This Method for Crushing Underdog Tournaments With Rookie RBs Is Counterintuitive But Powerful

Blair Andrews
May 11, 2023

In Part 1, Blair Andrews argued that Jahmyr Gibbs is undervalued in best ball, even at his current valuation, right at the Round 3/4 turn. Rookie running backs drafted in the first 100 reality picks — especially those who are young — have a better chance than most other RBs to put up big scores in the fantasy playoffs. But an obvious question remains: can players like Gibbs help you get to the playoffs in the first place?

You have to advance out of the regular season for big games from rookie RBs to do you any good, so we don’t want players who will only contribute in the final weeks of the season. Moreover, Underdog has added even bigger and more prizes for the top regular season teams in Best Ball Mania IV. In last year’s edition, 10% of the total prize money went to the regular season champion. In 2023, 33% of the total prize money will be split among the top 10,000 regular season teams. In other words, it’s even more important to have a top regular season team this year. With that in mind, we need to take a second look at the rookie RB strategy. Is it still successful if your picks are at their most dominant once the regular season is finished?

The Right and Wrong Ways to Play Rookie RBs in Best Ball

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Blair Andrews

Managing Editor, Author of The Wrong Read, Occasional Fantasy Football League Winner. All opinions are someone else's.

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