Does Zero-RB work in 2026?

A.J. Brown is secured at the end of round two and is viewed as a regret-worthy miss if not taken in round one.

Selected as part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB strategy, allowing for four running backs in the first nine rounds.

A.J. Brown is part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB mock draft.

Described as a flex with benefits player with standalone flex value going top 35, with 12-15 touches per week, but also has instant RB1 upside if something happens to DeAndre Swift.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is selected as wide receiver four in the second mock draft, maintaining his position for three straight seasons.

Antonio Williams is selected as a wide receiver pick at this draft stage, with the analyst willing to roll with the selection.

Ashton Jeanty is mentioned as a running back option, but the analyst expresses concern about the Raiders offense quality.

Baker Mayfield is available as a late-round quarterback option, providing good value for zero-RB draft strategies.

Available as a quality QB option after round 11, suggesting good value at that stage.

If taken early in zero-RB builds, the analyst prefers to stack handcuffs on his team rather than diversifying across multiple backfields.

Analyst prefers stashing handcuffs on teams where they took Bijan Robinson early, as injury to a top-tier RB creates a problematic roster situation.

Analyst describes Corum as 'the next best thing' after missing out on Kahlil McKinnon, indicating he's a solid value pick at this stage.

Blake Corum is listed as one of the running back options available at this draft range.

Blake Corum has 'sky-high upside should anything happen to Kyren,' providing potential breakout value in the zero-RB build.

Corum is mentioned as a running back option available in round eight alongside Rico Dowdle.

Described as a flex with benefits player with standalone flex value going top 35, with 12-15 touches per week, but also has instant RB1 upside if something happens to Kyren Williams.

Analyst questions whether there's a meaningful difference between Purdy, Nix, and Goff at this stage, suggesting similar value.

Bo Nix is presented as a comparable alternative to Brock Purdy at similar draft value, with minimal difference in production expectations.

High-end handcuff that the analyst prefers to limit to one or two on the bench in zero-RB builds rather than stashing multiple.

Listed as a high-end handcuff option, but the analyst prefers limiting handcuff usage to one or two rather than stashing multiple on the bench.

Brock Bowers is a primary target in zero-RB strategy, being drafted in the middle to end of round two as a tight end with elite upside.

Bowers offers better value than Trey McBride, being drafted later despite similar tier status.

Analyst recommends drafting Brock Bowers early at TE and not worrying about a backup, as you can figure out bye week coverage later.

Missed out on Brock Bowers by one pick in the mock draft, indicating he was taken just before the analyst's turn.

Brock Bowers was just missed in the draft, going one pick before the team's selection.

Brock Bowers in round two is a good value, with analyst Theo ranking him 12th overall; while he was injured last year, he was still good when healthy.

Bowers was drafted early and is cited as the reason the team doesn't need a second tight end later in the draft.

At this draft range, Brock Purdy is "absolutely awesome" as a quarterback value in redraft, offering solid production without needing to reach early for QB.

Analyst describes Purdy as 'absolutely awesome' at this range, indicating strong value for a late-round QB.

Brock Purdy is holding down the QB1 spot in the zero-RB mock draft build.

Akers is in the lower-end RB2 tier being considered for zero-RB builds.

Akers is a low-end RB2 (RB22) coming off a devastating injury who could return to top-12 status as early as week two if he looks healthy.

Akers is a strong fit for zero-RB builds despite being a known Giants concern in other formats.

Cam Akers is passed over in favor of TreVeyon Henderson due to offensive quality concerns.

Chigoziem Okonkwo is highlighted as one of the better late-round tight end options on the board.

Chigoziem Okonkwo was acquired in the later rounds as a secondary tight end option in the zero-RB build.

Godwin is mentioned as a wide receiver option in round eight but is passed on in favor of other receivers.

Chris Olave is considered a strong alternative to A.J. Brown and makes sense in the ADP range where he can be acquired early and potentially again later.

Selected as part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB strategy, allowing for four running backs in the first nine rounds.

Chris Olave is part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB mock draft.

Hubbard is presented as a viable running back option in round seven, though characterized as part of a group of 'lame running backs' in this tier.

Analyst recommends drafting Cole Kmet early at TE and not worrying about a backup, as you can figure out bye week coverage later.

Colston Loveland is a key target in zero-RB drafts, being selected in round four as a tight end with significant upside comparable to Brock Bowers.

Analyst recommends drafting Colston Loveland early at TE and not worrying about a backup, as you can figure out bye week coverage later.

Colston Loveland was not selected in this zero-RB draft, and the analyst was surprised he went as early as he did in the mock draft system.

Swift offers safer volume compared to Trayvion Henderson in zero-RB builds.

DeAndre Swift is selected as a running back in round five, with Ben Johnson's lead running back never being worse than RB24 in fantasy.

