We are less than 10 weeks away from the return of NFL football — and with it, fantasy football. #RedraftSZN is officially here. After months of summer draft prep, studying ADP, and deciding which players and teams can lead you to fantasy glory, draft strategy becomes the focal point. You’ll hear and read about it everywhere — including here at Fantasy Points.
Maybe you’ve already settled on your preferred strategy. But for most, your plan will evolve over the next few months.
Last season was the year of the running back. We saw unusually few major RB injuries, and several players absolutely crushed their ADPs. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry found new homes in free agency and rejuvenated their already illustrious careers with massive, high-scoring seasons. Second-year backs Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and De’Von Achane took giant leaps forward from their strong rookie campaigns. New values like Chase Brown and Bucky Irving emerged.
The 2024 season has shaped 2025 ADP.
Add in the return of Christian McCaffrey and a historically loaded rookie class — arguably the best since 2017 — headlined by Ashton Jeanty (a.k.a. the chosen one at the position) and a surefire first-round pick in every format. Running back enthusiasm is back.
If you want to draft a talent like Robinson or Barkley in Round 1, I won’t argue. If you want Achane or Henry in Round 2, I certainly won’t tell you it’s a bad pick. Starting your draft with an Anchor or Hero RB and then loading up on WRs, an elite TE, or even an early QB is a very viable strategy this season. Hero/Anchor RB has won big in years past — and it can again in 2025.
But if Hero RB isn’t your flavor, 2025 might be the perfect setup for a triumphant return of the Zero RB strategy.
Last year: the year of the RB. This year: the year of the WR. Balance returning to the fantasy universe.
Zig when others zag.
Zero RB can give you access to outrageously high-powered starts. How does this sound: Justin Jefferson in Round 1 → Ladd McConkey in Round 2 → Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Round 3 → Jayden Daniels in Round 4.
That’s a dangerous team.
Whether you want to start with an Anchor RB and find RB1 upside multiple rounds later, or go full Zero RB and build your entire backfield in the mid-to-late rounds, we’ve got you covered. All strategies can work if you draft the right players, and at Fantasy Points, we’re here to help you do just that.
Starting in Round 5, I have identified the best players for you to roster to dominate with this strategy. Players are listed as TARGETS and VALUES. Prioritize the TARGETS and be willing to reach a few spots ahead of ADP to ensure you get access to them — especially with your Zero RB builds. VALUES are players who make sense structurally and can help you win.
2025 Zero RB Targets
5th Round
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals TARGET
Conner has averaged at least 15.4 PPG for four straight seasons. 2024 was one of his most efficient seasons - and his healthiest as a pro. He set career highs in rushing yards (1094), games (16) played, and had his second-highest reception total of his career with 47. Conner tied Derrick Henry for the most forced missed tackles in the NFL last season with 68. He continues to play at an extremely high level, and even with the added threat of an expanded role for Trey Benson, Conner will continue to dominate touches in the Cardinals' backfield. Let your league mates fade him because of his age (30), and draft him with confidence.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots TARGET
There is some risk with Henderson. New England’s offensive line issues could continue this year, and Rhamondre Stevenson’s touches are not going away. But Henderson has precisely the type of profile that allows Zero RB drafters to “catch up” at the position. He has elite pass-catching traits and the ability to hit home runs as a runner. There is also a lack of dynamic playmakers on the Patriots' offense, and an outsized role for Henderson could be in the cards.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers VALUE
Hubbard was outstanding last season and could be even better this year if Carolina takes a significant step forward offensively. The Dave Canales offense has been an elite source of RB1 volume and ADP wins — Rachaad White racked up 336 touches in 2023, and Hubbard followed with 294 in 2024.
While there are new faces in the Carolina backfield, including Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne, Hubbard remains the overwhelming favorite to lead the way. He finished eighth in rushing yards last season with 1,195 and scored 10 touchdowns. Carolina rewarded Hubbard with a four-year contract extension that makes him one of the league's top-six highest-paid backs.
Despite his elevated — and well-earned — ADP, Hubbard should deliver once again.
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos TARGET
Harvey was climbing into the 4th round in early drafts, but the Broncos' signing of J.K. Dobbins has some drafters on edge. Despite Dobbins’ presence, Harvey is an appealing target in this range. Denver is an ascending offense, and Harvey’s skill set should match up well with Bo Nix. The Broncos have been top-5 in running back targets in back-to-back seasons, including a number one finish in 2023.
