67 BEST Tips What Is A Handcuff In Fantasy Football (Truth)

What Is A Handcuff In Fantasy Football - My Very Subjective, Personal Opinion:

It’s your backup plan for disaster—insurance for when your star running back inevitably goes down.

Smart move? Sure.

Exciting? Not even close.

But skip it, and you’ll be scrambling while someone else cashes in. Want to master the art of handcuffing? Let’s break it all down below.

What Is A Handcuff In Fantasy Football - Full Picture:

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, decision-making, and a little bit of luck. Among the various strategies that dedicated players utilize to gain an edge, one concept often sparks debate and discussion—the "handcuff." If you're new to fantasy football or even a seasoned veteran looking to refine your approach, understanding what a handcuff is and how to utilize it effectively can elevate your game. Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about handcuffs in fantasy football, analyzing the strategy from all possible angles.

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Understanding the Definition of a Handcuff in Fantasy Football

What Exactly Is a Handcuff?

A handcuff in fantasy football refers to drafting or rostering the backup player for your starting player, particularly in the running back position. This term is most commonly associated with running backs because they are more prone to injury and because backup running backs often inherit a substantial workload if the starter misses time.

For example, if you draft Christian McCaffrey as your top running back, you might also draft Elijah Mitchell as his "handcuff." If McCaffrey gets injured, Mitchell would presumably step into the starting role and offer solid fantasy production.

Why Are Handcuffs Specific to Certain Positions?

While handcuffs can technically be applied to other positions like quarterbacks or wide receivers, the strategy is most popular with running backs. Running backs are key contributors to fantasy teams, but they also take on a physically demanding role, making them more susceptible to injuries. Unlike quarterbacks or wide receivers, whose replacements often carve out smaller roles, backup running backs tend to inherit a significant portion of the starter's touches.

The Benefits of Using Handcuffs in Fantasy Football

Protecting Your Investment

One of the core principles of handcuffing is protecting your draft investment. If you spend a high pick on a top running back, losing him to injury could devastate your season. By drafting or stashing his backup, you mitigate the risk of a drop-off in production.

Peace of Mind

Fantasy football is already stressful enough with weekly decisions and unforeseen injuries. Having a handcuff offers peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken precautions to secure your team's depth and consistency.

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Championship Insurance

Many fantasy championships are decided by variables outside of your control—like who stays healthiest. Rostered handcuffs can turn into league-winning moves in December if the starter gets injured late in the season.

The Risks and Downsides of Handcuffing Players

Wasted Roster Spots

Handcuffs take up precious roster space on your team. Most backup players won't produce much value unless the starter is injured, meaning that roster spot could've potentially been used on someone with more upside.

Betting on Uncertainty

Handcuffing assumes that if the starter goes down, the backup will inherit a similar role. However, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, teams will opt for a "running back by committee" approach, which splits touches between two or more backups, reducing the value of your handcuff.

Overprioritizing Backups

Relying too heavily on a handcuff strategy could lead to ignoring valuable waiver wire opportunities or drafting backups sooner than you should. Balance is key when deciding whether or not to draft handcuffs.

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When Should You Use the Handcuff Strategy?

Draft Position Matters

If you’ve drafted an elite running back in the first or second round, it makes sense to consider handcuffing. Players like Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, or Saquon Barkley have clear backups that could be must-starts in case of injury.

Roster Size Plays a Role

Handcuffing becomes more viable in leagues with larger benches. For standard leagues with limited roster spots, the opportunity cost of locking up a backup might not be worth it.

Context of Your League Settings

Certain league settings may alter the value of handcuffs.

For instance:

• Standard Scoring: Backup running backs often don't catch many passes, so they might have reduced value here.

• PPR (Points Per Reception): Pass-catching backs can be more valuable, even in backup roles.

• Keeper or Dynasty Leagues: Handcuffing might not be as viable, as many prefer to draft younger players with long-term potential.

Notable Handcuff Examples from Recent Seasons

• Tony Pollard (2021-2022) - Drafted as Ezekiel Elliott’s backup, Pollard produced substantial fantasy points even with limited snaps and became invaluable when Elliott was banged up.

• Alexander Mattison (2020-2023) - Dalvin Cook’s handcuff consistently delivered when called upon, proving how essential Mattison was for Cook owners.

• Kareem Hunt (2020-2022) - Even as a "backup" to Nick Chubb in Cleveland, Hunt offered standalone value in addition to being one of the league’s best insurance policies.

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Lessons Learned

These examples highlight the importance of targeting backups in high-powered offenses. Teams that run the ball effectively and utilize workhorse backs are ideal candidates for handcuffing strategies.

Alternative Strategies to Handcuffing

Zero Handcuff Approach

Some fantasy managers prefer to avoid handcuffs altogether, instead focusing on acquiring upside players from other teams. The thought process here is that if someone else’s starter gets injured, you could have their productive backup while still retaining your own starter.

Targeting High-Upside Backups From Other Teams

Instead of prioritizing your own backup, look at teams with unsettled running back situations and draft their reserves, hoping they become breakout stars. Names like Kenneth Gainwell or Jaylen Warren might be targets who can earn standalone value during the season.

Utilizing Waivers Strategically

Some managers believe in playing the waiver wire instead of drafting handcuffs. By keeping a close eye on free agent backups, you can save roster space while still being opportunistic when injuries occur.

Tips for Beginners on Deciding When to Handcuff

Assess Team Depth

Evaluate whether your roster can afford to hold onto non-starters. If you have plenty of depth at running back and confidence in other positions, a handcuff might not be necessary.

Study Backfield Usage

Not all backups inherit a starter’s role seamlessly. Research how teams historically distribute carries after injuries before deciding which handcuffs are worth drafting.

