It’s getting late, awfully early in the fantasy season. That means now is the time to secure the handcuff for your stud running back. Many people think of this during draft season, but truly, this is the time of year when we make our own luck.

In the next week or so, I urge you to do everything you can to parse this article and make the moves necessary to give yourself a chance in the event of an injury. The last thing you want is to be left empty-handed and in a spot where your league mate knows they are in a position of power holding an asset that is more precious to you than it is to them.

Be proactive and get your handcuff now before you are in a position to be forced to overpay.

Arizona

• Starter: James Conner
• Handcuff: Keontay Ingram (I guess? He’s the only other back they have)

The fact that James Conner got bell cow usage Sunday should come as no surprise with Colt McCoy under center. He played 95% of the snaps, getting 24 total touches (86 scrimmages yards) and scoring twice. My takeaway here is that this was mostly a function of McCoy playing and Arizona wanting to ensure there was certainty in the personnel around him.

That said, The Cardinals made Eno Benjamin the feature back while Conner was out, and after Arizona inexplicably cut Benjamin, there is no competition for touches. A snap share in the 75-80% range isn’t out of the question. He’s a borderline RB1 with that usage.

Atlanta: Committee

• Cordarelle Patterson (Hold in 12+ Team Leagues)
• Tyler Allgeier (Hold in 12+ Team Leagues)
• Caleb Huntley/Avery Williams (Only if an injury occurs here)

Tyler Allgeier led Atlanta with a 48% snap share, and he had one of the all-time stat lines with three catches for -17 yards. Moving past that, Allgeier’s 11 touches paced this backfield which, given the weather, is remarkable. Cordarelle Patterson was probably limited (37% snap share) due to the short week and being just his second game back from injury. Atlanta should use him far more than they are, but I do anticipate his snaps and touches getting a bump coming off the mini-bye.

Baltimore: Committee

• J.K. Dobbins (Hold)
• Gus Edwards (Hold)
• Kenyan Drake (Hold in 12+ Team Leagues)
• Justice Hill (Drop)

We will see what Baltimore looks like coming off their bye. J.K. Dobbins should be close to a return, and Gus Edwards should be almost 100%. With all the injuries at receiver, they’ll need all the help they can get from this group.

Buffalo

• Starter: Devin Singletary
• Handcuff: James Cook (Hold in 12+ Team Leagues)
• Handcuff: Nyheim Hines (PPR bench stash)

Devin Singletary was once again the preferred option for Buffalo in a big spot, getting 71% of the snaps and scoring twice. His raw rushing output wasn’t great (13/47), but he is the running back this staff trusts. The Bills are limping into mid-November, and with the weather about to take a turn in upstate New York, Buffalo will need more out of this backfield. I am still holding James Cook, as he is the only other back getting meaningful touches here.

Carolina

• Starter: D’Onta Foreman
• Handcuff: Chuba Hubbard (Hold)

I said last week I wasn’t overreacting to D’Onta Foreman’s Week 9 usage, and to be fair, I will say that again. I am thrilled to see Foreman get a 67% snap share and rack up a whopping 31 carries (for 130 yards and a touchdown), but the same caveat applies.

Positive game scripts will mean good things here. Negative game scripts might be a bit rockier. I am still on Foreman as an RB2 the rest of the way, and I am hoping most people have him in as more of a Flex play if they played the waiver wire correctly.

Chicago

• Starter: David Montgomery
• Handcuff: Khalil Herbert (Hold in all formats)

This was the fourth straight game with 240 or more rushing yards for the Bears, who had the week’s best matchup. This backfield is down to a 60/40 split in David Montgomery’s favor, but Khalil Herbert did injure his hip late in the game. Before that, Herbert had 10 rushes for 57 yards, out-performing Montgomery (9/37) on a per-touch basis. If Herbert is forced to miss time, Trestan Ebner will step into a roughly 30-35% snap share. Chicago gets an Atlanta team this week that just got shredded by Foreman, so Montgomery could be in for a big week.

Cincinnati

• Starter: Joe Mixon
• Handcuff: Samaje Perine (Hold if you roster Mixon)

Joe Mixon got a well-deserved bye after his historic Week 9 performance. The Bengals have virtually no margin for error the next two months, and Mixon should be featured often.

Cleveland

• Starter: Nick Chubb
• Handcuff: Kareem Hunt (Hold in all formats)

Sunday was not a Nick Chubb-friendly game script, but optimism abounds: For the first time this year, he had more receptions (three) than Kareem Hunt (one). Chubb also blasted through for a 33-yard touchdown in the second half, salvaging his fantasy day. He continues to be one of the season’s best values, and with Deshaun Watson returning, I feel good about his prospects. Hunt has been oddly ineffective, which tells me he is ready to move on, and the feeling with Cleveland is mutual.

