In Best Ball, a “Robust” or “Bully” running back strategy involves drafting two to four running backs in the early rounds and then depending on this small group for the season, aiming to have chosen top performers with these limited picks. These bully RB lineups typically follow one of these formats:
(QB-RB-WR-TE)
2-4-9-3
3-5-8-2
3-4-8-3
Here we will answer the questions of what is bully RB Best Ball strategy and how to best implement it in the 2024 Best Ball season.
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How to Use a Bully/Robust RB Best Ball Strategy
A robust RB draft might look like:
Round 1: Christian McCaffrey (RB)
Round 2: Kyren Williams (RB)
Round 3: Devonta Smith (WR)
Round 4: Lamar Jackson (QB)
Round 5: Mark Andrews (TE)
Round 6: Rachaad White (RB)
Round 7: Kenneth Walker (RB)
This scenario involves drafting four running backs within the first seven rounds and then only one additional running back. Here, you’re building a roster with two quarterbacks, two tight ends and four running backs, compensating for the lack of elite wide receivers by drafting a total of 10 receivers.
Positives of this Strategy
This approach is quite contrarian nowadays, as not many sharp players favor the robust RB strategy. If your team advances to the playoffs and you incorporate other +EV tactics like stacking or finding ADP value, your lineups could be unique during the playoff rounds. Drafting numerous high-upside WRs, such as Gabriel Davis, Mike Williams and Darius Slayton, may not provide consistent production, but collectively they could offer enough spike weeks to help your team advance.
Though this strategy has shown lower advance and success rates in recent years, it was previously successful in winning lineups. It’s unclear if recent data reflects seasonal variations or adaptations by Best Ball players. Additionally, the market correction has resulted in RBs being drafted at lower ADPs than in previous years due to the popularity of zero RB and hero RB strategies. This means you might find better value for RBs in the early rounds, with players like Isiah Pacheco now available in the mid- to late-third round, whereas they would have been mid-second-round picks three years ago.
Negatives of this Strategy
Running back production often depends more on usage, role, scheme and offensive line play than on talent alone. A backup RB can replace an injured starter and produce similar stats, unlike WRs or TEs, where multiple players typically share the load. This suggests you can get better production from mid- to late-round RBs if they get increased opportunities, potentially building “super teams” with RBs drafted later.
If RB value emerges later in the draft, you might miss out since over-committing to RBs early limits your flexibility. Statistical trends indicate lower advance rates for bully/robust RB strategies. The adoption of zero/hero RB has also led to excellent value for RBs in the mid rounds. Running backs that would have been picked two or three rounds earlier in past years are now available much later. This shift allows drafters to secure great quarterback, wide receiver and tight end value early without sacrificing too much RB production.
Final Thoughts
While recent statistical analysis suggests that the bully/robust RB strategy is generally sub-optimal, there are scenarios where it might still be worth considering. If the draft undervalues RBs, you could secure strong ADP values early, potentially opening up more WR value in the mid- to late rounds. Additionally, early-round-RB-heavy lineups are rare and might give you unique lineups during the playoffs if they advance.
