The importance of the overall RB1 (running back 1) in fantasy football is underscored by the historical struggles of previous season’s top performers. Analysts note a trend where former RB1s have often underperformed in their following season due to factors like injuries or significant declines in performance. For instance, Alvin Kamara was the only top RB to maintain a reasonable level of production, while others like Saquon Barkley and Austin Ekeler saw substantial drops in points per game. Current analysis highlights Christian McCaffrey as a top contender for the 2026 season, despite his past injury issues. The value of an elite RB1 is substantial; having one on a fantasy roster dramatically increases championship odds, as evidenced by McCaffrey’s contribution to winning teams last season.
Why It Matters
Historically, the overall RB1 has been crucial for fantasy football success, with a notable performance gap between the RB1 and other running backs. Since 2016, the average points per game (PPG) for the RB1 has been 24.9, significantly higher than the RB12’s 15.1 PPG. The likelihood of drafting a top-performing RB1 diminishes after the second round of drafts, with only 14% of overall RB1s since 2005 being selected outside the top 24 picks. This trend emphasizes the critical nature of strategic drafting in fantasy leagues to secure top talent, which can greatly influence championship outcomes.
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