Dallas

• Starter: Ezekiel Elliott
• Handcuff: Tony Pollard (Hold in all formats)

In a bit of a surprise, Ezekiel Elliott missed Sunday’s game leaving Tony Pollard to soak up 86% of the snaps and 22/27 of the running back carries. Somehow, he didn’t spontaneously combust in the process, which means he can handle more than 15 touches. Weird. I’m sure people will talk about how Elliott still looks good and that his role as the inside runner caps his upside.

The trouble is, he hasn’t had a 100-yard rushing in a game since Oct. 10, 2021. Pollard has done it twice in two weeks. There are zero reasons Zeke should out-touch Pollard in any game moving forward, but Jerry Jones is still the owner.

Denver: Committee

• Melvin Gordon III (Hold in 12+ Team Leagues)
• Latavius Murray (Drop in 10 Team Leagues)
• Chase Edmonds (Nope)

I could probably just put a picture of a dumpster fire here. If you want a silver lining, Melvin Gordon got 53% of the snaps and 11 touches for 70 scoreless yards. He is moderately useful if that continues, but the Broncos didn’t have a single snap inside the 10-yard line. One of these RBs will pop for a two-score game down the stretch and ruin someone’s fantasy season. Hopefully, that person isn’t you, faithful reader.

Detroit

• Starter: D’Andre Swift
• Handcuff: Jamaal Williams (Hold in all formats)

Despite D’Andre Swift’s snap share climbing to 31% and scoring a rushing touchdown, it is pretty obvious the Lions are being cautious here. Justin Jackson mixed in and played on 50% of the passing downs, which is more anecdotal evidence to support this. While it is frustrating that we don’t know what is going on, Jamaal Williams punched in his ninth touchdown. That is tied for second in the league with Derrick Henry, as Williams has been tremendous this season.

Green Bay

• Starter: Aaron Jones
• Handcuff: A.J. Dillon (Hold in all formats)

It was quite the bounce back for Green Bay, who was left for dead after Week 9. Aaron Jones is a big reason for this, playing a nice 69% of the snaps and going over 150 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 26 touches. AJ Dillon mixed in with a 13/65 rushing line but only saw 38% of the snaps and zero targets. Dillon is one of my bigger misses of the redraft season, as I believed he would be much more of a factor than he has been. Jones has been the complete opposite, challenging for a top-eight fantasy finish at the position. Either way, this is the recipe for Green Bay:  Saddle these two up, mix in the pass and make enough plays to win. Hopefully, Matt LaFleur has figured it out.

Houston

• Starter: Dameon Pierce
• Handcuff: Rex Burkhead (Hold if you roster Pierce)

It was another week where Dameon Pierce went over 100 scrimmage yards with a 70%+ snap share. However, it was another week when he failed to hit paydirt, which is the trouble here. Pierce is averaging 14.9 PPR points per game, putting him on the RB1/2 cut line. I think he is a legitimately elite talent, but the touchdown upside in this offense isn’t there. Pierce isn’t the type of back to get five+ targets a week either, so you have to bet on massive volume and a long touchdown to have a week-winning score. If you can move him for Aaron Jones or Kenneth Walker III, hammer that accept button.

Indianapolis

• Starter: Jonathan Taylor (Buy)
• Handcuff: Deon Jackson (Hold if you roster Taylor)
• Handcuff: Jordan Wilkins (Not yet)

Jonathan Taylor looked great on Sunday, busting off a 66-yard touchdown run on his way to 147 yards rushing. He had a 93% snap share, and hopefully, with Hines out of the way and Jeff Saturday taking over, they choose to ride JT in hopes of catching Tennessee. This game is why you don’t give up on your studs, no matter how bad things get. You won’t get the return you should, meaning you end up sinking the cost of what was likely a top-three pick in redraft. After this week’s matchup with the Eagles, Taylor’s schedule really opens up. He still might carry you down the stretch.

Jacksonville

• Starter: Travis Etienne
• Handcuff: JaMycal Hasty

Travis Etienne was finally slowed down by a Chiefs’ defense that had been susceptible to the run. The fact that we consider a week where he went over 10 PPR points (73 yards, three catches) a disappointment says a lot. I’m not overly concerned here, as this is probably just a blip on the radar. Etienne had a 77% snap share and 11/12 running back touches. He is virtually unchallenged in terms of workload, and his raw ability is elite. Combine those two things with a favorable upcoming schedule and he should be back in the good graces next week.

