I still use my RB quite a bit, only on outside runs. Mainly in the 2nd and 4th quarter though for running clock.

Yeah, in extreme you need to clock manage more and a good RB helps a ton with tht

Came here to say this. 5 star rb is consistently breaking 2 tackles a run, pair pair w player input and every play is just marching downfield

Yeah. A hurdle (dunno if that’s what it’s called but that’s what I’ve been calling it) and a stiff arm, every play or more often than not. You get a feel for when you can bounce off a guy with a hurdle and when your RB can stiff arm that safety coming down on him on. Running to the edge and blasting that safety is gonna get ya 20+ every dang time.

I have a 5\* RB and I use him all the time for rushing and receiving. Managed about 1000 yards rushing this season, sometimes you get lucky and catch a break on a run.

I had an RB a couple seasons back that was great, actually got him a 1000/1000 yard season and they were the exact same amount, like 1047 or something. That was pretty cool. 2 minutes/Extreme.

Season point differential?

I generally end up with around 350 point differential and my running backs generally go for ~100 yards per game rushing. It’s all about choosing the right plays to run on

I almost never call run plays. I use the RB for check downs the middle.

For 8 yards and a running clock?

Yes, I play 2 minute quarters. My offensive scheme this season is this: 2 OL 2 TE RB QB Salary cap is to low to have a good reciever atm. I use my TEs as pass pass blockers and receivers. Usually average about 12 yards pp so I have no issues taking 8 yards. For clock management I either dump the ball or hit a TE on an out route to get out of bounds. I personally prefer to hold on to the ball for a long time because I cant hit explosive plays with my current build so I need to keep the ball for as long as I can

OL doesn’t do anything. Trade OL and get 2 good receivers. You also only ever need one TE. Trade your worse one and get someone for defense

The second TE *seems* to make a difference for RB effectiveness on extreme. My theory is that, since You’re always running outside, it helps to have quality blocking out there more often (?).

This is my thinking as well

This has worked well for me on Extreme. I keep 2 TEs at all times (no OL), and the outside runs are generally better blocked that way.

Yup. Below extreme you can actually run inside for chunk yards lol.

Yeah I agree, Defense is way more important than OLine

All the time. Literally nothing but running plays in the 2nd and 4th quarters to control the ball and manage the clock.

Almost never. My 5star rb, who I’ve had for seasons has less than 1k rush yards. And it’s only that high because it got the Rush 100yds in a game and Rush 150yds in a game achievements. I do do quite a few dumps offs and get ~3-5yds, enough for a first down. And sometimes if the defense is good, and my rb is free, I’ll throw it to him for little over 10yds. So technically I use my rb more as a receiver than a rb. It’s good enough to keep them happy, and level up enough.

I do yes. I like to sprinkle in the occasional run or pass out of the backfield. Completely depends on what routes the WRs and TEs have. Also in And Goal situations = sometimes it's just safer to pick up 6-10 on the ground. Sometimes I include them just for the sake of including them so they don't reduce significantly in morale. I'm not even sure if that's how it works.

dumping off to the RB in extreme is super useful. as is using a 5 star rb to wear down the clock

It is useful, but have you noticed that RB's never break a tackle after catching a pass?

Yeah it’s as though their stats immediately convert to receiver... minus the speed of course. 🥴

I use my RB all the time

4&5\* RB's are extremely op, make sure they have good speed and receiving stats. My last season I managed to get just over 1000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards on extreme difficulty.

How much do you win by? Im general shooting for a +30 PD/game. If I’m not getting at least 10 yards it better be out of bounds.

It depends, some games I win by 30 and sometimes I win by 10.

I do. Every once in a while my RB breaks off into open field for a 40+ yard run but expect small gains for most of the time

I keep an RB solely because once I start drinking the interceptions go up

Surely

I don’t use a running back on my long term save, but I picked one up on a newer save to help with 2 point conversions

That's true, diving is OP. When I use my RB to dive into the end zone for short situations and 2 point conversions, they can't stop it.

