room later.
Rounds 5–7 give you:
Kaleb Johnson (PIT) — Rookie RB with three-down potential.
RJ Harvey (DEN) — Listed as the RB5 on paper but used as the RB2 in camp; expected to share the load with J.K. Dobbins.
Tony Pollard (TEN) — Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons; consistent producer.
Rounds 8–10:
Javonte Williams (DAL) — Projected starter, undervalued for his role.
Jordan Mason (MIN) — Presumed to split work with Aaron Jones Sr.; efficient runner.
Cam Skattebo (NYG) — Could take over the Giants' backfield.
Tyjae Spears (TEN) — Explosive playmaker who could push for more touches.
Post-Round 13 Dart Throws:
Kareem Hunt (KC) — Veteran who could fall into touches.
Rico Dowdle (CAR) — Potentially valuable handcuff with spot-start potential.
Braelon Allen (NYJ) — Hammer back in a crowded but unsettled RB room.
Jaydon Blue (DAL) — Receiving upside and change-of-pace potential.
RB Usage Tiers from 2024: Target the Middle Class
Scott Connor broke down 86 RBs from 2024 who logged 50+ opportunities (rush attempts + targets) into four tiers:
— Tier 1: 17+ Opportunities/GameThese RBs are rare and expensive. While stable, they offer the least value in a Zero RB build due to cost.
— Tier 2: 12–17 Opportunities/GameThis is the sweet spot. Players like David Montgomery, Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie Bucky Irving lived here in 2024. Many posted RB2 numbers with weekly starting potential, and some could move up or down the usage ladder depending on 2025 camp and preseason developments.
— Tier 3: 7–12 Opportunities/GameThese are your classic Zero RB targets — flex-worthy in the right matchups, one injury away from massive upside.
— Tier 4: Sub-7 Opportunities/GameMostly depth pieces, but late-season usage spikes or injuries could push them into relevance.
The key takeaway? The middle usage tiers are littered with value, and many of these players are available in the double-digit rounds.
Lessons from 2024: Success Can Come Late
If you deploy Zero RB in 2025, remember that the 2024 season gave us examples of later-round running backs producing for fantasy teams. Chuba Hubbard was one such example — often overlooked in drafts, yet he delivered meaningful production when called upon.
The Final Word: Don't Chase the Mirage
When you deploy the Zero RB strategy, your RB room is not going to look like the Avengers. You're not going to have all the Infinity Stones like Thanos at the running back position. You're going to have to be comfortable with some less desirable names — but the key is that they can still win you weeks when the opportunity strikes.
The 2024 season might tempt you to load up on RBs early again. Resist the urge. Drafting Barkley or Henry was great—in 2024. But assuming 2025 plays out the same is how you lose.
Zero RB isn't about ignoring the position. It's about playing the long game, accepting early-season risk and capitalizing when your league-mates are desperate for RB help.
If you hit on your early WRs and onesie positions, then take calculated RB shots later, you'll have a loaded roster by the time it matters most.
Last season was the exception. In 2025, if you're going Zero RB: Be comfortable being uncomfortable.