Swift is presented as a strong value pick in the mid-rounds, with the analyst noting Ben Johnson's lead running backs have never been worse than RB24, suggesting consistent production.

Discussed as a potential injury risk for backup RBs like Alvin Kamara and Blake Corum, who would become instant RB1s if something happened to him.

Listed among available tight end options at this stage, with analyst noting tight end depth gets 'gross' quickly.

Daniel Jones is highlighted as a weak matchup for defenses in Week 1, coming off an Achilles injury in his first game back.

Montgomery has a low floor and low ceiling, described as having both safety concerns and limited upside potential.

Achane was drafted early in the build and is referenced as part of the running back foundation for this zero-RB strategy team.

DeVonta Smith going in round four is described as 'pretty freaking great' value at the position.

Drake May was drafted early by a computer opponent, and the analyst questions the logic of also drafting Justin Herbert afterward, suggesting poor roster construction.

Emeka Egbuka is selected as a wide receiver to round out the team's receiving corps.

Selected as part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB strategy, allowing for four running backs in the first nine rounds.

Emeka Egbuka was thrown in as a rookie in the later rounds of the zero-RB mock draft.

Egbuka was drafted early in the build and is used as justification for passing on other wide receivers like Godwin in round eight.

George Pickens is identified as a strong value play in the ADP range, with potential to be acquired early and later in the draft.

George Pickens is drafted as part of a strong wide receiver room in the second mock draft.

Listed among available tight end options at this stage, with analyst noting tight end depth gets 'gross' quickly.

High-end handcuff that the analyst prefers to limit to one or two on the bench in zero-RB builds rather than stashing multiple.

Listed as a high-end handcuff option, but the analyst prefers limiting handcuff usage to one or two rather than stashing multiple on the bench.

Selected at pick three in a zero-RB mock draft build as the second piece of the strategy.

Ja'Marr Chase is selected early in the zero-RB draft as a foundational wide receiver piece.

Selected as part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB strategy, allowing for four running backs in the first nine rounds.

Ja'Marr Chase is part of a loaded wide receiver room in the zero-RB mock draft.

Considered as a round six option in zero-RB strategy, with analyst noting they might need to fill out open weeks when Price isn't playing as much as desired.

Jadarian Price is considered as a running back option in round six.

Ian Hartitz would take Jahmyr Gibbs at 1.01 even while considering zero-RB strategy, indicating elite tier value at the position.

Jahmyr Gibbs fell to pick three in the draft, making him a viable option for a zero-RB strategy if he reaches that spot.

Fell to pick three in the mock draft and was selected as the anchor for a zero-RB build strategy.

Jahmyr Gibbs was selected as one of the top running backs in the zero-RB build, providing upside despite the strategy's RB concerns.

Listed among available tight end options at this stage, with analyst noting tight end depth gets 'gross' quickly.

Noted as having a lot of risk in the mid-round RB range.

Jared Goff represents strong late-round quarterback value, available in round 11, making him an efficient pick in zero-RB strategies.

Mentioned as an example of a QB to target in round 11 if you want to wait on the position.

Analyst prefers acquiring Goff in round 11 rather than taking Mahomes earlier, indicating strong value at that stage.

Jared Goff is grouped with Brock Purdy and Bo Nix as a comparable quarterback option at similar draft value.

Goff is selected as the first quarterback in round 11, with the analyst highlighting him as the preeminent late-round quarterback option for 2026.

Williams is among the tier of running backs being drafted in the first three rounds and early round four, making him unavailable for zero-RB strategies.

If taken early in zero-RB builds, the analyst prefers to stack handcuffs on his team rather than diversifying across multiple backfields.

Mentioned as an example of a mid-tier RB where the analyst would focus on stashing high-upside injury contingent handcuffs on the bench.

Jaylen Waddle has been moved up in rankings and is part of the wide receiver consideration in this draft.

Potential piece of the uncertain Washington Commanders backfield; if he hangs in late rounds while others push Zamir White into the top 30s, he represents good value.

Jaylen Warren is considered as a running back option in round six.

Considered as a round six option in zero-RB strategy, with analyst noting they might need to fill out open weeks when Warren isn't playing as much as desired.

Jaylen Warren is listed as one of the running back options available at this draft range.

Jaylen Warren is described as 'perfect for that flex spot' in the zero-RB mock draft.

Warren is mentioned as a running back option in round 11 but is passed on in favor of Rico Dowdle, as the analyst is playing the opposite game from the previous draft.

Going well outside the top 120 picks on ESPN with handcuff upside, and has potential for a takeover threat similar to how Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard played out last year.

Represents good value in the round 6-9 range with both handcuff upside and potential for a takeover threat as the season progresses.

Listed as a running back option around round nine with typical ADP around round 11, representing the range where player value starts dropping off.