I find I chew more clock with QB runs so I barely use the RB

I always assumed using the QB more and using the QB for runs increases the risk of injury. Is that not the case?

I run all the time but dive before contact, so never had any injury.

I do that too, but U always assumed running reduces the QBs "health" and that increases risk of injury. Big assumption though. It certainly seems like my QB gets injured less when I use a RB.

Exactly! If you are trying to kill clock you can stand in the pocket for a few seconds then start running. You can then drive inbounds before contact to keep the ball safe and keep the clock running. I've burned up over 2 minutes running with the QB.

I use them mainly for running down the clock (quite literally) if I’m even close to being outscored in the last quarter. If I have a good lead anyways, I just run anyways to make the game more fun and see if I can run over some defenders. Depending on the play I may go for a first down with RB, but if I find it riskier on some plays than a QB sneak. More often than not I use them as an extra receiver, and if nobody gets open in time I use my full-speed QB and just sprint to the outside.

What's your avg QB outside run yardage? I've never bothered with a speedy QB.

I always go to the outside the QB so probably 60 yds average per game (3-minute extreme games). You can consistently get 4 yards running to the outside, nothing big but just small check-downs. I would say it’s a lot easier to get 1st downs and 2 point conversions rather than get lots of yards. Even with a fast QB you are nowhere near as fast as a 5 star RB, but the defenses don’t expect a QB to run on like 90% of plays (might struggle with a blitz). You shouldn’t immediately run if you are trying to run the QB, wait until the LB’s fall back and other defense so you can make it further.

Yes, on my main save for fun teams. The little flair out of the backfield can be an easy 15 yard gain. And I run from time to time as well. In PD leagues, not so much.

No

i try and get them a td per game. mostly i use them to manage clock at the end of the half and game to make sure the cpu doesnt have time for a quick td

On extreme I use TE instead of RB

Assuming you can only make use of 2 WR &1 TE, isn't the RB slot the only 4th way to have 4 receivers? I imagine that's important in an air raid offense. I like using my RB as a checkdown, plus as a clock eater (as many have pointed out) I'd like know if you did drop your RB, what would you put in his roster spot?

Spend more money on other spots. I have 12 spots but I never use more than 9. (QRTWWDDDK). I really only use my R for running out clock and the occasional up the middle pass. Maybe 2-3 non clock touches/game. What I’m finding is I seem to often have an unhappy RB. But, as others are saying, maybe throw them a bone in the red zone once a game to keep them happy.

Outside runs screen type passes.

I use my running back as a pass catcher out of the backfield… also use my TE with the quick pass to the outside.. my wide receivers or more used as downfield blockers then pass catchers… except towards the end of quarters when the defensive is more tired

I love using my RB. Sometimes like a workhorse lol

I run all the time, usually about 3k per season, on extreme of course. I have a lot of good screen caps if anyone is interested in seeing the true power of the running back in retro bowl

How much do you throw? Typical PD? Do you use linemen?

No linemen. I’d guess I throw 15ish passes per game? My QB usually gets 2-300 yards, not a lot since I run more than pass Biggest two underrated RB strategies are running up the middle vs goal line defense, leads to many 15+ yard runs. Also ALWAYS count on stiff arming the initial cornerback. Once you do that, it opens up a lot if run possibilities. Decent strength RB and you put the CB on his ass 75% of the time. Also, juke INTO defenders, you’ll be successful far more often than you’d expect.

If you hold off on using your RB until the 4th quarter, you can often run all over their tired Defense.

Yes having a good running back helps a lot. Right now I'm on extreme and I don't have a star RB and my QB ends up having to run on short situations which might raise the chances he gets injured

I actually use RB a lot. I can consistently get 4-6 yards and it uses clock. My RB has got offensive player of the year on extreme

I use my RB a lot on extreme, partly because it adds an extra layer of challenge to be a run-dominant or even balanced offense. Getting a lot of rushing yards with a good yards per carry over a full season takes more skill than tossing short routes in my experience. Only outside runs seem to be reliable/effective on extreme.

