A Zero-RB fantasy draft strategy just went down in a high-stakes 12-team PPR league, and it’s putting *everything* on the shoulders of Rico Dowdle in the later rounds.
Going All In On Pass Catchers
My team, picking third overall, didn’t even *think* about a running back early. We went full throttle on pass catchers! Round 1 saw Ja’Marr Chase, followed by Chris Olave in Round 2. Talk about a receiver room that’s gonna torch defenses! In Round 3, it was a tough call, but Trey McBride got the nod over DeVonta Smith. Then DJ Moore landed in Round 4, which felt great, even after D’Andre Swift and Breece Hall were snatched right before my pick. This was a full commitment to the Zero-RB approach, with Lamar Jackson at quarterback in Round 5, passing on Quinshon Judkins, Cam Skattebo, and David Montgomery. And in Round 6? Chris Godwin became the flex option, over Rhamondre Stevenson. Honestly, no one in this league has my caliber of pass catchers, and Jackson could easily finish as the No. 1 overall quarterback. But yeah, that backfield is definitely going to determine where this team ends up. It’s the ultimate roll of the dice.
Ken’s “Hero-RB” vs. My Gamble
Meanwhile, Ken Townsel, who generously donated to St. Jude to join this awesome 12-team PPR league, went a completely different route from the No. 2 spot. This whole Draft-A-Thon is for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, aiming to raise $200,000, and it’s amazing to see the fantasy community step up. Ken’s “Hero-RB” strategy started strong, grabbing Bijan Robinson, then Nico Collins, Malik Nabers, Luther Burden III, and Tyler Warren with his first five picks. That’s an elite start in a three-receiver league. His backfield depth includes Rhamondre Stevenson in Round 6, plus Mike Washington Jr., Woody Marks, and Zach Charbonnet. Joe Burrow is his quarterback, and Mark Andrews is his second tight end. Ken’s roster looks absolutely stacked and tough to beat, no doubt.
The Late-Round RB Haul
But back to the ultimate gamble for my squad! My team went running back crazy from Rounds 7 through 12, absolutely stockpiling talent and hoping to hit big. Rico Dowdle was the first of the bunch, a huge pick, followed by Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White, Aaron Jones, MarShawn Lloyd, and Kaelon Black. Then, with the very last pick in Round 16, Alvin Kamara joined the squad. It all boils down to this, man: if Dowdle truly steps up and owns that No. 1 running back role in Pittsburgh, this Zero-RB gamble could pay off huge and make this team unstoppable.
So, will this wild Zero-RB approach, loaded with explosive receiving talent and a late-round running back dart throw, be enough to win this fiercely competitive league? The fantasy season is about to kick off, and trust me, all eyes will be on whether that backfield, led by Dowdle, can deliver and shock everyone.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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