Draft day is here. You’re over-caffeinated, underprepared, and one mock draft away from questioning your entire life. But forget positional tiers and sleepers for a second—there’s one debate that still divides fantasy football managers like pineapple on pizza: Zero-RB or Hero-RB?
Should you fade running backs early and hammer receivers? Or draft one stud RB and build around him like he’s the sun and your team orbits? Both strategies have passionate supporters, viral YouTube explainers, and Reddit threads more aggressive than a Philly tailgate. In 2025, with changing NFL backfields and evolving fantasy formats, it’s time to revisit which one works.
Let’s break it down.
What is Zero-RB?
Zero-RB is the fantasy football equivalent of trying to win with nothing but vibes and waiver wire sorcery. You intentionally don’t draft a running back until the middle or later rounds. Instead, you load up early on wide receivers, tight ends, and possibly a top-tier quarterback. Then, you stockpile lower-tier RBs with upside – think pass-catchers, backups, or ambiguous depth chart guys with “something could happen” appeal.
The premise? Running backs get injured. Committees are everywhere. Why invest high capital in a position with a 40% bust rate when you can swing for the fences later? Zero-RB isn’t new, but in 2025, it’s evolved. With PPR scoring dominating the landscape and NFL offenses becoming more pass-heavy, the logic has legs.
See our 2025 Fantasy Football Team Names Hall of Fame Enshrinees.
What is Hero-RB?
Hero-RB is the more balanced, less chaotic cousin of Zero-RB. Here’s the play: draft one elite running back in the first round, then shift focus to wide receivers, tight ends, and high-upside depth. You let that single RB – the “hero” – anchor your lineup and take care of the weekly floor at the most volatile position. After that, you throw darts at backup RBs and flex fillers like everyone else.
It’s the best of both worlds. You get a reliable RB1 and still stack receivers in 2025, when actual bell cows are scarce and half the NFL shares backfields like gym memberships. Hero-RB offers a nice balance between upside and stability.
See our Funny Fantasy Football League Names.
Why These Strategies Exist: The RB Dilemma
Running backs get hurt. They get benched. They get vultured. In 2024, only five RBs played all 17 games. Just seven averaged over 15 fantasy points per game. And half the league ran full-blown committees.
Meanwhile, WRs are steadier. Top wideouts like CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Garrett Wilson delivered week after week, while fantasy managers who reached for guys like Najee Harris or Austin Ekeler were left crying into their ESPN login screens. The Zero-RB and Hero-RB strategies exist because blindly trusting the RB position early doesn’t work like it used to.
Scoring Formats Make or Break This Debate
If you play in PPR or half-PPR leagues, wide receivers get a built-in boost. A six-catch, 40-yard day is double-digit points. That’s gold from your WR3. Zero-RB thrives in PPR because you can target pass-catching RBs late and still get value.
In standard scoring, Hero-RB gains steam. Volume runners and goal-line touches matter more. That 14-carry, 60-yard game means something. You need to know your league’s format cold. Otherwise, you’re drafting blind and hoping someone like Ashton Jeanty becomes your savior out of nowhere.
See Rookie Mistakes Fantasy Managers Make.
2025 Draft Trends Shaping the Debate
This season’s top RBs are led by Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley (yes, the Eagles gave him new life), and breakout star Ashton Jeanty. After that? It gets messy. The RB2 tier includes guys like Zach Charbonnet, James Cook, and an aging Tony Pollard, none of whom are guaranteed 250+ touches.
WRs? The first two rounds are overflowing with studs. CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Puka Nacua are all going before RB6. In high-stakes drafts and best ball tournaments, WRs dominate the early board. That gives Zero-RB drafters a significant opportunity.
When Zero-RB Works
Zero-RB wins when chaos reigns. If RBs go down, backups emerge, and you’ve drafted Elijah Mitchell, Tyjae Spears, or Jaylen Wright in Round 10, you’re golden. The early WR investment gives you a weekly floor and league-winning upside. You’re also positioned to strike gold on the waiver wire. That’s key. You don’t need your RBs to be stars. You need them to catch passes and occasionally fall into the end zone.
When Hero-RB Works
Hero-RB hits when your Round 1 RB stays healthy and delivers RB1 numbers for 14–15 weeks. If you draft Bijan and he goes full “Alvin Kamara 2017” mode, congrats. You just unlocked cheat-code mode. The strategy gives you stability at a position that lacks it and frees you up to draft upside WRs while others panic-draft a fourth RB.
