An RB3 in fantasy football refers to a running back that is ranked between 25th and 36th at their position. Generally, fantasy football leagues are going to have twelve teams an RB3 is meant to fill out your third running back position or your flex position.
This type of terminology can be used to describe players in higher tier rankings as well. For example, an RB1 would be ranked from 1 to 12 at the position while an RB2 would be ranked from 13th to 24th at the position.
When you see these types of terms used to describe a player in fantasy football they are typically referring to their rankings in the coming week or over the course of a season.
Alternative meanings of RB3 in football
On top of its meaning in fantasy football terminology RB3 can be used to describe the depth chart as well.
Sometimes when using terms like this outside of fantasy football they are referencing a team’s depth chart rankings.
For example, if a player was an RB3 on a football team this would mean they are the third running back on the depth chart.
Using the terms in this way is especially common for positions in which there is only one starter.
When a player is considered QB1 on their football team this means they are the starter. A QB2 for example would be the second string player one spot behind the starter on the depth chart.
It is important to take into account the context when seeing these terms. When talking about fantasy football a term like RB3 is referring to the ranking of a running back from 25 to 36.
While using RB3 when talking about rosters and not fantasy football means the third running back on the depth chart.
Traits you want in an RB3
Now that you know what an RB3 is in fantasy football you may be wondering what traits you want to look for in these players.
Potential to climb the depth chart
One thing that fantasy managers want out of their RB3 is the ability to climb the depth chart. Since these players are ranked from 25 to 36 it is common for them to not be the starting running back on their team.
Having a chance to gain that starting role throughout the season is going to make the ceiling of these running backs much higher.
Whether it is due to injury or poor play passing the top running on the depth chart can pay off huge dividends.
Fantasy managers should look for younger RB3s if they want a shot at taking over the role of starting running back in their offense.
Ability to score on limited touches
Another key factor that you want to look for when getting an RB3 is the ability to produce when not getting a large number of touches.
RB3s as a whole tend to get significantly fewer touches than RB1s and RB2s. This is because these players are either not the starter or they are on a team that doesn’t run the ball very often.
In these situations, you want a player that can break off a big play or remain productive on a limited number of touches.
This way you will not be waiting for the opportunities to improve for your running back but will instead be able to produce fantasy points despite your player not seeing a large number of snaps.
