Salary Cap Leagues, Should You Target Elite RBs?

Footballguys Staff's Salary Cap Leagues, Should You Target Elite RBs? Footballguys Staff Published 08/02/2023

The running back position is being devalued in the NFL, but there are still a handful of elite workhorse backs available to salary cap drafters.

We asked our staff how to handle these increasingly rare running backs.

Note: All answers assume the following criteria:

  • Start 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE
  • 4-point passing TDs
  • $200 cap
  • 12 teams

How important do you consider running back in your salary cap build? Will you attack the top-tier running backs (Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley)?

Ben Cummins: I will attack the top-tier wide receivers first but leave open the possibility of going after this tier as well, depending on how the order of nominations shakes out.

Flip Side: See Should You Target Committee RBs? here >>>

Jason Wood: No, as history has been unkind to tailback productivity from year to year. The injury risk creates volatility, and you don't want to overpay for that kind of instability.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.

An ELITE subscription is required to access content for Salary Cap leagues. If this league is not a Salary Cap league, you can edit your leagues here.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Footballguys Staff

 

Harold Fannin: Red Flags Abound

Jason Wood

Jason Wood spotlights Harold Fannin and all the red flags that have him questioning whether he's worth targeting at ADP.

08/03/26 Read More
 

2026 Tight End Draft Strategy

Phil Alexander

Phil Alexander takes a look at your primary options for navigating this year's tight end landscape.

08/03/26 Read More
 

Early Flag Plants: RBs Who Have My Attention

Bob Harris

Sorting out the chaos with a big-picture look at fantasy-specific news, notes, and analysis from around the NFL.

08/03/26 Read More
 

Welcome Back to Fantasy Football: A Recap of the 2026 Offseason

Ryan Weisse

Fantasy football and the NFL have seen a lot of changes this offseason. Here is a recap to get you ready for your 2026 fantasy football drafts.

08/02/26 Read More
 

Dynasty Trading Post: Rising and Falling Quarterbacks

Chad Parsons

Chad Parsons analyzes the dynasty trading market for strategy, target players, and team-building concepts.

08/02/26 Read More
 

The Godfather’s Guys: Must-Roster IDPs in 2026

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport highlights some must-have IDPs in 2026.

08/02/26 Read More