By now, you know the saying. “You don’t win your league in the first round of your fantasy football draft.” With a deep pool of talent still available, most people get a competent starter for their fantasy team unless there’s a major injury or they really botch the pick. Instead, leagues are won in the middle and late rounds. That’s where you start to find players the consensus disagrees about for one reason or another, and it’s where you can find what are called “league winners.” These players offer immense value because they outperform their draft position and give you the production of a 1st- or 2nd-round pick in the later rounds. This is where draft strategy, utilizing the right tools, and doing the right amount of prep can win you your league.
We asked our featured experts to pick their favorite RB league winners ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Here are their picks and accompanying justifications.
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League Winners to Target in Fantasy Football Drafts
Q. Which one running back do you believe will be this year’s league winner? (e.g., 2022 Josh Jacobs or Jamaal Williams)
Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
“Rookie Kendre Miller can be a league winner in 2023. Standing at 5-11 and 215 pounds (identical to Bijan Robinson), the highly productive TCU running back possesses ideal size for the NFL level. He showcased his efficiency and explosiveness on a per-play basis, leading the FBS in yards after contact per attempt in 2021 and finishing fourth in career yards per play among his RB draft class. And despite Miller not testing due to recovering from a knee injury, the New Orleans Saints selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He may not have an immediate opportunity to start, given the presence of Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams on the depth chart, but Miller’s explosive running style and big-play ability make him an exciting stash across deeper formats as a high-upside running back in the later rounds. The Saints also benefit from the league’s easiest schedule, putting Miller in a spot to face soft matchups when he finally earns opportunities.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
“The Ravens were ready to unleash Dobbins in a major way prior to his devastating knee injury just before the 2021 season, and they took it relatively easy on him in his 2022 return, especially after his midseason setback. But the Ravens believe he’s a superstar talent, and now another year removed from his injury, they expect him to explode in 2023. It’s telling that an organization that values rushing the ball as much as the Ravens do chose not to take a running back in the 2023 draft. This is Dobbins’ backfield, and considering the upgrades in the passing game at both wide receiver and offensive play-caller, Dobbins should have even more room to operate this year. He may even finally start to show off his elite pass-catching skill set that the past OC ignored. If that happens, coupled with his league-leading yards per carry and likely heavy red-zone usage, Dobbins has an outside chance at a top-5 finish at the position.”
– Ryan Wormeli (FantasyPros)
“J.K. Dobbins is set to crush in a contract year. Dobbins is easily one of the most explosive rushers in the NFL when at full strength. Last year, operating on one healthy leg, he ranked 22nd in yards after contact per attempt, sixth in breakaway percentage and 24th in PFF elusive rating (minimum 90 carries). In Todd Monken’s system, Dobbins’ talent will be on full display, as Monken has historically relied on one back. Dobbins is that dude.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Rachaad White (RB – TB)
“One of the quietest winners of the offseason has been Rachaad White. The Bucs didn’t bring in competition to hurt White’s chance of being a semi-workhorse back. White had to split the work with Leonard Fourtnette in 2022 and still managed 129 carries and 58 targets. While the Tampa offense may not be as good, White should see an opportunity to reach over 200 carries and could be used heavily in the passing game. White getting to the 90-target level is within reach to help propel him to league-winner status.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
“Few running backs have had as good of an offseason as Rachaad White. While Tampa could certainly still add someone, it seems likely that White is going to get a shot at being the lead back. (Sean Tucker will get some work, but as a UDFA, he doesn’t concern me.) Even if it’s on what projects to be a very lackluster offense, the prospect of drafting a true three-down back outside the top 20-25 running backs is a bet that feels skewed toward the upside — and if Tampa Bay is even close to an average offense, White could be a true league winner.”
– Benjamin Klotz (Touchdown Squad)
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