Kansas City

• Isiah Pacheco (Hold)
• Jerick McKinnon (Hold 12+ team PPR leagues only)
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Drop)

Let’s start with Isiah Pacheco, who handled 16 carries for 82 yards on Sunday. He isn’t much of a pass catcher, but Kansas City should put him in plenty of positive game scripts down the stretch. McKinnon handled most of the passing down work, turning in a 6/56 receiving line. He’s Flex-worthy in a PPR if you are short on options. Clyde Edwards-Helaire looks like the odd man out here, only getting four snaps (although two were inside the 10-yard line). If you need to drop him, you are fine to do so.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Starter: Josh Jacobs
• Handcuff: Zamir White (Hold if you roster Jacobs)

Jacobs got more involved in the passing game this week, hauling in six passes for 28 yards. Derek Carr couldn’t push the ball downfield, which helped bump Josh Jacobs a bit there. He also rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown, giving Jacobs his first 20+ point PPR game in over a month. He is another back locked in as the bell cow (77% snap share), and with Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow on IR, he should be heavily involved for the Raiders.

Los Angeles Chargers

• Starter: Austin Ekeler
• Handcuff: Isaiah Spiller (Roster if you have Ekeler)
• Handcuff: Joshua Kelley (On IR)

Los Angeles couldn’t get anything going on the ground, totaling just 51 yards on 16 carries as a team. Austin Ekeler’s floor is always boosted by his receiving output, and Sunday night was no different. He had a 7/39 line in the passing game, so he is almost a lock for 10 PPR points each week as a baseline. Variance was bound to rear its ugly head, and this was a tough matchup, so we can live with this. Isaiah Spiller once again worked as the No. 2 running back, so he should be rostered if you have Ekeler.

Los Angeles Rams: Committee

• Starter: Darrell Henderson, Jr.
• Handcuff: Cam Akers (Drop)
• Handcuff: Kyren Williams (Not yet)

Darrell Henderson once again played on 57% of the snaps and even scored a touchdown. Other than that, there’s nothing good happening here. Cam Akers is worth dropping, as he is as dusty as ever. I know some people want to speak Kyren Williams into existence, which I am somewhat on board with. But the offensive line and lack of anything resembling a competent offense will keep any of these backs from being a factor.

Miami: Committee

• Raheem Mostert (Hold)
• Jeff Wilson (Hold)

We might have to walk back our thoughts on this being a committee backfield. Jeff Wilson blew past Raheem Mostert this week, out-touching him 19-12 and going over 140 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Wilson also had a 60% snap share. So while this could be a “hot hand” scenario, I think it is more that Wilson is just excellent. I will keep this as a committee for one more week, especially considering Mostert had 87 yards and a touchdown of his own, but it is worth monitoring to see if Wilson separates more.

Minnesota

• Starter: Dalvin Cook
• Handcuff: Alexander Mattison (Hold in all formats)

Dalvin Cook’s snap share was once again elite (85%), and he turned 17 touches into 149 scrimmage yards. Cook’s 81-yard touchdown in the third quarter essentially put Minnesota back in the game. I like that Minnesota isn’t running him into the ground this year, which should keep him fresh well into December. Alexander Mattison is still a hold whether you have Cook or not.

New England: Committee

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Damien Harris

We will see what New England does off the bye, with Damien Harris presumably being back to full health. It would be unfortunate if Stevenson’s workload is cut down because of how good he’s been.

New Orleans

• Starter: Alvin Kamara
• Handcuff: Mark Ingram (Hold if you roster Kamara)

For the second straight game, the Saints’ offense resembled something out of the Big 10. Alvin Kamara’s snap share was up at 78%, and this matchup was a little more daunting than it was a month ago. Still, most of the goodwill gained from his three-touchdown game against Las Vegas has been eroded over the last two weeks. The Saints’ schedule down the stretch isn’t easy either, so I might be looking to offload Kamara if I can.

New York Giants

• Starter: Saquon Barkley
• Handcuff: Matt Breida (Find a way to get him if you have Barkley)

In his latest bid for the overall fantasy RB1, Saquon Barkley handled 79% of the snaps and 36 touches Sunday. He finished with 152 yards rushing and a touchdown to carry the Giants to victory. There is a fair argument to be made that Barkley is the fantasy MVP this year, given his ADP (hard to ignore Justin Jefferson here, however). I am running out of things to say. As for Matt Breida, you have to try and trade for him if you have Barkley. The insurance at this stage is invaluable.

New York Jets: Committee

• James Robinson (Hold)
• Michael Carter (Hold)
• Ty Johnson (Not yet)

The Jets hit their bye, and it will be interesting to see the division of labor here. I don’t see how they go away from Micahel Carter, but it’s the NFL, and weird things happen.

Philadelphia

• Starter: Miles Sanders
• Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell (Hold if you roster Sanders)
• Handcuff: Boston Scott (Drop)

The Eagles finally got beat in a down game for this offense. Miles Sanders showed his vulnerability, getting vultured by Jalen Hurts on the opening drive. He worked behind Boston Scott in that spot which was odd given the latter’s 11% snap share. Sanders is a boom-or-bust RB2 who could pop for a couple of scores but give you 54 yards rushing and nothing in the passing game. By now, you know the risk.

