There Have Never Been Better Circumstances for Zero RB

#1 By: RotoViz, July 4th, 2017 13:14

Originally published at: http://rotoviz.com/2017/07/there-have-never-been-better-circumstances-for-zero-rb/
Yeah, yeah — I know what you’re saying. “You guys preach Zero RB every year.” Well, there’s no doubt that’s true, and it undoubtedly bit us last year, and we’ll take the loss on that. But I’m going back to the well, and with good reason. Zero RB is poised to be better than ever in…

#2 By: Jason, July 4th, 2017 14:45

Great article, plan on going zero RB this year. Only thing is - do you think elite WR target numbers will go back up to pre 2016 levels? As I recall from last year, WR2 and WR3s stole targets from the top dogs on a lot of teams. This is a more concerning trend to me IMO and could alter the zero RB approach a little (though the overall principle is very sound).

#3 By: RotoDoc, July 4th, 2017 15:00

Good question about the elite WRs. I still want to take an elite WR in round 1 because they have such a high floor anyway, but if Gronk is available mid round 2 or later, I'm taking him. I like taking 2 early TEs and/or an early QB this year (but not too early, LRQB is still alive and well) as a way to fortify those position in a ZRB approach as well.

#4 By: Jason, July 4th, 2017 15:35

Definitely still plan on taking a round 1 WR unless something crazy happens, just hopeful they see their target #s jump up again (and if they do - watch out)

#5 By: Tim P., July 5th, 2017 19:30

Given how much they are targeted, are you passing up DJ or Le'Veon Bell if you're picking in the top 2?

#6 By: Alvaro, July 6th, 2017 05:23

I absolutely buy the Zero RB strategy in classic draft leagues. But I go to RB Strong in best ball, where you can find great best ballers WR from round 12 to 28 (FFPC). What do you think? Do you play Zero RB in best ball leagues?

#7 By: RotoDoc, July 14th, 2017 11:26

Yes, still picking DJ for sure. I might mix and match Bell/OBJ/Antonio if I pick from the 2 slot in multiple drafts.

#8 By: Brad, August 22nd, 2017 20:49

You addressed the objection in comments that was also raised by one of your own here at RotoViz regarding the trend in 3 WR sets by acknowledging the relatively high floor of WR, which I accept intuitively. That is, this strategy's philosophy is largely about drafting the highest possible floor. I'm more interested in your takes for QB and TE within the zeroRB strategy, considering you have appealed to the LRQB and power of a top-tier TE in head-to-head scoring.
I've just decided that even if you were to answer, it would be couched in so many caveats because that type of nuance is reliant on the unfolding of specific drafts. If anything I just want to say this was a great piece and I was becoming slightly offended by how much better the anticipated objections were to anything I was thinking while reading. Keep it up, I force managers in my league to subscribe to this on top of our league fees.