In recent seasons, Fantasy Football managers have gravitated towards wide receivers on Draft Day, viewing them as safer picks due to the injury volatility of running backs. However, a notable shift has occurred: more teams are leaning on their running games, with 21 teams averaging at least 26 rushing attempts per game in 2025, up from 17 teams in 2021.

Draft Strategy Overview

With this resurgence, managers can confidently prioritize running backs again. A recommended strategy is the Hero-RB approach, drafting one elite running back in the early rounds and then targeting mid-round options. Here’s a breakdown of recommended tiers for drafting running backs:

Tier 1: Early Round 1

• Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions): With David Montgomery gone, Gibbs is poised for a breakout. He averaged 29.1 half-PPR points when Montgomery was sidelined.
• Bijan Robinson: After a stellar 2025 season with 1,478 rushing yards and four receiving touchdowns, he remains a top pick.

Tier 2: Middle to End of Round 1

• Jonathan Taylor: He averaged 25.2 half-PPR points early last season, with hopes for a bounce-back year.
• Christian McCaffrey: Despite turning 30, he was the top non-quarterback in 2025, making him a risky but rewarding pick.

Tier 3: Round 2

• Kenneth Walker III: His postseason performances make him an appealing option as the lead back for the Chiefs.
• Derrick Henry: Despite being 32, Henry’s production remains high, making him a solid pick in Round 2.

Tier 4: Round 3

• Josh Jacobs: Monitor his legal situation, but he has top-10 potential.
• Kyren Williams: Expected to remain a strong contributor despite competition.

Tier 5: Rounds 4 and 5

• Javonte Williams: Should be a workhorse for the Cowboys.
• D'Andre Swift: Strong performance last season makes him a valuable pick.

Late Rounds and Handcuffs

• Isiah Pacheco and Zach Charbonnet are key handcuffs to consider in the later rounds, while Ray Davis and Alvin Kamara serve as potential fliers.

This structured tier system provides a comprehensive guide for managers looking to dominate their leagues come Draft Day.