With the 2025 Fantasy Football season arriving soon, it is time to start researching and testing out strategies for the draft. In recent years, the “zero RB” strategy has gained popularity and has become a dependable draft scheme for fantasy players.
The method is simple, draft your stud receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends in the earlier rounds and wait on taking your first running back until the later rounds. This allows fantasy players to draft superstars without having to take a shot on a running back they are uncomfortable picking.
However, this draft strategy will only work if you hit on the late running backs. To help with this, I have researched players who will best fit this strategy. In this article, I will dive in and analyze the running backs I believe will help fantasy players dominate using the zero RB strategy.
R.J. Harvey
(Denver Broncos)
The Denver Broncos' running back room became wide open this offseason after Javonte Williams signed with the Dallas Cowboys. However, after selecting R.J. Harvey in the second round of this year’s draft, a new alpha is in town. There is no doubt in my mind that Harvey is going to take on a massive role in Denver this year, as it seems like he is the guy for Sean Payton.
With this being said, the potential workload for Harvey this season is exasperating. The Broncos need someone in their running back room to fill the workhorse role, and that is exactly what Harvey is going to do. His 1,800 scrimmage-yard season in 2024 at UCF proves that he can become a top running back in the NFL, and the situation he finds himself in with Denver is optimistic. There are no extreme threats to Harvey’s role as the bona fide RB 1 on this roster, and Sean Payton is going to utilize him a massive amount.
According to Sleeper ADP, Harvey is currently being drafted as the RB 22, a spot that I strongly believe he will outperform. Everything is perfectly laid out for him– no competition, a competitive offense, and a phenomenal head coach. I expect Harvey to have a great year, and I would not leave a draft without him if you are utilizing the zero RB strategy.
James Conner
(Arizona Cardinals)
In 2024, James Conner proved that he could be a workhorse for the Arizona Cardinals. Conner eclipsed 1,500 scrimmage yards last year, a personal best for him, and he racked up 9 total touchdowns, ultimately guiding him to an RB 11 finish. As of now, Conner is being drafted as the RB 18, an ADP that he will provide value to.
Conner’s ability to handle a heavy workload was showcased last year, totaling 283 total touches. When it comes to fantasy football, touches are extremely valuable. The more time a player touches the ball, the more opportunity there is for them to score points. That being said, Conner is a guy I feel extremely comfortable drafting in the later rounds.
Of course, Trey Benson saw a decent amount of work last year, but it was not enough to concern me for the 2025 season. Conner is Arizona’s guy, and the only way this will change is if he happens to get injured. If you plan on utilizing the zero RB strategy, Conner is a guy I would not leave my fantasy drafts without.
David Montgomery
(Detroit Lions)
David Montgomery had a massive season in 2024 before his injury. Averaging over 13 carries per game in his regular season tenure, Montgomery was feasting with the super-powered Detroit Lions offense. In just 14 games, Montgomery had 12 total touchdowns, a mark that is extremely appealing for fantasy players. The Lions' offense shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, and Montgomery will be leading the pack alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
The departure of Ben Johnson as Detroit’s offensive coordinator may lead some people to steer away from the Lions’ offense, but in reality, the players on the field are the ones showcasing the capabilities of the offense. In his two years with Detroit, Montgomery has proved himself as a star running back and has showcased his explosive playmaking. I have no worries that Montgomery’s success will be altered due to the leaving of Ben Johnson.
Gibbs will still have his crucial role for this offense, but this does not mean Montgomery won’t get his workload. Dan Campbell knows that the way the offense has been previously operated was and will continue to be successful. This, accompanied by his rank of RB 19 via Sleeper, leads me to believe that Montgomery is a perfect fit for the zero RB strategy.
Kaleb Johnson
(Pittsburgh Steelers)
With the departure of Najee Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, the Steelers taking a running back in the draft felt like an obvious scenario. And they did just that, selecting stud Kaleb Johnson in the 3rd round of the 2025 draft.
The foundation of Johnson’s success has already been built for him, as he is part of a solid offensive line with minimal competition at his position. The stars are aligned for him to break out in his first year, and I am all in.
In just 12 games as a Hawkeye in 2024, Johnson eclipsed 1,700 total yards and found himself in the end zone 23 times. The explosiveness is there, as he proved it last year, not to mention that he did not fumble once in his 2024 campaign. I see a strong rookie season looming for Johnson.
Jaylen Warren will take some of Johnson’s passing volume, but I am not worried whatsoever about Johnson’s overall volume. All in all, Johnson is an explosive running back who will be able to take on a huge role in this Pittsburgh offense. If he takes even 90% of what Harris’s role was in 2024, it will be in Johnson’s range of outcomes to outperform his predraft rank of RB 31.
Final Analysis
This 2025 fantasy football season feels like a great season to utilize the zero RB draft strategy. These four candidates are, in my opinion, the best fits for this strategy and will give fantasy players the best opportunity to dominate their drafts. Draft the stud receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends early in your drafts, and complete your team by taking these running backs in the later rounds.