Fantasy Football: Best RBs And Flex Starters

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Hey guys, fantasy football season is here, and one of the most crucial decisions you'll make each week is setting your starting lineup. Nailing your running back (RB) and flex positions can be the key to victory. So, you're probably wondering, "Which two RBs should I start, and who should I put in my flex spot?" Don't worry, we've all been there! It's a tough call with so many talented players out there. To help you navigate this tricky decision, we'll break down some key factors to consider, offer tips for evaluating players, and even highlight a few potential studs and duds to watch out for.

Evaluating Your Running Backs

Okay, let's dive deep into the world of running backs! When you're trying to figure out which two RBs to start each week, it's not just about picking the guys with the biggest names. You've gotta dig a little deeper and look at a bunch of different factors. Think of it like this: you're a fantasy football detective, and you need to gather all the clues to solve the "Who should I start?" mystery. Here's a breakdown of the key things to consider when evaluating your running backs:

1. Matchups, Matchups, Matchups!

Seriously, I can't stress this enough. The matchup is HUGE in fantasy football. You need to look at who your RB is playing against each week. Some defenses are just brick walls against the run, while others are more like turnstiles. You want to target RBs who are going up against teams that struggle to stop the run. Check out the stats, guys! Look at how many rushing yards and touchdowns the opposing defense has allowed to RBs in previous games. This will give you a good idea of whether your guy is in for a potential monster game or a frustrating day.

2. Opportunity is King (or Queen!)

In fantasy football, opportunity is everything. A super-talented RB who only gets 10 carries a game isn't going to be as valuable as a slightly less talented RB who gets 20 carries and catches a few passes. Look for running backs who are the clear workhorses in their offenses. These are the guys who are going to get the bulk of the carries and goal-line touches. Also, pay attention to pass-catching ability. RBs who can catch passes out of the backfield are gold in PPR (points per reception) leagues because they get those extra points for each reception.

3. Injury Reports are Your Best Friend

Injuries can derail even the best fantasy seasons, so you need to stay on top of the injury reports. Is your star RB dealing with a nagging injury? Is his backup looking like a potential breakout star? A healthy RB is a productive RB, so make sure you're factoring in injury concerns when making your lineup decisions. Keep an eye on practice participation, game-day designations (questionable, doubtful, out), and any news from team beat reporters. This information can give you a crucial edge.

4. The Dreaded Game Script

The game script refers to how the flow of the game is likely to unfold. If your RB's team is a heavy favorite, they're more likely to run the ball to control the clock in the second half. This is great news for your RB! On the other hand, if his team is expected to be playing from behind, they might abandon the run game and throw the ball more. This can limit your RB's opportunities. Try to anticipate the game script based on the point spread and the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

5. Trust Your Gut (But Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind)

Okay, so you've done all your research, you've crunched the numbers, and you've analyzed the matchups. But sometimes, you just have a feeling about a certain player. Trust your gut, guys! But also, don't be afraid to change your mind if new information comes to light. Fantasy football is a constantly evolving game, and you need to be adaptable.

Deciding on Your Flex Player

Now, let's talk about the flex position! This is where things can get really interesting. The flex spot gives you the flexibility (get it?) to start another RB, a wide receiver (WR), or even a tight end (TE). So, how do you decide who to put in that coveted flex spot? Here's the lowdown:

1. Consider Your Team's Weaknesses

First, take a look at your overall team. Are you stacked at RB but thin at WR? Then you might want to lean towards starting a WR in your flex. Conversely, if your WRs are a bit of a question mark, but you have three solid RBs, then flex one of them. The flex spot is all about maximizing your overall scoring potential, so fill the biggest hole in your lineup.

2. The WR vs. RB Debate (Again, Matchups Matter!)

This is the age-old fantasy football debate: should you flex a WR or an RB? There's no single right answer, guys. It really depends on the specific players and matchups involved. As we discussed earlier, matchups are crucial. If you have a WR going up against a weak secondary or a RB facing a tough run defense, that can sway your decision.

