strategy6 min

When to Handcuff Your RB

Explained in plain English

What is a Handcuff?

A handcuff is the backup RB to your starting RB.

Example:

You own Christian McCaffrey. His backup is... whoever the 49ers #2 RB is.

If CMC gets injured, that backup becomes the starter and is instantly a top-15 RB.

Why "Handcuff"?

You're "handcuffing" the backup to your starter. If your starter goes down, the backup takes over seamlessly.

It's insurance for your most valuable asset.

Why Handcuffing Matters

The Nightmare Scenario:

You drafted Christian McCaffrey #1 overall. Week 3, he tears his ACL.

Now you have NO RB1. Your season is probably over.

The Handcuff Scenario:

You drafted Christian McCaffrey #1 overall. You also drafted his backup in round 12.

Week 3, CMC tears his ACL. His backup immediately steps in as the starter.

You plug him into your lineup and still have a RB1. Season saved!

Real-Life Examples:

  • 2022: Dameon Pierce was the handcuff to an injured RB. Became a weekly starter.
  • 2021: Elijah Mitchell handcuffed to Mostert. Mostert got hurt. Mitchell was RB1.
  • 2023: Rachaad White handcuffed to Fournette. Took over the backfield.

    • Handcuffs win championships.

    Which RBs Should You Handcuff?

    Handcuff These RBs (Priority Order):

    Tier 1: Must Handcuff

    ✅ Any RB you drafted in Round 1-2

    ✅ RBs with injury history

    ✅ RBs on run-heavy offenses (49ers, Browns, Ravens)

    ✅ RBs who get 90%+ of the touches

    Tier 2: Consider Handcuffing

    ⚠️ Round 3-4 RBs

    ⚠️ RBs on good offenses

    Tier 3: Don't Bother

    ❌ RBs in committees (they already split touches)

    ❌ Round 6+ RBs (they're replaceable on waivers)

    ❌ Pass-catching backs (their backup won't get receptions)

    Examples:

  • Own Nick Chubb? Handcuff with Jerome Ford.
  • Own Derrick Henry? Handcuff with his backup.
  • Own Tony Pollard? Don't bother, he's already in a committee.

    • Should You Handcuff YOUR RBs or SOMEONE ELSE'S?

    This is a strategic decision:

    Option 1: Handcuff Your Own RBs (Conservative)

    Pros:

  • Protects your investment
  • You're covered if injury happens
  • No stress

    • Cons:

  • If your RB stays healthy, the handcuff is useless
  • You use a bench spot on a player who might never start

    • Option 2: Handcuff SOMEONE ELSE'S RBs (Aggressive)

    Pros:

  • If their RB gets hurt, you have a RB1 and they don't
  • Gives you trade leverage
  • Can block your opponent

    • Cons:

  • If YOUR RB gets hurt, you're screwed
  • Feels bad when your RB goes down and you don't have the backup

    • Beginner Recommendation:

    Handcuff your OWN Round 1-2 RBs. It's the safe play.

    How to Identify the Right Handcuff

    Not all backups are created equal. Here's how to find the TRUE handcuff:

    Step 1: Check Depth Chart

    Who is listed as RB2 on the team's depth chart?

    Step 2: Check Preseason Snaps

    Which backup played the most when the starter rested?

    Step 3: Check Previous Injuries

    When your RB missed time last year, who took over?

    Step 4: Check Fantasy Experts

    Google "[Your RB] handcuff 2024" and see who experts say.

    Red Flags:

    ❌ Teams with multiple backups (unclear who takes over)

    ❌ Rookie RBs as starters (coaches might use veterans if rookie gets hurt)

    ❌ Pass-catching specialists (they won't get rushing work)

    When to Draft Handcuffs

    Draft Strategy:

    Rounds 1-10: Build your starting lineup

    Don't reach for handcuffs early. Build your team first.

    Rounds 11-13: Grab your handcuff

    If your RB1's backup is still available, grab him here.

    Rounds 14-15: Consider other handcuffs

    Grab valuable backups even if you don't own the starter.

    Never Draft Handcuffs Before Round 10

    That's wasting draft capital. Handcuffs are late-round picks.

    Exception:

    If an elite backup (like a rookie behind an old RB) is available in Round 8-9, consider it.

    Waiver Wire Handcuff Strategy

    You don't have to draft handcuffs. You can grab them on waivers!

    When to Grab Handcuffs on Waivers:

    After Injuries Happen:

    Starting RB gets hurt? Immediately claim his backup. Use #1 waiver priority if needed.

    Before Bye Weeks:

    If your RB is on bye and you need a fill-in, grab his handcuff as a one-week play.

    After Preseason:

    Sometimes handcuffs emerge in preseason. Grab them before Week 1.

    Mid-Season Stashes:

    If an injury-prone RB is struggling, stash his backup before the injury happens.

    Handcuff Mistakes Beginners Make

    ❌ Handcuffing Every RB

    You don't need 5 handcuffs. Focus on your Round 1-2 RBs only.

    ❌ Dropping Handcuffs Too Early

    Your RB1 stays healthy for 8 weeks so you drop the handcuff. Week 9, he gets hurt. Don't do this.

    ❌ Not Handcuffing Because "Injuries Won't Happen"

    RB is the most injury-prone position. It WILL happen. Be prepared.

    ❌ Handcuffing WRs or QBs

    Don't. Backups at those positions rarely have value. RBs only.

    ❌ Holding Handcuffs for Players You Don't Own

    Unless it's for trade leverage, handcuff YOUR guys first.

    Real-World Handcuff Examples

    Good Handcuffs (2024):

  • Christian McCaffrey → Elijah Mitchell / Jordan Mason
  • Derrick Henry → Tyjae Spears
  • Jonathan Taylor → Zack Moss
  • Travis Etienne → Tank Bigsby
  • Saquon Barkley → Devin Singletary

    • Bad Handcuffs (Don't Bother):

  • Any Patriot RB (committee nightmare)
  • Jets RBs (unclear depth chart)
  • Titans RBs (multiple backs split work)

    • Beginner Tip:

    Check FantasyPros or Reddit before the season for "2024 Handcuff Tiers" articles. They do the research for you!

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