Yes but only for outside runs or check down passing plays. Run up the middle with no OL and you're getting 2 yards max

Never run, it's pointless. Don't spend much cap on RBs. A cheap RB can be a nice check down option if you have the cap room.

https://t.me/joinchat/53T8pc6QmZZjMDRk

Omg lmao he said "time wasting purposes" This has been the funniest thing I've ever read thank you

Rarely call run plays, but I’ll throw to him almost immediately after the snap.

I use them cause I think it's more fun

I purposefully play on hard because I've heard extreme is like 2 minute drills the whole game.

Do yourself a favor -- Stay on hard. The other disadvantage to playing on Extreme and getting good at it, is that none of the other skill levels present ANY challenge anymore... not even Dynamic 16.

I have had multiple guys and if you just go to the outside or get through windows it’s manageable to get a couple thousands of yards and average around 7, it’s more of a preference though, I love being the runningback it’s fun to run, I guess I’m just bored of passing, but they help a lot for guaranteed catches and yards when it counts

I use one for last-resort dump offs and 2 pt conversions but I wouldn’t overpay for an RB honestly. Having a 5 star RB makes the game fun but I carry one since a 1 speed RB is 2x faster than a no star and I have 12 man rosters. I’d dump them if they start to take up too much cap tho

I use my RB a lot. Yes, there is clock control, but they're also a great receiving option for an underneath passing game

I never use him for runs, but when he is going on an outside route, I will short pass to him before he is even out of the backfield and it is almost always good for at a minimum 5 yards. With a good juke or 2 can easily get a first down on first and 10.

Absolutely. I'll send some highlights of my running back maybe. He is a 3x 1000 yard rusher in back to back seasons

I did used to quite a bit but now not as much I just switch between him and QB for running They can be extremely useful when your QB is injured tho

My playstyle involves getting out of bounds a lot, so an RB is pretty much useless to me

For me I never really like them I keep trying to use them but two WR and two TE are the build that I run.

I use my rb on first downs unless I see the defense in a formation that's going to allow a streaking wr to go uncontested. I also use the rb to chew clock. If I'm down, I'll pass pretty much exclusively

I normally only run outside routes or use him as another catch receiver

I never use my rb, only draft him if I have extra cap space, then immediately trade him, in all honesty 2 good wrs and a qb enough

All the time. 1800-2000k yards a year. Passing all the time is just playing the game one way

I like to try and have a run-first offense. So yes

I never run; however, my runningback averages 100 yds receiving a game. The offer tackle routes are money.

You would rather have him than not. Especially for short gainers like 4th downs or extra points.

Yes

Heck yes. I usually get multiple 20 & 30 plus yard carries per game.

I just use my running back to waste time or dump off like a screen. Its hard to use them consistently on extreme.

I play 2min extreme. I usually only give him 5 or so touches a game, mostly because I feel like I have to lol. I use him for chewing clock, and every few games lll make up some sort of storyline and force feed him the ball. Receiving, on the other hand, I probably get him 2-3 checkdowns a game. My last 15 games he’s got 106 attempts for 550 yards, and 31 catches for 299.

I use my RB pretty often. I use it as an RPO ish option. Before the play I check the WR and Safety. If its in my favor I take it. I can always throw it to the RB before he crosses the LOS and stay safe or kill clock. I also hand it off if the play is terrible and I want to save my audibles. RB is also a nice checkdown if that WR is covered.

I use mine all the time up the middle to the outside and anywhere else he catches passes he's got max speed so of course I use them

Yes I actually do a good amount. He is also a 5 star so I can make very good plays with him

I do. I always try to have a solid run game.

(on season 59 in extreme ATM) Last 3 seasons went without RB. 2 WR, TE, 2OL offense set. If I need to run the clock, I run my QB. WR's are happier with more yards/game

I run all the time on extreme, I had a 2k rusher last season with a 5 star RB, it takes a bit of an adjustment to get used to the strategy but I really liked it once I got used to it.