The analyst advises against drafting both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks on the same team, as it's rare both top-tier backups produce as top-24 running backs.

Brooks is selected in round 10 over Jordan Mason, with the analyst noting he's 'fun right now,' suggesting upside appeal.

Addison is mentioned as a wide receiver option in round eight, considered alongside other receivers in this tier.

Could be a potentially cheaper version of David Montgomery with upside if Minnesota gets scoring opportunities; Vikings had fifth fewest rush attempts inside the 5-yard line last season.

Post-hype sleeper with upside if quarterback play improves; the Vikings backfield lacked red zone attempts partly due to poor QB play, and better play from J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray could increase scoring opportunities.

Listed as a running back option around round nine with typical ADP around round 11, representing the range where player value starts dropping off.

Jordan Mason is preferred over Rashod White as a running back option at this draft stage.

Mason is presented as a running back option in round 10 alongside Jonathan Brooks, but Brooks is selected instead.

Josh Allen is mentioned as an optional round three quarterback pick in zero-RB strategies, but not necessary given late-round quarterback depth.

Analyst recommends drafting Josh Allen early at QB and not worrying about a backup, as you can figure out bye week coverage later.

Josh Allen would need to be available in round three or later to be considered in this draft strategy.

Josh Allen was drafted early by Team One, establishing early quarterback selection by the computer opponents.

Jacobs is among the tier of running backs being drafted in the first three rounds and early round four, making him unavailable for zero-RB strategies.

If taken early in zero-RB builds, the analyst prefers to stack handcuffs on his team rather than diversifying across multiple backfields.

Mentioned as an example of a mid-tier RB where the analyst would focus on stashing high-upside injury contingent handcuffs on the bench.

Justin Herbert was drafted redundantly by a computer team that already had Drake May, indicating poor draft strategy.

Juwan Johnson is available as a tight end option at this draft stage and is deemed acceptable.

Recommended as a backup RB target for zero-RB builds, offering consistent touches without requiring an injury to the starter.

Recommended as a bench stash option in zero-RB builds for late-round upside rather than high-end handcuffs.

Listed as a running back option around round nine with no specific concerns noted.

Walker is being discussed as a potential low-end RB2 option in zero-RB builds.

Analyst suggests taking 'the round one running back on the Seahawks, defending Super Bowl champs' as a late-season play with upside potential.

Discussed as part of the low-end RB2 range conversation in zero-RB strategy.

Kyler Murray is available as a late-round quarterback option, providing good value for zero-RB draft strategies.

Mentioned as an example of a backup QB to target in later rounds if you wait on QB in round 11 with someone like Jared Goff.

Available as a quality QB option after round 11, suggesting good value at that stage.

Discussed as a potential injury risk for backup RB Blake Corum, who would become an instant RB1 if something happened to him.

Lamar Jackson went off the board, indicating the team will wait late for quarterback selection in this zero-RB strategy.

Malik Willis is available as a late-round quarterback option, providing good value for zero-RB draft strategies.

Analyst's favorite tight end at this stage and prefers him over other options, indicating strong value.

Mark Andrews was scooped up in the later rounds as part of a zero-RB strategy where waiting on tight end is viable.

Recommended as a bench stash option in zero-RB builds, though the analyst humorously notes this is a personal preference he needs to work through.

Analyst expresses strong personal interest in seeing MarShawn Lloyd play, noting he played one quarter of preseason where LaFleur was 'feeding this dude the football,' suggesting the coach wants to feature him.

Analyst prefers acquiring Stafford in round 11 rather than taking Mahomes earlier, indicating strong value at that stage.

Matthew Stafford was drafted by a computer opponent, but the analysts indicate they didn't prioritize him.

Stafford is implied as a quarterback option available in round 11, mentioned in comparison to Lawrence and Goff.

Mike Evans is mentioned as an undervalued wide receiver option available in later rounds.

Sits atop QB rankings, though analyst suggests waiting and getting Jared Goff or Stafford in round 11 instead.

Johnston is selected in round nine at a price the analyst loves, noting he is typically a hater of the player but the ADP is right this year.

Judkins is in the lower-end RB2 tier being considered for zero-RB builds.

White is liked in zero-RB format and carries similar risk to Trayvion Henderson but is being drafted outside the top 60 on both Sleeper and ESPN, offering value.

Listed as a high-end handcuff option, but the analyst prefers limiting handcuff usage to one or two rather than stashing multiple on the bench.

High-end handcuff that the analyst prefers to limit to one or two on the bench in zero-RB builds rather than stashing multiple.

Stevenson has a history of fumbling issues and inconsistent efficiency, making him a risky option.

Stevenson is selected as the preferred running back in this tier over other options, with the analyst comfortable targeting him in round seven.

Has significant upside potential if he can replicate last year's performance, despite fumble concerns.

