6 Best Handcuff Duos for Fantasy Football 2023

Prepare your rosters for an extraordinary fantasy football journey as we delve into the realm of handcuff players. Handcuffs, those unsung heroes, stand ready to seize the reins and gallop towards victory should the primary ball-carrier falter. By securing both the starter and his designated backup, fantasy owners gain an unyielding shield against injury, ensuring their teams remain competitive amidst the ever-changing landscape of the NFL.

Selecting the right handcuffs requires a keen eye for detail. Beyond mirroring the running style of their counterparts, they should possess the talent to step into a starting role seamlessly. History is replete with examples of handcuff players who have emerged from the shadows to become fantasy stalwarts. James Robinson, the unheralded backup to Leonard Fournette, seized the starting job in 2020 and rewarded his owners with over 1,000 rushing yards. Similarly, Jeff Wilson Jr. filled in admirably for Raheem Mostert in 2021, proving that even the most unassuming players can deliver when opportunity knocks.

As you navigate the fantasy football landscape, remember the importance of handcuff players. They are the unsung heroes, the insurance policy that can save your season. By carefully selecting and rostering handcuffs, you gain a competitive edge, ensuring your team is poised to triumph over adversity and emerge victorious in the unforgiving realm of fantasy football.

Dominating the Draft with the Handcuff Tactic

Securing the Backup for Your Star Running Back

Handcuffing a star running back involves drafting their backup. This strategy provides insurance in case of an injury to your starting RB. By owning both the starter and backup, you minimize the impact of an injury on your lineup. When the starting RB goes down, you seamlessly insert their backup into your starting lineup, avoiding a significant drop in production.

Evaluating Handcuff Options

The ideal handcuff should be the primary backup to your starting RB with a clear path to significant playing time in the event of an injury. Consider the following factors when evaluating handcuff options:

Snap count: The number of snaps played by the backup in the previous season or preseason can indicate their likelihood of being the primary backup.

Injury history: A backup with a history of injuries may not be as reliable in the event of a starter’s injury.

Projected workload: Consider the team’s offensive scheme and whether it heavily relies on the starting RB. A backup in a high-volume offense is more valuable.

Draft position: Handcuffs should typically be drafted later in the draft, around the same time as your starting RB. Avoid reaching for handcuffs with high draft values.

It’s important to note that handcuffing is not a guarantee of success. Injuries are unpredictable, and backups may not always perform at the same level as the starter. However, by following these principles, you can increase your chances of finding a valuable handcuff to complement your fantasy football roster.

Maximizing Value: Identifying Prime Handcuff Candidates

To identify prime handcuff candidates, consider the following factors:

Evaluating the Starter’s Role and Injury Risk

Assess the starter’s workload, injury history, and overall health. High-volume backs in pass-heavy offenses, players with previous injuries, or those known for physicality are more likely to experience setbacks.

Assessing the Handcuff’s Skill Set and Past Performance

Examine the handcuff’s skill set and previous production. Look for players with a similar running style to the starter who have shown competence in limited roles. Consider their receiving ability, pass protection skills, and overall efficiency.

Projecting the Team’s Game Script

Identify the team’s projected game script. If the starter is expected to shoulder a heavy workload in a run-heavy offense, the handcuff’s value increases due to increased opportunities for touches. Conversely, if the team is expected to pass often or trail frequently, the handcuff’s role may be diminished.

Analyzing the Handcuff’s Role in the Offense

Consider the depth chart and the team’s offensive scheme. Some teams employ multiple running backs in a rotation, while others rely heavily on one primary ball carrier. Identify the handcuff’s expected role in the offense to gauge their potential for significant touches.

Factors to Consider	Details
Starter’s Workload, Injury History, Health	High volume backs, players with previous injuries, physical players are more at risk for setbacks.
Handcuff’s Skill Set, Past Performance	Similar running style, competence in limited roles, receiving ability
Team’s Game Script	Run-heavy offense increases handcuff’s value, pass-heavy offense decreases it.
Handcuff’s Role in Offense	Depth chart, offensive scheme, expected role for touches

Building a Robust Roster: The Handcuff Depth Advantage

Finding the Right Handcuff

Identifying the ideal handcuff requires careful consideration of the following factors:

Shared backfield: Seek players in offenses with a clear lead back and a designated backup.
Injury history: Prioritize players with a clean bill of health or minor setbacks.
Offensive scheme: Choose backs in offenses that heavily feature the running game.
Pass-catching ability: Handcuffs with pass-catching skills offer additional value in PPR leagues.
Cost: Target affordable handcuffs who won’t drain your draft capital.
Draft position: Aim for handcuffs who are drafted in the mid-to-late rounds, allowing you to secure depth without sacrificing starting talent.
Roster space: Carefully manage your roster to accommodate handcuffs, ensuring you have enough starting talent while minimizing the risk of clogging up your bench.

Top Handcuff Candidates

Based on the criteria outlined above, the following players are strong handcuff candidates for the 2022 fantasy football season:

Player	Team	Handcuff to
Jeff Wilson Jr.	San Francisco 49ers	Elijah Mitchell
Gus Edwards	Baltimore Ravens	J.K. Dobbins
Rachaad White	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Leonard Fournette

Best Handcuffs Fantasy Football

Handcuffs are an important part of any fantasy football team. They provide insurance in case your starting running back gets injured, and they can also be valuable trade chips. When choosing handcuffs, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Injury history: A running back with a history of injuries is more likely to miss games, so it’s important to handcuff him with a reliable backup.
Bye weeks: You’ll need to handcuff any running back who has a bye week that conflicts with your other running backs.
ADP: The ADP (average draft position) of a handcuff should be significantly lower than the ADP of the starting running back.

Here are some of the best handcuffs in fantasy football for the 2023 season:

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Leonard Fournette is entering his third season with the Buccaneers, and he has yet to play a full 16-game season. White is a talented runner who has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited opportunities.
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks: Rashaad Penny is a talented runner, but he has also struggled with injuries throughout his career. Walker was a standout in college, and he has the potential to be a productive NFL running back.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but he has also had some injury issues. Hunt is a proven NFL running back who can step in and start if Chubb misses any time.