Rank Your Priorities

Ask yourself if you'd rather handcuff your starter or take a chance on a breakout player at another position. Your priorities may vary depending on your league's rules and your team’s composition.

Expert Opinions on Handcuffing

Fantasy analysts are often split on the handcuffing strategy. While some argue it’s a smart way to protect your investments, others feel it limits your roster's potential by banking on hypotheticals.

One perspective suggests that drafting a safer mix of starters and high-upside backups from other teams gives you broader options. Another viewpoint champions the peace of mind a handcuff provides, especially with high-injury-risk players.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is a handcuff in fantasy football?

A handcuff is when you draft or roster a backup player for one of your starting players, typically a running back, to mitigate the risk of injury.

2. Why is the term "handcuff" mostly used for running backs?

Running backs take on a high workload and are more prone to injuries, which makes their backups highly valuable.

3. Should I handcuff only my team’s running backs?

While this is the most common approach, you can also look at handcuffing high-upside backups from other teams.

4. Are handcuffs necessary in fantasy football?

Handcuffs can provide peace of mind and protection against injuries, but they aren’t always necessary, depending on your league settings and roster composition.

5. When should I draft a handcuff?

Handcuffs are typically drafted in the later rounds or sometimes added from waivers during the season.

6. What are the risks of using handcuffs in fantasy football?

Using handcuffs can waste roster spots and assumes that the backup player will fully inherit the starter's workload, which isn't always guaranteed.

7. Which running backs are most important to handcuff?

Star running backs with clear backups, like Derrick Henry or Austin Ekeler, are ideal candidates for handcuffing.

8. How do I know which players are good handcuffs?

Look for teams with a workhorse running back and strong backups, or backups with a history of high performance when the starter is injured.

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9. Is handcuffing worth it in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues?

Yes, because pass-catching backs often hold value in PPR formats, even as backups.

10. Can handcuffs be valuable even if the starter doesn’t get injured?

Yes, some handcuffs, like Tony Pollard or Kareem Hunt in recent years, have standalone value in certain offenses.

11. Do quarterbacks have handcuffs in fantasy football?

While less common, you could consider rostering a backup quarterback if they play in a strong offensive system.

12. What is the difference between a handcuff and a regular backup?

Handcuffs typically refer to backups who are expected to see significant workload if the starter is injured, whereas regular backups don’t always have this potential.

13. Should I use handcuffs in dynasty or keeper leagues?

Handcuffs are less useful in dynasty or keeper leagues, as managers often prioritize long-term potential over short-term insurance.

14. How does league size impact the value of handcuffs?

Handcuffs are more valuable in larger leagues with bigger rosters, as there are fewer options available on waivers.

15. Can handcuffing impact waiver wire strategies?

Yes, rostering handcuffs might prevent you from adding high-upside free agents during the season.

16. Should I prioritize my own handcuffs over other backups?

It depends on your roster strategy. Some managers prefer to draft high-upside backups from other teams instead of their own handcuffs.

17. Are some teams better for handcuff strategies than others?

Yes, teams with clear lead backs and high run volume, like the Tennessee Titans or Minnesota Vikings in recent years, are great for handcuffing.

18. How do I decide between handcuffing and drafting breakout players?

It depends on your league’s rules and your team’s depth. If you have solid starters, aiming for breakout players might offer more upside.

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19. What are examples of successful handcuffs in recent seasons?

Players like Tony Pollard, Alexander Mattison, and Jamaal Williams have been standout handcuffs who provided big value after injuries.

20. Is it better to draft handcuffs or leave them for the waiver wire?

If your draft bench spots are limited, it may be better to leave handcuffs for waivers and prioritize players with higher upside.

21. Does handcuffing help you win championships?

Handcuffs can be league winners when a starter gets injured late in the season, giving you a secure replacement option.

22. Do head coaches impact the value of handcuffs?

Yes, some head coaches, like Kyle Shanahan, prefer committee approaches, which can reduce the value of handcuffing in those teams.

23. Should I draft my handcuff immediately after picking my starter?

Not necessarily. You should weigh the opportunity cost and see if higher-upside players are still available during your draft.

24. What is “running back by committee,” and how does it affect handcuffs?

Running back by committee splits carries among multiple players, making handcuffing less effective.

25. Are there scenarios where handcuffing isn’t useful?

Handcuffing is less useful when the starter is durable or when the backup has limited potential to take over the full role.

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26. Can using multiple handcuffs hurt my roster’s flexibility?

Absolutely. Having too many handcuffs can leave you without room for breakout players or high-performing free agents.

27. How do injuries affect the popularity of handcuffing?

When highly drafted players get injured, it often highlights the value of handcuffs, making them a popular strategy in future drafts.

28. Can wide receivers be handcuffs?

Technically, yes, but rare. Most teams don’t replace their top receivers with just one player in the same way they do with running backs.

29. Are there tools to help identify the best handcuffs?

Yes, many fantasy football draft kits and rankings highlight backups with high potential, making it easier to select the right handcuffs.

30. What’s the best tip for someone new to handcuffing?

Do your research. Understand the depth chart, coaching preferences, and injury history of players so you can make informed decisions on handcuffs.

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Conclusion

Handcuffing is a nuanced strategy in fantasy football that can offer safety, risk management, and even league-winning potential under the right circumstances.

However, it also comes with its downsides, such as occupying valuable roster spots and relying on unpredictable coaching decisions.

Whether or not you should handcuff depends on your league setup, roster size, and risk tolerance.

By identifying the right opportunities and balancing your approach, you can maximize the benefits of handcuffing without overcommitting.

Remember, no strategy is foolproof, but understanding your options will always give you a competitive edge. Happy drafting!