Similarly, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (63rd) could have early-season value as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs (34th) works his way into a starting role. Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine (92nd) could be just such a back as Javonte Williams (73rd) continues recovering from last year's torn ACL. Lastly, managers should consider backs with potentially strong early-season value who could fade as the season wears on. Therefore, there isn't a true handcuff in Buffalo or Washington either. In these situations, however, managers may be forced to guess who the primary "starter" will be ahead of Week 1. The Buffalo Bills are likely to have a similar split-backfield with presumed starter James Cook (81st) and free-agent addition Damien Harris (98th), while the Washington Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. AJ Dillon (ranked 83rd) racked up 28 receptions, 976 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns for the Packers last season while playing 49 percent of the offensive snaps.ĭillon is draftable as a high-end RB2 or flex option-and there's certainly nothing wrong with rostering and starting both of Green Bay's top backs-but that makes it difficult to consider him a true handcuff. He can serve as a quality RB1 in most lineups. However, this doesn't mean that managers shouldn't discount backs who essentially serve as a 1B to their team's 1A starter or who otherwise have starting value.įor example, Green Bay Packers starting back Aaron Jones (ranked 27th) finished the 2022 season with 1,516 scrimmage yards, 59 receptions and seven combined touchdowns. Typically, the term is used to describe a dedicated backup or part-time player who only provides minimal-to-middling flex value unless called upon to start.įor our handcuffs, we'll be looking specifically at running backs ranked outside of the top 100 in FantasyPros' PPR rankings. Packers RB AJ Dillon Kayla Wolf/Getty Imagesīefore we dive too deeply into our handcuff rankings, it's worth taking an extended look at what defines a handcuff. However, as more and more teams move toward using committee backfields, many "backups" now see enough playing time to carry flex value in the interim.īelow, we'll rank the 10 best handcuffs for the 2023 season based on factors like draft value-according to the latest FantasyPros PPR consensus rankings-past production, upside and spot-starting potential. Traditionally, handcuffs have been backups stashed on rosters who can serve as starters in the case of an injury. This is why it is always smart to add a handcuff or two later in the draft. Taylor, for example, missed six games last season with an ankle ailment. Heavy workloads can leave backs susceptible to injuries and missed time. Of course, there is some risk involved with building a lineup around an every-down ball-carrier. Unsurprisingly, high-volume backs like Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor tend to top most preseason rankings lists. This means that fantasy football drafts are right around the corner.Įven in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, running backs tend to serve as the foundation of championship-caliber squads. The NFL calendar will pivot to training-camp season later this month, and the preseason is slated to kick off on August 3. Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |