What is a Handcuff in Fantasy Football? And Why Do We Keep Talking About Them Like They’re Secret Weapons?

blog 2025-01-17 0Browse 0
What is a Handcuff in Fantasy Football? And Why Do We Keep Talking About Them Like They’re Secret Weapons?

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, luck, and sometimes, sheer desperation. One term that often pops up in discussions among fantasy managers is “handcuff.” But what exactly is a handcuff in fantasy football? And why does it feel like we’re talking about some kind of secret weapon or a hidden gem that could save our season? Let’s dive into the concept of handcuffs, explore their importance, and discuss why they’re both overhyped and underrated at the same time.


What is a Handcuff in Fantasy Football?

In fantasy football, a handcuff refers to a backup running back who is drafted or picked up specifically to “handcuff” a star running back on the same team. The idea is simple: if the starting running back gets injured or is unable to play, the handcuff steps in and becomes the primary ball carrier, inheriting a significant workload and, hopefully, fantasy points.

For example, if you draft Christian McCaffrey (a top-tier running back for the San Francisco 49ers), you might also draft Elijah Mitchell as his handcuff. If McCaffrey gets injured, Mitchell would likely take over as the lead back, giving you a seamless transition and saving your fantasy season.


Why Are Handcuffs Important?

1. Injury Insurance

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL. Star running backs are often the most injury-prone players due to the physical nature of their position. Having a handcuff ensures that you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario. It’s like having a backup generator for your fantasy team—when the lights go out, you’re still in the game.

2. Volume is King

In fantasy football, volume matters. Running backs who get a lot of carries or targets are more likely to score points. Handcuffs often inherit the same volume as the starter, making them valuable assets if they get the opportunity to play.

3. Trade Leverage

Handcuffs can also be used as trade bait. If another manager in your league is desperate for running back depth, you can offer them a handcuff in exchange for a player who fills a need on your team. It’s a win-win situation.

4. Peace of Mind

Let’s face it: fantasy football is stressful. Knowing that you have a handcuff for your star running back can give you peace of mind. You can sleep a little better at night, knowing that your season isn’t completely ruined if your RB1 goes down.


The Overhyped Side of Handcuffs

While handcuffs can be valuable, they’re not always the golden ticket to fantasy success. Here’s why:

1. Opportunity Cost

Drafting a handcuff means using a roster spot on a player who might never see the field. That spot could be used for a high-upside player at another position, like a breakout wide receiver or a sleeper tight end.

2. Not All Handcuffs Are Created Equal

Some handcuffs are more valuable than others. For example, the backup to a workhorse running back like Derrick Henry is more valuable than the backup to a committee back like Rashaad Penny. It’s important to evaluate the situation before investing in a handcuff.

3. Injury Uncertainty

Even if you have a handcuff, there’s no guarantee that they’ll perform as well as the starter. Backup running backs are backups for a reason—they might not have the same talent or skill set as the player they’re replacing.

4. The Committee Conundrum

In today’s NFL, many teams use a running back committee, where multiple backs share carries. If your handcuff is part of a committee, they might not get the volume needed to be a reliable fantasy option.


The Underrated Side of Handcuffs

Despite the drawbacks, handcuffs can still be a smart play in certain situations. Here’s why they’re underrated:

1. League-Winning Potential

In some cases, a handcuff can become a league-winner. Think of James Conner in 2018 when Le’Veon Bell held out. Conner stepped in and became a top-tier fantasy running back, carrying many teams to championships.

2. Late-Round Value

Handcuffs are often available in the later rounds of drafts or on the waiver wire. If you can snag a high-upside handcuff with one of your last picks, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move.

3. Depth in Deep Leagues

In deeper leagues or leagues with larger rosters, handcuffs become even more valuable. Having depth at the running back position can be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out.

4. Flexibility in Lineup Decisions

If you have a handcuff, you can be more flexible with your lineup decisions. For example, if your RB1 has a tough matchup, you might consider starting the handcuff in a more favorable situation.


How to Identify the Best Handcuffs

Not all handcuffs are worth rostering. Here are some tips for identifying the best ones:

1. Look for Clear Backup Roles

The best handcuffs are those who have a clear path to the starting role if the RB1 goes down. Avoid situations where the backup role is murky or part of a committee.

2. Evaluate Talent

Some backups are more talented than others. Look for handcuffs who have shown promise in limited opportunities, either in college or in the NFL.

3. Consider the Offense

A handcuff on a high-powered offense is more valuable than one on a struggling team. For example, the backup to Austin Ekeler on the Los Angeles Chargers is more appealing than the backup to David Montgomery on the Chicago Bears.

4. Monitor Preseason and Training Camp

Pay attention to preseason games and training camp reports. These can give you insight into which backups are likely to step up if given the opportunity.


Famous Handcuff Success Stories

Here are a few examples of handcuffs who became fantasy stars:

  • James Conner (2018): Filled in for Le’Veon Bell and finished as a top-5 running back.
  • Latavius Murray (2019): Took over for an injured Alvin Kamara and delivered solid fantasy production.
  • Mike Davis (2020): Replaced Christian McCaffrey and became a reliable RB2.

FAQs About Handcuffs in Fantasy Football

1. Should I handcuff all my running backs?

No. Handcuffing all your running backs can limit your roster flexibility. Focus on handcuffing your top-tier RBs or those with a high risk of injury.

2. Can wide receivers or tight ends be handcuffed?

While the term is most commonly used for running backs, you can technically handcuff players at other positions. For example, if you draft a star tight end like Travis Kelce, you might consider drafting his backup as insurance.

3. When should I drop a handcuff?

If your handcuff hasn’t seen the field by midseason and you need the roster spot, it’s okay to drop them. However, be cautious if the RB1 has a history of injuries.

4. Are handcuffs more valuable in PPR leagues?

Handcuffs can be valuable in both PPR and standard leagues, but their value often depends on their role in the offense. Pass-catching backs are more valuable in PPR formats.

5. What if I don’t own the RB1? Can I still draft their handcuff?

Yes, this is known as “handcuffing someone else’s player.” It’s a risky strategy, but it can pay off if the RB1 gets injured and you have their backup.


In conclusion, handcuffs in fantasy football are a double-edged sword. They can provide valuable insurance and league-winning upside, but they can also waste a roster spot if not used wisely. The key is to evaluate each situation carefully and make informed decisions based on your team’s needs and the specific circumstances of the players involved. Whether you’re a handcuff enthusiast or a skeptic, one thing is clear: they’ll continue to be a hot topic in fantasy football discussions for years to come.

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