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 sited 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.
James Cook (Buffalo Bills) ADP 91.6, RB36
Don’t buy into the hype that Cook is struggling in pass protection. He’s all but clinched the Bills’ third-down role due to his receiving prowess. Cook will be on the field to run routes, not block. Cook was one of the most accomplished pass-catchers in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Also, his running stood out at Georgia. Cook showed outstanding versatility, averaging 6.4 yards per tote and snagging 27 balls for the Bulldogs. He should have a significant role right away in a Buffalo offense that looks poised to be among the league’s most potent units.
Melvin Gordon (Denver Broncos) ADP 110.7, RB39
Javonte Williams is expected to be Denver’s 1A, but there should be plenty of work left over for Gordon. Last season, the duo split carries and finished back-to-back as the RB17/RB18. Gordon was slightly more efficient with his touches and caught more passes. Even if Williams takes two-thirds of the touches, Gordon is an above-average receiver and excellent in short-yardage situations. Subtract one-third of Gordon’s PPR numbers last year and you still get 135 points- top-36 fantasy numbers. Plus, Gordon is a Williams injury away from being a weekly RB1. That makes him an ideal #ZeroRB target in the 10th round.
Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) ADP 111.3, RB40
Leonard Fournette has never been the healthiest back and reportedly weighed close to 260 pounds this summer. While Fournette was a top-5 fantasy back last season, the Bucs had little depth behind him. Enter third-round rookie Rachaad White, who excelled as both a runner and receiver at Arizona State. White is already being groomed to open the season as Tampa’s third-down back and could be a weekly RB2 if Fournette were to miss more time.
Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles) ADP 112.9, RB41
While Miles Sanders retains Philadelphia’s lead-back role, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott will play plenty. Sanders has struggled to find the end zone while Gainwell and Scott combined to score 13 touchdowns. As it stands, Gainwell is also the most accomplished receiver in the group. Gainwell hauled in 33-of-50 targets in 2021 and is expected to retain that role and be plenty involved in the red zone. Sanders was outscored by Gainwell last season and I expect that could easily happen again in 2022.
Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons) ADP 124.4, RB46
The Falcons project to be among the league’s worst teams, but they have some solid young weapons in place. Incumbent starter Cordarrelle Patterson faded down the stretch and Tyler Allgeier has showcased his size and all-around abilities in camp. It might take a while for Allgeier to emerge in Atlant’s lineup, but he should get opportunities when the Falcons begin auditioning younger talent. Allgeier’s size (5-11, 224) and yards after contact skill-set also make him a candidate to earn an immediate role as the club’s short-yardage banger.
Nyheim Hines (Indianapolis Colts) ADP 125.8, RB47
Once Jonathan Taylor emerged as Indy’s workhorse back there weren’t a ton of opportunities left for Hines. But that should change with Matt Ryan under center for the Colts. Indianapolis also will be breaking in new pass-catchers, which opens the door for Hines to line up in the slot and out wide. Hines has averaged 68 targets in four seasons with the Colts. He has a viable path to 75 targets and 50-plus rushing attempts. Also, Hines is an injury away from being a potential championship-winning fantasy back.
J.D. McKissic (Washington Commanders) ADP 147.9, RB53
Another solid PPR contributor, McKissic eventually re-signed with the Commanders and will retain his third-down role. McKissic has averaged 6.03 targets per game in Washington. That’s a pace of 102 annually in a 17-game season. Washington’s offense should also be better with Carson Wentz under center. Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson will also be involved but McKissic looks like the best PPR value in DC. With that, he’s a quality late-round fantasy value for PPR managers to target.
Ameer Abdullah (Las Vegas Raiders) ADP 166.5, RB60
Reports indicate that veteran Ameer Abdullah has emerged as the Raiders’ third-down back. That role has been quite significant in Josh McDaniels’s system. Abdullah set career-high numbers in both targets (49) and catches (35) last season in Carolina. Josh Jacobs has never stood out as a consistent receiver, so Abdullah has a viable path to 50-plus looks as the Raiders’ passing-down specialist. With an ADP nearly off the chart, there is no downside to snagging Abdullah with your final draft pick.
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