Hero-RB also avoids the dreaded RB Dead Zone (Rounds 4–6), where so many fantasy teams go to die. Instead of chasing “maybe this guy gets 12 touches” players, you’re adding high-upside WR3s, emerging TEs, or even stacking QBs with WRs.
Bust Risk Is Higher at RB
Let’s be honest, RBs bust more than any other position. In 2024, fantasy drafters who took Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, or Miles Sanders in the top 30 regretted it immediately. WRs are safer investments. You rarely see a WR1 finish outside the top 36 unless there’s an injury. With RBs, you could draft a guy top-12 and he’s on waivers by Week 7.
Zero-RB builds around this risk. Hero-RB accepts it, but only with one bet. That’s a huge difference.
The Mid-Round RB Danger Zone
Rounds 4 through 7 are a minefield. That’s where RB committees, third-down-only backs, and “we’ll see what the coach says” guys live. If you’re forced to take three RBs in this range, you’re throwing darts in a hurricane. Zero-RB drafters live here, but they plan for it. Hero-RB drafters can skip it altogether and come back for upside rookies in Rounds 9–12.
Waiver Wire Hustle Is Crucial
If you’re going Zero-RB, you must live on the waiver wire. Be fast, aggressive, and unafraid to cut underperformers. Zero-RB managers win by striking gold early on and need to be a little lucky.
Hero-RB managers have more stability but less flexibility. If your hero RB goes down, you’re suddenly scrambling with the rest of us.
Draft Slot Affects Everything
If you’re picking early (say, picks 1–4), Hero-RB makes sense. You can grab Bijan, Gibbs, or Barkley, then grab elite WRs on the turn. If you’re drafting late (9–12), Zero-RB becomes viable. You’re unlikely to get a top RB, so you pivot to Chase + Amon-Ra or Puka + Harrison Jr. and build a monster WR core. Don’t force a strategy where it doesn’t fit. Draft to your slot.
Roster Construction Wins Leagues
Here’s the blueprint. For Zero-RB: 6–7 total RBs, prioritize pass-catchers, target ambiguous backfields (Indy, Miami, Seattle), and draft with patience. For Hero-RB: lock in your stud early, add three RBs in Rounds 7–12, and invest heavily in WR depth. Know your structure. Avoid reaching. Build for balance and upside.
Late-Round RB Targets in 2025
Zero-RB drafters should circle guys like Tyjae Spears (still lurking in Tennessee), Jaydon Blue (Dak can’t throw every play), Kendre Miller (Kamara’s time is nearly up), Braelon Allen (star power back in a crowded room), and Will Shipley (if Barkley goes down, he’s next). These aren’t glamorous names, but they win leagues.
Top Hero-RB Anchors in 2025
If you’re going Hero-RB, it starts with Bijan Robinson. He’s the clear 1.01 in many formats and will be force-fed touches in Atlanta. Jahmyr Gibbs offers elite pass-catching upside in Detroit. Saquon is thriving in Philadelphia’s offense. Ashton Jeanty? The breakout star from Boise State is now the Raiders’ new workhorse.
All four are worthy “heroes.” Pick one, trust the volume, build smart.
So… Which Strategy Is Better in 2025?
Here’s the truth: Hero-RB is safer. It’s more beginner-friendly. It gives you structure and protects you from early-season chaos. If your league is full of casual players or managers who draft off ESPN default rankings, Hero-RB will provide you with a clear advantage.
Zero-RB offers higher upside.
But it requires hustle, foresight, and more risk tolerance than most people have. If you can stomach the variance, nail late-round picks, and win on the waiver wire, it’s the better strategy for high-stakes or sharp leagues.
Both strategies can win. Neither is perfect. What matters most is how you execute the build, manage in-season, and adapt.
Final Thought: Know Thyself
Are you the type who checks waivers at 3 a.m.? Do you research backup RB usage trends on Wednesdays? Then Zero-RB might be your jam.
Prefer stability and sanity? Want a steady floor and clear roles? Hero-RB is your ticket.
The only losing move is drafting without a plan. Go in with intention. Draft like a psycho. And whatever you do, don’t let someone auto-draft four QBs and still beat you. You’re better than that.
By Mike O’Halloran
Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories
Overtime
You’re on our Hero RB vs. Zero RB Strategy page.
You might also like:
