Now that fantasy football draft season is here, it’s time to look at different strategies. Contrarian approaches like #ZeroRB have a lot of traction and our 2022 Fantasy Football Zero-RB Targets can help identify mid-to-late round running backs to draft.
Although there is no definitive #ZeroRB rule, generally starting the draft focusing on elite wide receivers and tight ends while waiting until the middle of the draft at the earliest to address the backfield is the idea. Some drafters will take a running back before Round 5 in a modified Zero-RB, but we’ll focus on the former.
Here are some 2022 fantasy football Zero-RB targets to look for in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft. All ADP cited courtesy of FFWC high-stakes Advanced ADP.
Chase Edmonds (Miami Dolphins) ADP 70.5, (RB24)
There is a notable difference in Edmonds’s ADP in high-stakes leagues versus the consensus formats. That’s usually a good sign to target a player. As it stands, Chase Edmonds is the overwhelming favorite to be Miami’s main running back. He’s an excellent fit in the team’s new zone-blocking scheme and a trustworthy pass-catcher.
With the Cardinals last season, Edmonds saw 53 targets in 12 games and posted overall RB28 numbers in terms of fantasy points per game. Miami ranked 11th in plays per game in 2021 and should be even more potent with Tyreek Hill added to the fold. I view Edmonds as a quality weekly RB2 and a superb value in the sixth round.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs) ADP 78, RB27
After two disappointing outings to open his career, fantasy managers are understandably off of CEH. In 2021, PFF ranked Edwards-Helaire as the 79th running back. He was even worse as a receiver and struggled mightily in short yardage. Still, new opportunities mean new value in 2022.
CEH has dominated first-team work throughout the preseason and should get plenty of opportunities in an offense that lost four of their top-6 target earners. What we do know is he can pass protect for Pat Mahomes. Plus, rumors persist that Ronald Jones may not even make the Chiefs’ opening day roster. At this point, Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s ADP has fallen so low that there is little downside to targeting him in the seventh or eighth round.
Dameon Pierce (Houston Texans) ADP 88.3, RB32
Pierce’s ADP has shot up multiple rounds due to his impressive preseason film and the lackluster showing for Marlon Mack. The veteran may be extended the starting courtesy in September, but it seems like only a matter of time before Pierce takes over Houston’s backfield. Pierce was PFF’s highest-graded runner in 2021 and ranked 6th as a pass-catcher. He also ranked top-5 in yards created and elusiveness. It looks like the Texans hit a home run with Pierce and fantasy managers are about to do the same.
Who else made the 2022 Fantasy Football Zero-RB targets list?
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