3. Don't Overthink It (But Don't Be Reckless, Either!)

It's easy to get caught up in the analysis paralysis when deciding on your flex player. You start second-guessing yourself, looking at too many stats, and driving yourself crazy. Try to avoid overthinking it! Go with the player you feel most confident in, based on your research and gut feeling. But also, don't be reckless. Don't start a player just because you like his name or because he had one good game last year. Make an informed decision based on the available evidence.

4. The Importance of Volume (Are You Sensing a Theme Here?)

Just like with RBs, volume is key for WRs and TEs in fantasy football. Look for players who are targeted frequently in their team's passing game. A WR who gets 10 targets a game is more likely to have a big week than a WR who gets only 3 targets. Similarly, a TE who is a favorite target in the red zone is a valuable flex option. Target volume is a great indicator of potential fantasy production.

Potential Studs and Duds to Watch

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about some specific players! It's always risky to make definitive predictions before the season starts (or even during the season!), but we can identify some players who have the potential to be studs and some who might be duds based on their situations and past performance.

Running Back Studs

  • Bijan Robinson (ATL): This dude is the real deal! Robinson is an incredibly talented rookie RB who landed in a great situation in Atlanta. He's expected to be the workhorse back in a run-heavy offense, and he has the potential to be a top-5 fantasy RB right away.
  • Christian McCaffrey (SF): When healthy, McCaffrey is a fantasy football god. He's a dominant runner and receiver, and he's the focal point of the 49ers' offense. The only concern is his injury history, but if he stays on the field, he'll be a fantasy superstar.
  • Austin Ekeler (LAC): Ekeler is a PPR machine. He catches a ton of passes out of the backfield and is also a reliable goal-line threat. He might be getting a little older, but he's still one of the most valuable RBs in fantasy football.

Running Back Duds

  • ** Ezekiel Elliott (NE):** Zeke signed with the Patriots, but his best days are behind him. He's sharing carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, and he's no longer the explosive player he once was. I'd be wary of drafting him too high.
  • Miles Sanders (CAR): Sanders had a decent season last year with the Eagles, but he's now in a crowded backfield in Carolina. The Panthers also have a rookie QB, which could limit their offensive upside. I'm not expecting big things from Sanders this year.
  • AJ Dillon (GB): Dillon is a talented player, but he's stuck behind Aaron Jones in Green Bay. He'll get some carries, but he's unlikely to be a consistent fantasy starter unless Jones gets injured.

Flex Studs

  • Garrett Wilson (NYJ): Wilson is a super-talented WR who now has Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball. He's poised for a breakout season and could be a weekly flex starter.
  • Darren Waller (NYG): Waller is a dynamic TE who has the potential to be a top-5 player at his position. He's now the clear No. 1 receiving option in the Giants' offense.
  • Javonte Williams (DEN): Williams is returning from a serious knee injury, but he has the potential to be a fantasy star if he's fully healthy. He's a powerful runner and a capable receiver.

Flex Duds

  • Kadarius Toney (KC): Toney is a talented but inconsistent WR who is hard to trust in fantasy. He's injury-prone, and he's competing for targets in a crowded Chiefs' offense.
  • Allen Lazard (NYJ): Lazard is a decent WR, but he's not a true game-changer. He'll likely be the No. 2 WR in the Jets' offense behind Garrett Wilson, limiting his upside.
  • Irv Smith Jr. (CIN): Smith is a talented TE, but he's never lived up to his potential. He's now in Cincinnati, but he's still a risky fantasy option.

Final Thoughts

Okay, guys, that's a wrap on our deep dive into choosing your RBs and flex players! Remember, fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get too high after a good week or too down after a bad one. Stay focused, do your research, and trust your instincts. And most importantly, have fun! Good luck this season, and may your fantasy teams bring you glory!

Key Takeaways:

  • Matchups matter: Always consider the opposing defense when setting your lineup. Target favorable matchups and avoid tough ones.
  • Opportunity is king: Look for players who are getting a lot of carries and targets in their offenses.
  • Stay informed: Keep up with injury reports, game script predictions, and other news that could impact your players' performance.
  • Trust your gut: Don't be afraid to go with your instincts, but also be willing to adjust your lineup based on new information.
  • Have fun! Fantasy football is a game, so enjoy the ride!