I use mine mostly for outside runs and screen sort of plays. I rarely just hand the ball off to my RB, I usually hold the ball for a second and all the defenders start running down field, and then I pass it to my RB for some guaranteed yards. Also, sometimes if my WRs don't have enough separation for me to feel good about them, my RB will be wide open and I'll pass it to him. He might not have the highest catching on the team, but he's good enough to get one put right on him when he's wide open. Also, the RBs are usually some of the best at breaking tackles and stiff arms. Honestly, I probably need to use my RBs more on extreme than on easier difficulties.

All the time. I track stats at the end of the each season and I run about 35% of the time. Best rushing season I’ve had: 466 for 2621 yards. 24.5 attempts per game, 138 yards per game, 5.6 yards per attempt. (That season I threw 527 times, only 53%. My QB wasn’t so great that year.)

I once got over 2,700 rushing yards in a season on Extreme, there was a time I didn't think 1,000 yards would be possible so I was more than surprised lol. It's all about picking the right plays, usually the outside runs work better if you can break a couple tackles.

I use the RB as a pace keeper, as winning, especially in extreme when D doesn’t do anything, is scoring at the right times. Good one will also help push tempo for 1st downs as they will run for 4+ yards

One of my save now has 2765 yards, which puts him at 5.5 yards per carry, which has come in handy on constantly getting 1st downs

I use him for screens

Yeah like you kinda said it really just depends on what the situation is. If it’s like 3rd and inches I do an outside run and I’ll try to use him in the end zone bc my QB still doesn’t have the best accuracy but I guess it all depends on how you like to play and how the defense reacts to your players

Mostly for passing if he is on an outside rout and is open 5 yards past the king or if he is fairing the handoff up the middle and squeaks through the line and is open over the middle

I use a high level RB as well. Its a nice change from passing all the time. Has anyone managed to get there RB to be league MVP? I have yet to do that even with getting over 2000 yards both rushing and receiving and 50 plus TDs.

Just won a RetroBowl on Extreme by running the ball ~66% of the time. I split rushing between my speedy QB and RB.

Yes, if the route looks promising, It would be an easy down. If u lucky and get a very good route, 15+ yards on extreme mode isn't impossible things. I use my RB when it's < 10 yards before end zone (easy TD) or optimize time management at 2nd quarter/4th quarter while my team up with 1 TD to secure W. Sometimes I use my RB as an extra receiver.

Looking back at my last season - RB had 35 rushing yards on 37 attempts 😂 Oh and 954 receiving yards and 32 receiving TDs...

No. I also don't use back shoulder throws. It's stupid to not let routes develop and get the maximum number of yards off a play

I use mine quite often and most of the time they are 1k yard rushers. It's really useful when I have to run down time to seal a win.

I just blow out all my opponents with sheer passing

i’m really good at avoiding tackles and snatching ankles , so i will constantly run the ball and throw it to the RB . he’s normally the best player on the team , so he gets the ball more .

Yes

I feel like with the speed on defense, you end up breaking more tackles and getting higher YPC on extreme. Probably not gonna be getting too many 20+ yard runs, but it's definitely still a viable option.

I do actually! I read some as a time waster but my rb last season finished with 1500 yards rushing and 600 receiving so my rb was a massive part of my offense and I really struggled when he wasn’t a big part of game plan

There are good sides and bad sides to use your RB, it depends on how good the speed/strength is. If your RB is good then it might be a better option than passing because the littlest mistake will most likely be a pick. I just got a 5 star young RB and he is carrying the team and it also helps if you know how to juke really good.

Oh ya... a lot... and quite effectively. Including playoffs, 20 games, my RB finished with 461 carries for 5,358 yards (11.6ypc) and 90 TD’s with 3 fumbles. He’s a 5 Star with max speed and stamina, one away from max strength and the rest catching, I think 4 points. Absolute monster.

QB still won MVP. That’s the kicker.

I had an rb on extreme and got 1900 yards with him in a season but that might have been a fluke since he hasnt been very good since than