As we enter the final stretch of the fantasy season, my handcuff suggestions will be based on potential opportunities. However, high-priority handcuff options are becoming scarce as the fantasy regular season winds down, and most of the best handcuffs are probably rostered. That said, I will continue to try and highlight a few backs in the top 10 who might be somewhat overlooked. As for who popped last week:
Audric Estime saw a career-high in opportunities last week, logging 14 carries for 53 rushing yards. Head coach Sean Payton stated Estime “will continue to get more reps” as the season progresses. It remains to be seen if the Broncos’ game plan remains a committee approach, but Estime leaps off the handcuff list and onto the “must-add” list this week.
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Over the past two weeks, Cam Akers has been working ahead of teammate Ty Chandler as the primary backup to veteran Aaron Jones. With Jones dealing with a rib injury and rotating in and out of the lineup last week, Akers stepped up, handling 13 carries and one target. Even if Jones fully recovers, Akers is a valuable stash as a potential handcuff option. Should Jones face any lingering issues, however, Akers would quickly rise as a priority waiver wire target.
Austin Ekeler earned his second consecutive start with Brian Robinson still sidelined. Although he had only 44 yards, he made an impact with two one-yard touchdown runs. Surprisingly, Ekeler saw limited involvement in the passing game — an area that could see a resurgence if Robinson returns for Week 11 against the Eagles, potentially shifting Ekeler back into a complementary role.
Handcuff Rankings
1. Jordan Mason (RB – SF)/Isaac Guerendo (RB – SF)
It isn’t that I think Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo are the best players on this list as much as I think their situation is the best. Mason was an RB1 early in the season and Guerendo has flashed enough for me to think he has the juice to be effective with 10-12 touches.
2. Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
Bijan Robinson has been on a tear as the Falcons are trying to keep pace in the NFC South. Tyler Allgeier still stands near the top of the handcuff list because he almost assuredly would handle 20+ touches in the event of an injury to Robinson.
3. Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA)
The Seahawks had a bye to get rested up for the stretch run. Zach Charbonnet remains in a great spot if he gets the chance to have the backfield to himself.
4. Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
Najee Harris was banged up in Sunday’s win. He did return for the last drive but it bears watching. Jaylen Warren has looked good since returning from an injury of his own, although he did have a fumble at the 1-yard line Sunday.
5. Ray Davis (RB – BUF)
Ray Davis has seen his snap share decrease in the last two weeks. For handcuff purposes, he is still a great option. He is tied to one of the better offenses in football and Buffalo may get him more involved to keep James Cook fresh down the stretch.
6. Trey Benson (RB – ARI)
The Cardinals blew out the Jets but Trey Benson tied a season-high with 12 touches on Sunday. Arizona’s offense is humming right now. If Benson was inserted as the starter, he could have a Chase Brown-type of impact. I love the way he runs and he should be rostered everywhere.
7. Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
Blake Corum is one Kyren Williams injury from being in a prime position. I picked him up late Sunday in a league where he was dropped and plan on hanging onto him. I can’t imagine he doesn’t see 20 carries in a game at some point.
8. Gus Edwards (RB – LAC)
Gus Edwards returned from injured reserve (IR) and was immediately inserted as the clear No. 2 RB behind J.K. Dobbins. It is highly likely Edwards was dropped weeks ago, especially in leagues without an IR slot. Edwards had 10 carries for 55 yards, leading the team in rushing.
9. Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)
The Jets are all but dead in the water and it wouldn’t shock me to see Braelon Allen get more run in December. I can’t see New York running Breece Hall into the ground at the end of a lost season.
10. Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
This is a tough spot because the Tennessee offense is bad but Tyjae Spears has burst and he is probably flying under the radar in leagues. He saw a season-high 46% snap share Sunday. He is a worthy waiver wire pickup.
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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.