Running Back Strategy in Salary Cap Leagues

The Footballguys staff gives multiple tactics for you to use at the running back position.

Footballguys Staff's Running Back Strategy in Salary Cap Leagues Footballguys Staff Published 08/09/2024

The great thing about salary cap leagues is that you can take your team in any direction you want. Your strategy options are completely wide open.

RELATED: See Quarterback Strategies here >>>
RELATED: See Tight End Strategies here >>>
RELATED: See Wide Receiver Strategies here >>>

Our Footballguys staff recently sat down to discuss their favored options at running back when playing in a salary cap league.

Assume these league settings:
  • $200 cap
  • 12 teams
  • Full PPR
  • Starting Lineup
    • 1 QB
    • 2 RBs
    • 3 WRs
    • 1 TE
    • 1 flex (RB, WR, TE)

How do you approach the running back position in a salary cap draft? Feel free to discuss price enforcement and budget allocation.

Thoughts from Jason Wood

Running back remains the position you have to break the bank for, even if non-salary-cap leagues are now more balanced, particularly in terms of wide receiver values versus running backs. I cannot tell you how many times I've tried sticking to my pre-draft salary values at the running back position only to find myself squeezed out of all the top-tier options.

You have to be willing to spend aggressively and adjust your budget for all other positions accordingly. Because of their cost, I think getting more than one elite back is difficult, but I absolutely try and get two $30-plus options, which ideally would be a $50-plus elite tier player and then a high-end RB2 in the $30-$35 range.

You have to enter the draft with a clear understanding of how many starting tailbacks you would happily have in your lineup. And then be willing to overpay if there are only two or three left on the board and you're still without one.

Overall, I'll look to spend $90-$100 at the position. 

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

 

IDP Bounce-Back Candidates Set to Rebound in a Big Way in 2026

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport points out some IDP players set to rebound big-time in 2026.

05/16/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Schedule Release: Revenge Games

Jeff Bell

Following the NFL schedule release, Jeff Bell breaks down 2026 revenge games, when players may be playing for a bit extra.

05/15/26 Read More
 

Fantasy Bounce-Back Candidates Set to Rebound in a Big Way in 2026

Gary Davenport

Gary Davenport points out some fantasy players set to rebound big-time in 2026

05/15/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Strength of Schedule By Team

Clayton Gray

The team-by-team strength of schedule for the 2026 NFL season.

05/15/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Schedule: Bye Weeks

Clayton Gray

Each team's bye week for the 2026 NFL schedule.

05/15/26 Read More
 

2026 NFL Schedule: Prime Time Games

Clayton Gray

A team-by-team look at the 2026 NFL prime time games.

05/15/26 Read More