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Dr. Roto's Daily Prescriptions

Dr. Roto’s Daily Prescription 8/4: Three Down Running Backs

Dr. Roto highlights the best three down running backs that you need to select.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the NFC Championship playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the 49ers 31-7. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

I was going through my timeline on X and came across an interesting post by @adamlevitan from Establishtherun.com

He wrote: Generally, WRs score fantasy points through talent. RBs score fantasy points through opportunity.

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His comment made me think about opportunity and its importance in fantasy football. Most running backs rely on game flow to get their opportunity, especially those that are not considered three down backs. This is why it is critical to draft three down running backs whenever possible. Nothing takes them out of the game, including game flow. Ideally, I am taking 1-2 of the players listed below by Round 6 of my drafts.

We all know the popular three down running backs who go in Rounds 1-3

  • Christian McCaffrey
  • Austin Ekeler
  • Saquon Barkley
  • Bijan Robinson
  • Tony Pollard
  • Najee Harris
  • Joe Mixon

But there might be real value in players that you can take in Round 4-6 such as:

  • Miles Sanders
  • James Connor
  • Rachaad White
  • Alexander Mattison
  • Cam Akers

Players like Rashaad Penny and Damien Harris do have value in standard formats but suffer in PPR leagues. Players like Antonio Gibson and Devon Achane are great in PPR formats but suffer in standard leagues. Three down Running Backs are one of the linchpins to fantasy success so don’t leave your drafts without them!

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