The decision on whether to handcuff hinges on several factors, including the specific players involved, league depth and overall team strategy. As we approach redraft season, we can examine optimal strategies for managing the running back position.
A positional renaissance is evident, given the emphasis on high-scoring offenses in the NFL. Fundamental to this discussion is defining the criteria for a true RB1, a topic that has polarized the fantasy community in recent years. Although the landscape of the running back position has evolved significantly over the past two decades, indications suggest a resurgence in fantasy relevance.
Last season, 17 running backs received 250 or more touches, which was slightly down from 2022. However, a whopping 34 running backs totaled at least 200 touches as they are being used more as receivers. While carries are an important stat, especially those inside the 10-yard line, running backs are increasingly integral to the passing game, exemplified by players like Christian McCaffery and Rachaad White. This has led to an expansion in the realm of RB1 contenders to include names such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Travis Etienne as well.
Nonetheless, the decision of whether to handcuff remains intricate and today, we explore the various handcuff scenarios.
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Should You Handcuff in Fantasy Football?
Traditional Handcuffs
In formats such as best ball, the Zero-RB strategy has made handcuffing impractical, as backup running backs are swiftly acquired to hedge against a receiver-heavy roster.
Traditional handcuffing is more conventional in redraft leagues, where strategy revolves around maximizing draft picks rather than simply securing a starter’s backup. Effective draft-day decisions regarding handcuffs can circumvent over-reliance on waivers or excessive FAAB expenditures during the season. Identifying dual-threat backups capable of contributing early in the season, as exemplified by players like Jerome Ford stepping in for Nick Chubb, underscores the value of such foresight.
Committee Backfields – Strategic Approaches
While committee backfields have proliferated, it comes as no surprise that elite NFL offenses can support multiple fantasy-relevant running backs. Notably, teams like Detroit, Miami and Green Bay maintain committee approaches with great success.
Navigating committee backfields requires a nuanced approach based on ADP evaluation and roster construction principles. For instance, while targeting backs in committees can yield dividends, their ADP relative to their role within the committee should dictate draft strategy. A case in point is David Montgomery, whose draft value was tampered with by Jahmyr Gibbs’ presence as the presumed RB1, yet Montgomery ended up with more touches than Gibbs on the season despite playing one fewer game. If targeting a committee backfield, you want to look at teams like the Lions and Dolphins while avoiding teams like the Commanders.
The Conclusion
In redraft leagues, securing a primary handcuff for an early-round RB1 selection remains prudent. Players like Zach Moss, Jerome Ford and Zamir White demonstrated sporadic RB1 production last season due to increased opportunities, reinforcing the value of volume in fantasy football.
Thorough research is imperative when identifying handcuffs, whether through predraft preparation or opportunistic midseason acquisitions. Maintaining robust backfield depth mitigates the risk of injury-related setbacks, underscoring the importance of strategic foresight.
For further insights, consider consulting my forthcoming weekly handcuff report starting before Week 1, designed to aid your fantasy football decisions.
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Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.