Pittsburgh

• Starter: Najee Harris (Sell)
• Handcuff: Jaylen Warren (Hold in 12+ team PPR leagues)

Najee Harris had his best game of the season with 99 yards on 20 carries. He got six of seven snaps inside the 10-yard line and a target in the end zone that he couldn’t haul in. I cannot stress enough that you need to try and offload him. Jaylen Warren continues to eat into the workload here, playing a season-high 43% snap share. The undrafted Warren’s 77 scrimmage yards on just 12 touches are a good reminder of why drafting a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft is a comically bad decision.

Seattle

• Starter: Kenneth Walker
• Handcuff: Travis Homer (Only in a PPR league)

Kenneth Walker’s passing game involvement is one of the most encouraging takeaways from Week 10. He got eight targets, good for a 6/55 receiving line that salvaged an otherwise porous day (just 10 carries for 17 yards). Walker getting work as a receiver raises his floor and makes his ceiling that of a top-eight running back. His 86% snap share is just a cherry on top. I am moving Travis Homer to the handcuff here, as DeeJay Dallas didn’t see a single snap.

San Francisco

• Starter: Christian McCaffery
• Handcuff: Eli Mitchell (Should be 100% rostered)

After Eli Mitchell out-touched Christian McCaffery, there is a lot to peel apart here. For starters, Mitchell looks Flex-viable heading into Week 11. Will that change? Possibly, but you can’t ignore 19 touches for him. As for CMC, I am not terribly concerned here because if I had hi, I would want him on a bit of a pitch count right now. He’s been so good this year, but we need him to be a workhorse in December, not mid-November. He still got all of the passing down work, was in on seven of 13 carries inside the 10-yard line, and was able to actually punch in a score instead of tripping over his own shoelace as Mitchell did late in the game. While Mitchell is a top-five handcuff (just a 36% snap share puts him there), he isn’t the threat to CMC that some believe.

Tampa Bay

• Starter: Leonard Fournette
• Handcuff: Raachad White (Hold in all formats)

Like the 49ers backfield, there is a lot to dissect here. We know Leonard Fournette has been painfully average for most of the year. We know Rachaad White has eaten into his workload in recent weeks. Now we have a situation where Fournette got injured and missed most of the 2nd half in Week 10, and White ran for 105 yards in his absence. The Bucs have a bye this week, and early reports are that Fournette should be OK, but I’m not sure how they don’t continue to utilize White in a greater role. If I had Fournette, I wouldn’t feel great about things right now. If I had White, I would be cautiously optimistic. That is my summation of things as they currently stand here.

Tennessee

• Starter: Derrick Henry
• Handcuff: Dontrell Hilliard (Hold if you roster Henry)

Derrick Henry once again played just 58% of the snaps, and for the first time since Week 3, he didn’t rush for 100 yards. I am perfectly fine with that, however, as the Titans are keeping him fresh for the stretch run. I think Mike Vrabel understands that riding Henry in December is what Tennessee will need to do to win the division and wrap up a playoff spot. If that means less work in November, fair enough. If you have Henry, make it a point to get Dontrell Hilliard on your roster.

Washington: Committee

• Brian Robinson (Ask around if you have him)
• Antonio Gibson (Buy)
• J.D. McKissic

Washington got a huge win Monday night and now slides into the 7th Seed in the NFC Playoff race. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson both scored touchdowns on Monday night to help the Commanders get there. This is a team that is looking increasingly frisky with Taylor Heinecke at quarterback. I like Gibson in PPR leagues, although I wouldn’t overpay to get him. As for Robinson, I am always into trying to peddle two-down backs with no pass-game role after moderately productive fantasy performances. That rule applies here.

Handcuff Rankings

1. Tony Pollard (DAL) – Best running back in Dallas.
2. Eli Mitchell (SF) – Off IR and looked great Sunday night.
3. Rachaad White (TB) – Next man up?
4. Alexander Mattison (MIN) – Borderline RB1 if Cook goes down.
5. Jamaal Williams (DET) – Continues scoring touchdowns.
6. AJ Dillon (GB) – Best performance in weeks.
7. Khalil Herbert (CHI) – I don’t love injuries to backups.
8. Jaylen Warren (PIT) – He keeps eating into the snaps.
9. Kareem Hunt (CLE) – Looks disinterested.
10. Dontrell Hilliard (TEN) – More secure than the names below him.
11. Matt Breida (NYG) – More secure than the names below him.
12. James Cook (BUF) – Snap share held even with Hines active.
13. Isaiah Spiller (LAC) – Snap share getting a weekly bump. Get in early.
14. Samaje Perine (CIN) – Still like him, especially in PPR.
15. DeeJay Dallas/Travis Homer (SEA) – Standard/PPR

Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.