Running backs once dominated the N.F.L. From Jim Brown to Walter Payton to Marcus Allen to Barry Sanders, star backs racked up the yards and got the headlines. But recently the contractual value of even elite players at the position — think about the standoff between the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott or Le’Veon Bell’s holdout with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year — has been much debated. The modern game is clearly a passing game.

But there is one place where running backs are still king: fantasy football.

Over the last five years, only five running backs have been selected in the top 10 of the N.F.L. draft. And while N.F.L. teams are hesitant to break the bank for a top runner, especially given the hindsight view of the four-year, $60 million contract extension the Los Angeles Rams gave Todd Gurley last season, fantasy players still start their draft research at this time of year by poring over articles on the “10 best running backs,” before casting a glance at other positions.

In a typical draft, perhaps eight of the top 10 picks will be running backs, fantasy experts said. The best quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes, won’t even be chosen until later rounds.

“Running backs are very important, especially at the top of your draft,” said Mike Tagliere, the lead N.F.L. writer for FantasyPros, an advice site. “Four running backs are going to go before any wide receivers.”