Is fullback a position in fantasy football?

Young NFL fans in 2024 may find it hard to believe but there was a time when fullback was the most valued position in football. Unfortunately, its importance predated the popularity of fantasy football.

If fantasy football was around in the early 1900s, fullback would be the premier position of the game. But alas, that is no longer the case in 2024. Instead, the position has become functionally obsolete in fantasy and is not included as a standard position under the traditional rule set.

In the early days of American football, fullbacks were the bellcows of an offense. Not only was the run game significantly more valued than the passing game but fullbacks were the focal point of every offense instead of the halfback.

Over time, the role of a fullback has not changed as much as the game has evolved beyond its needs. With a bigger emphasis on the pass, fullbacks are now primarily blockers in the backfield who receive the occasional short-yardage carry. Even then, many teams do not even the roster the position anymore.

But since they still exist on the field, some fullbacks still record fantasy points. It may be scarce, but even a single carry or target is registered in the fantasy world.

Fullback is not a traditional roster position in fantasy football

On any fantasy site available, the positional layout tends to be the same. Typically, a standard league will include one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, one or two FLEX positions, one defense and special teams unit (D/ST) and a kicker. Fullback, while still an active position in modern football, is not included.

However, while fullback is not under the traditional rule set, some leagues will give commissioners the option of adding it. As one can imagine, those leagues are few and far apart.

Fullbacks are available to play, but not a viable option

Even though fullback is not a traditionally playable position in most fantasy leagues, the players who fall into that category are still eligible to be added to rosters. Having said that, they are not anybody serious managers should take into consideration.

The few fullbacks who remain in the NFL are listed in fantasy as running backs, grouping them together with arguably the most important position in fantasy football. Wasting a roster spot on a fullback is nonsensical in 2024 with zero legitimate options in the barren field.

In 2023, Kyle Juszczyk was the best fantasy football fullback but finished as just the RB82, far behind most backup running backs and buried behind a few third-stringers. Even though he played in most games and was a crucial piece of the San Francisco offense that won an NFC Championship, Juszczyk finished behind Ty Johnson, D'Ernest Johnson, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Cordarrelle Patterson; just to name a few.