Running backs have long been the lifeblood of fantasy football. In the early days of our great hobby, passing on a featured back also meant you were likely passing on a postseason berth. This isn’t hyperbole, either, as the numbers back up the words.
Historical data will show the importance placed on drafting the best running backs early and often. But as we move from the 1980s up until recent years, we can see the trend shifting.
In the decade of the 1980s, the top six non-quarterback fantasy point producers in standard scoring leagues (PPR hadn’t yet come into prominence) were all running backs. That list included Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Marcus Allen, Tony Dorsett, Roger Craig and O.J. Anderson. There were three wideouts – Steve Largent, James Lofton and Art Monk – but 70% of the “elite” players came from NFL backfields.
