On Underdog, it is no secret that the half-PPR scoring favors running backs more than the wide receivers. And yet, wide receivers go earlier on Underdog than in any other format. It would be tempting to surmise that running backs are dramatically undervalued. In fact, the projections based on the Win The Flex app suggest that running backs will outscore the next available wide receiver at almost every pick.
These projections are based on the expected points for each player based on their positional ADP (e.g. how many points does the 10th RB taken usually score and how does that compare to the best available WR). For those familiar with the tool, it is virtually unheard of for the running backs to out-project the receivers. The combination of half PPR and higher WR ADPs combine to create uncharted territory. This is a big part of what makes Hyperfragile (three RBs before Rd 5, no more than five total) so interesting in this format.
However, there is another feature which massively bolsters the importance of receivers — you have to start three receivers minimum. This extra starting spot means that a receiver needs 1.65 fewer points per game on average to produce a startable score (RB24 or better and WR36 or better). Early receiver centric strategies like Zero RB and Anchor RB remain firmly on the menu.
