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how many running backs should i draft

You’ll usually want 5–7 running backs in a standard 12‑team redraft league, with the exact number depending on roster size, scoring, and your draft strategy.

Core answer: default RB range

For a typical league (1 QB, 2 RB, 2–3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 5–7 bench):

  • Aim for 5–7 total RBs on your roster.
  • Make sure at least 2–3 are players you’re comfortable starting almost every week.
  • Use the remaining spots on upside backups and handcuffs , not low‑ceiling depth.

A common practical breakdown:

  • 2 locked‑in starters
  • 1–2 strong flex/bye‑week options
  • 2–3 high‑upside bench stashes

How league format changes the number

  • Standard redraft, non‑PPR:
    • RBs are more valuable for TDs and volume, so 6–7 RBs is normal.
  • Half‑PPR / full PPR:
    • WRs and pass‑catching RBs gain value, so 5–6 RBs is usually enough if you’re strong at WR.
  • Leagues with multiple flex spots:
    • If RBs still dominate scoring in your league’s rankings, lean toward 6–7 RBs , because you can flex them.
  • Shallow benches (4–5 bench spots):
    • You might only carry 4–5 RBs to avoid crowding out WR/QB/TE depth.
  • Deep benches (8+ bench spots):
    • You can get to 7+ RBs , especially if you’re hoarding handcuffs and upside backups.

Draft strategy examples

“How many running backs should I draft?” really means “How heavily am I building around RB versus WR?”

1. RB‑heavy (Hero/Double RB style)

  • Spend 2 of your first 3–4 picks on RBs.
  • End up with 6–7 total RBs.
  • Works best when the board gives you clear RB values early.

2. Balanced builds

  • Mix RB/WR early: something like RB–WR–RB–WR or WR–RB–WR–RB.
  • Finish with 5–6 RBs total.
  • This is safest for most players: you’re not over‑invested at one position.

3. “Zero RB” or “Late RB” builds

  • You hammer WR/TE/QB early and wait on RB.
  • You’ll often want 6–7 RBs because you’re playing for injuries and breakout scenarios, not established volume.
  • Higher risk: you’re betting heavily on chaos and mid/late‑round hits.

Timing: when to actually draft them

  • Use your early rounds (1–5) to secure 2 strong RBs or 1 elite RB and then load up later based on how the board falls.
  • In the middle rounds , target:
    • Clear No. 1s in their backfields
    • Premium backups with paths to full workloads
  • In the late rounds , fire on:
    • Handcuffs to your own backs
    • Explosive backups in ambiguous backfields

A simple checklist during the draft:

  1. Do I have two RBs I trust to start Week 1?
  2. Do I have at least one more who could realistically finish as a weekly starter?
  3. Are my last RBs lottery tickets , not just boring bye‑week plugs?

If you can answer “yes” to all three and end up in that 5–7 RB range, you’re in a good spot in most leagues.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.