RB Tiers for Dynasty Startups

May 23, 2023

Photo: Andrew Dieb, USA Today Sports

Join the Footballguys Daily Update

Start your morning with our roundup of the most important stories in football - with the fantasy insight you need to make league-winning decisions. Delivered straight to your inbox, 100% free.

Subscribe Now

The NFL draft recently concluded, providing us with valuable insights into how we should evaluate position players for the 2023 season and beyond. In the world of fantasy football, especially in dynasty formats, understanding player values and recognizing the tier breaks at each position is crucial. It can make all the difference in building the perfect roster for your dynasty team, whether you're participating in a startup draft or making trades to improve your squad. One position that has undergone a significant shift in value is the running back position. Gone are the days of plentiful bellcow running backs that could be selected in multiple rounds. Nowadays, NFL teams use multiple running backs within their offensive systems, making it increasingly challenging to draft running backs early in startup drafts. Furthermore, dynasty managers have become more adept at constructing their teams strategically, resulting in the rise of zero-running-back strategies throughout the dynasty format. This article will explore how the running back position is valued during startup drafts and provide insights on whom to target in each tier. The tiers presented here are based on my current dynasty rankings, and the average draft position (ADP) data is sourced from Sleeper's ADP Database. By understanding the dynamics of running back value and leveraging this knowledge in your draft strategy, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and build a winning dynasty team. Let's dive into the tiers and identify the running backs worth targeting in each tier to optimize your roster's potential.

TIER 1

It's extremely rare for a rookie running back to enter the NFL and immediately be considered the third-ranked positional player in fantasy football. However, this year, we have a player who has the potential to break that mold: Bijan Robinson, the new running back for the Atlanta Falcons. Robinson possesses all the qualities of a prototypical three-down back and has the potential to become a generational talent in fantasy football. One of the key factors contributing to Robinson's potential success is his landing spot in the Falcons' offense. Head coach Arthur Smith has a proven track record of maximizing the production of his running backs. Just look at his previous work with Derrick Henry, who rushed for over 2,000 yards in a season, and Tyler Allgeier, who achieved the 1,000-yard milestone last year. With Smith's emphasis on the running game, Robinson is poised to thrive in an offense that will showcase his abilities both as a runner and as a pass-catcher. Considering these factors, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Robinson could challenge the NFL record for rushing yards by a rookie running back. His combination of talent, situation, and the system he plays in makes him a formidable force in the Falcons' backfield.

Bijan Robinson ADP: 11.50 RB1

TIER 2

The following tier consists of running backs who are particularly well-suited for the anchor running back strategy, which involves selecting a reliable and high-performing running back early in your draft that can lift your rosters up while allowing you to target elite wide receiver options early in your drafts. These three backs have the potential to carry your fantasy team and are available at reasonable draft values. What makes these backs even more enticing is the opportunity to pair them with an elite quarterback option. This strategic roster-building approach sets a strong foundation for any dynasty team. By securing one of these running backs, along with a top-tier quarterback, you can establish a solid core for sustained success. If you aim to acquire running backs who consistently produce RB1 numbers for the next two to three seasons, these three backs should be among your top priorities. They possess the talent, situation, and longevity to impact your fantasy team significantly.

Breece Hall ADP: 15.50 RB4