Running backs are by far the toughest position to draft with any consistency in fantasy football every single year. It's not close.
In recent seasons, runners drafted as a top-12 back overall typically finish as a "RB1" (top-12) just 50% of the time, according to historical bust rates. This means that -- for every running back drafted in the RB1-RB12 range in average draft position (ADP) who returns value by finishing inside the top 12 at the end of the year -- one running back simply won't.
This leaves us with a dilemma. Everyone needs running backs in fantasy football, so how can we find safer bets?