Pearsall is mentioned as a wide receiver option in round eight, considered alongside other receivers in this tier.

Going as a 66th overall pick on Underdog with significant upside based on two strong seasons of production, and outside the top 100 on ESPN in cheaper home league formats.

Benefits from the Steelers' strong offensive line and Aaron Rodgers' tendency to get the ball out quickly, which helps running backs rack up PPR points.

Dowdle is highlighted as a running back the analyst likes in round eight, and is later selected in round nine as a preferred option over other backs.

Described as a flex with benefits player with standalone flex value, and going as low as 66th overall pick on Underdog with significant upside based on two consecutive strong seasons.

R.J. Harvey is explicitly avoided in round six, with the analyst stating they want nothing to do with him.

Analyst explicitly states 'I want nothing to do with R.J. Harvey' in round six and says 'if I'm wrong, you guys can throw it in my face in a few months here,' indicating strong avoidance of the player.

Harvey is described as a potentially starting running back at a fair price, representing good value in the draft.

R.J. Harvey is described as a 'more than a fair price' starting running back option in the draft.

Johnson is noted as a running back the analyst would have liked to draft but missed by one pick, suggesting he's a value target.

Sam Darnold is available as a late-round quarterback option, providing good value for zero-RB draft strategies.

Saquon Barkley is referenced as the primary running back for the Eagles, with Tank Bigsby as his handcuff.

Barkley is cited as an example of a lead back the analyst is comfortable handcuffing in round two, with Tank Bigsby as a late-round safety net.

High-end handcuff that the analyst prefers to limit to one or two on the bench in zero-RB builds rather than stashing multiple.

Mentioned as a high-end handcuff option, but the analyst prefers limiting handcuff usage to one or two rather than stashing multiple on the bench.

Tank Bigsby is highlighted as one of the analyst's favorite late-round handcuff running backs, with solid flex potential if Saquon Barkley gets injured.

Tank Bigsby is holding down a roster spot in the zero-RB mock draft.

Bigsby is presented as a smart late-round handcuff to Saquon Barkley in round 15, providing safety and value.

Terry McLaurin is mentioned as an undervalued wide receiver option available in later rounds.

Pollard is mentioned as a viable round seven running back option, though grouped with other 'lame' options in this tier.

Described as a zero-RB drafter's delight because he is guaranteed for a good amount of volume.

Etienne is among the tier of running backs being drafted in the first three rounds and early round four, making him unavailable for zero-RB strategies.

Travis Hunter is described as a pure handcuff wide receiver, limiting his standalone value.

Listed among available tight end options at this stage, with analyst noting tight end depth gets 'gross' quickly.

Henderson has an upside case for year two emergence with increased pass-catching involvement, though early-season touch volume (8-10 touches in weeks 1-2) could be limited.

Henderson is a top-50 drafted running back who accumulated 1,000 total yards with only 43% snap share, demonstrating significant upside potential in zero-RB builds.

Henderson is going pick 47 on Sleeper and pick 60 on ESPN, representing solid value for zero-RB builds where he could serve as RB1.

TreVeyon Henderson is still available and is preferred over Cam Akers due to his offense being superior.

Treyveon Henderson was selected as one of the top running backs in the zero-RB build, providing upside despite the strategy's RB concerns.

Mentioned in context of running back depth and potential availability in later rounds of zero-RB drafts.

Lawrence is mentioned as a quarterback option available in round 11, but the analyst prefers waiting for other quarterback options.

Jagger Mayk expects Trey McBride to experience regression this season and prefers Colston Loveland as an alternative tight end with similar upside at a better value.

McBride is being actively drafted ahead of Brock Bowers on Sleeper and ESPN despite not receiving a discount, making him unattractive for zero-RB builds.

Trey McBride is being actively drafted ahead of Brock Bowers on Sleeper and ESPN despite not offering a discount, making him unattractive in zero-RB formats.

Mentioned as a tight end option being considered after missing out on Brock Bowers.

Trey McBride is not a preferred target in round two for this zero-RB strategy.

The analyst advises against drafting Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson on the same team, as it's rare both top-tier backups work out as top-24 running backs.

Recommended for zero-RB builds as a player who can provide 10-11 touches consistently, helping address bye week issues without needing an injury to the starter.

Recommended as a bench stash option in zero-RB builds for late-round upside rather than high-end handcuffs.

Spears is described as a middle-class version of Blake Corum and Kyle McNulty, suggesting decent value but not elite upside in the late rounds.

Zachariah Branch is selected as a late-round wide receiver dart throw at this draft stage.

Zachariah Branch's performance was underwhelming, described as 'two rounds that will turn into four yards boring,' indicating disappointing production.

Currently expected to lead the Washington Commanders backfield, with potential for big things if he emerges as the clear lead back, similar to Travis Etienne or Javonte Williams situations.