Handcuffs. They’re not just those shiny silver bracelets that law enforcement uses to keep scofflaws from causing further trouble. They’re also an important part of what is a smart fantasy football build in drafts. In our world, the term “handcuffing” refers to drafting the immediate backup of one or both of your starting running backs.
Some handcuffs are more valuable than others. In fact, some can’t even be labeled as handcuffs alone, including those who are their team’s No. 2 back in a committee. In those cases, I am labeling them as handcuffs so they are not included here. For example, AJ Dillon averaged just 3.4 fewer touches per game in Green Bay last season than the Packers’ actual running back starter, Aaron Jones.
While Dillon’s stock would rise if Jones were injured, he’s not a handcuff in the true sense of the term because he’s already projected to be a prominent asset in the Packers backfield. Also, I didn’t include unsettled depth charts like the one in Detroit. The Lions current starting running back has yet to be determined, and a committee of David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is imminent, regardless.
With that said, here’s a look at my top eight fantasy handcuffs heading into the season and a full list of every current handcuff for all 32 teams around the league.
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
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Allgeier might have been a breakout candidate this season, but the Falcons drafted superstar running back Bijan Robinson eighth overall. That leaves Allgeier, a 1,000-yard back as a rookie, to play a secondary role and serve as Robinson’s handcuff.
Samaje Perine, Broncos
Perine’s value could be that of a fantasy sleeper, but for now he’s a handcuff in the Denver backfield. His true stock is dependent on the status of Javonte Williams, who tore his ACL and LCL in 2022. Regardless, grabbing Perine as insurance is a must.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
The Seahawks could use Charbonnet in a committee with Kenneth Walker III, but for now I’ll project the latter to be the top back. The UCLA product might have been a fantasy sleeper if he landed in a better spot, but for now he’s a solid handcuff.
Devin Singletary, Texans
The Texans will continue to use Dameon Pierce as their lead running back, but Singletary could be in the mix to form a committee. In any event, Singletary will at least be a nice handcuff for Pierce in fantasy drafts. Grab him in the later rounds.
Elijah Mitchell, 49ers
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Mitchell had proven to be a terrific fantasy back when allowed a chance to shine, but his lack of durability is a serious problem. Still, he would be as much as a low-end No. 1 fantasy runner if Christian McCaffrey were forced to miss time this season.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
The Panthers signed Miles Sanders during the offseason, making him their top back for the 2023 campaign. Hubbard is locked in as the No. 2 runner after the team let D’Onta Foreman walk as a free agent, and he’ll be a nice late add as insurance.
Jaylen Warren, Steelers
The Steelers will lean on Najee Harris as their top running back once again, and his prospects look better behind what should be an improved offensive line. Should Harris miss time due to injuries or otherwise, though, Warren is a nice backup.
Gus Edwards, Ravens
J.K. Dobbins enters this season as the lead back in Baltimore, but there’s cause for concern due to past knee issues. Edwards, who has had an ACL injury of his own in the last two years, would move up the depth chart if Dobbins is forced to miss time,
| TEAM | Starter | Handcuff |
|---|---|---|
Arizona |
James Conner |
Keontay Ingram |
Atlanta |
Bijan Robinson |
Tyler Allgeier |
Baltimore |
J.K. Dobbins |
Gus Edwards |
Buffalo |
James Cook* |
Damien Harris* |
Carolina |
Miles Sanders |
Chuba Hubbard |
Chicago |
Khalil Herbert* |
D'Onta Foreman* |
Cincinnati |
Joe Mixon |
Tayveon Willams |
Cleveland |
Nick Chubb |
Jerome Ford |
Dallas |
Tony Pollard |
Deuce Vaughn |
Denver |
Javonte Williams |
Samaje Perine |
Detroit |
Jahmyr Gibbs* |
David Montgomery* |
Green Bay |
Aaron Jones* |
AJ Dillon* |
Houston |
Dameon Pierce |
Devin Singletary |
Indianapolis |
Jonathan Taylor |
Zack Moss |
Jacksonville |
Travis Etienne |
Tank Bigbsy |
Kansas City |
Isiah Pacheco* |
Jerick McKinnon* |
Las Vegas |
Josh Jacobs |
Zamir White |
Los Angeles Chargers |
Austin Ekeler |
Joshua Kelley |
Los Angeles Rams |
Cam Akers |
Kyren Williams |
Miami |
Raheem Mostert* |
Jeff Wilson, Jr.* |
Minnesota |
Alexander Mattison |
Ty Chandler |
New england |
Rhamondre Stevenson |
James Robinson |
New Orleans |
Alvin Kamara* |
Jamaal Williams* |
New York Giants |
Saquon Barkley |
Matt Breida |
New York Jets |
Breece Hall |
Michael Carter |
Philadelphia |
D'Andre Swift* |
Rashaad Penny* |
Pittsburgh |
Najee Harris |
Jaylen Warren |
San Francisco |
Christian McCaffrey |
Elijah Mitchell |
Seattle |
Ken Walker |
Zach Charbonnet |
Tampa Bay |
Rachaad White |
Chase Edmonds |
Tennessee |
Derrick Henry |
Tyjae Spears |
Washington |
