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As the age of the primary workhorse running back continues to fade from memory, many teams are going to full-blown committees in the backfield.
We asked our staff how to approach these 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
With so many NFL running back rooms going to multiple options, is it a viable strategy to try to cheaply roster multiple backs in a team's offense to hedge an uncertain situation? (For example, grabbing D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert for less than $10 total.)
Ben Cummins: Yes, this is a good strategy and one I’ve been employing all offseason in Best Ball with the likes of both D'Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert, De'Von Achane and Jeff Wilson Jr., Samaje Perine and Javonte Williams, Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson, Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, etc.
Flip Side: See Should You Target Elite RBs? here >>>
Jason Wood: I don't believe in handcuffing, generally speaking, unless your league has deep rosters and a thin waiver wire. Injuries and bye weeks are going to make holding onto handcuffs much harder in practice than in theory. My goal is just the opposite, I try to grab inexpensive backup running backs who have the talent and team construct to thrive if the starters get hurt or struggle. If I draft Derrick Henry, I'd much rather target Kendre Miller or Chase Brown than Tyjae Spears. Acquire your opponent's handcuffs and hope the lottery ticket pays off quickly. That way, you could find yourself with a surplus of talent and trade for other needs from a position of strength.