Fantasy Football Handcuffs 2024: Your Winning Strategy

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Alright fantasy football fanatics, let's dive into something super crucial for dominating your league in 2024: handcuffs! No, not the kind you're probably thinking of (unless your league has some very interesting rules). We're talking about the running backs and sometimes wide receivers who are poised to step up and become fantasy gold if the starter in front of them goes down. Grabbing the best handcuffs in fantasy football is a savvy move that can catapult your team to championship glory. Trust me, understanding and utilizing handcuffs is a key part of building a successful fantasy football team.

What are Handcuffs in Fantasy Football?

So, what exactly is a handcuff in the world of fantasy football, you ask? Well, it's pretty simple, guys. A handcuff is a backup player, usually a running back, who would likely take over the primary workload if the starting player gets injured or, for whatever reason, can't play. Think of it like this: your star running back is the lead singer of the band, and his handcuff is the understudy. If the lead singer gets sick or breaks a leg, the understudy steps in and keeps the show (and your fantasy season) alive!

Why are handcuffs so important, you might wonder? Because injuries happen! It's an unfortunate truth of the game. Every season, star players go down with injuries, and when they do, their backups often see a massive increase in opportunities. This can lead to a huge boost in fantasy points, turning a waiver-wire pickup into a league-winning asset. Grabbing the right handcuffs before everyone else realizes their value is a classic move that separates the casual players from the serious contenders. Handcuffs provide insurance for your team, protecting your investment in your star players. They also offer potential value on the waiver wire, as you can trade them or use them to your advantage. Furthermore, they provide depth to your roster, as they can fill in if your starter has a bad matchup or is underperforming. In this case, you will need to add a potential handcuff for your team if your team is lacking in depth. Handcuffs are a must-have.

Top Handcuff Running Backs to Target in 2024

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the handcuff running backs you should be targeting in your 2024 drafts and waiver wire pickups. This isn't an exhaustive list, because the NFL landscape changes fast, but these are some names to keep a close eye on and be ready to pounce on when the opportunity arises. It's important to remember that the value of handcuffs can fluctuate based on team depth charts, coaching changes, and even the performance of the starting running back.

First, let's talk about the high-priority handcuffs. These are the guys who would likely step into a significant workload if the starter were injured. They are your primary targets, your essential acquisitions. Consider the following players:

  • Alexander Mattison (MIN): While Mattison was the primary back for the Vikings in 2023, the team added Aaron Jones to the roster. If Jones were to get injured, Mattison is expected to be the main contributor in the ground game. He already knows the offense and could be a high-volume back if given the opportunity. He should be on your radar. Do not forget to keep a close eye on the Vikings' situation. Pay attention to injury reports and any changes in the depth chart.
  • Rachaad White's Handcuff (TB): Given White's heavy workload in the Tampa Bay offense, his backup becomes one of the more valuable handcuffs. Tampa Bay could have a committee approach to the backfield, so it is important to understand the situation. Keep an eye on the preseason games to see how the coaches use these players.
  • Elijah Mitchell (SF): The 49ers' backfield is always a bit of a gamble because of the injury history, and now they got another running back added into the mix. Whoever is backing up Christian McCaffrey in this offense will have immense fantasy value if CMC gets hurt. Mitchell is the most likely candidate, but be sure to monitor the situation throughout training camp.

Next, we have the mid-tier handcuffs. These players may not step into a full bell-cow role, but they would still likely see a substantial increase in touches and fantasy production if the starter goes down. These players provide solid depth and can be excellent trade targets.

  • Roschon Johnson (CHI): Roschon is a talented player. If Khalil Herbert gets hurt or underperforms, Roschon could see an expanded role in the Bears' run-heavy offense. This is a situation worth monitoring.

  • Zach Charbonnet (SEA): Charbonnet will be competing with Kenneth Walker for touches in Seattle. If Walker gets injured, Charbonnet could become a valuable fantasy asset.

  • Chase Brown (CIN): With Joe Mixon gone, Chase Brown has the potential to step up, especially if the Bengals lean heavily on their run game. He will be competing with a few other players for the lead role, so it is important to watch the preseason games.

Finally, the deep-league and sleeper handcuffs. These are players who may not have a clear path to significant playing time but could become valuable if injuries pile up or a situation changes unexpectedly. These are the guys you keep an eye on, stash on your bench late in drafts, and monitor on the waiver wire.

  • Tank Bigsby (JAX): If Travis Etienne were to get hurt, Bigsby could see an expanded role. The Jaguars offense is a solid one, so any touches he gets would be valuable.

  • De'Von Achane's Handcuff (MIA): The Dolphins' offense is explosive, and Achane's handcuff could get involved in the offense. Keep an eye on the training camp to know who would be the main backup.

This list is a starting point, guys. The best handcuffs are often the ones you identify before the injury happens. Staying informed is key. Continuously monitor team depth charts, training camp reports, and injury updates to stay ahead of the curve. Your goal is to snag these players before your league mates recognize their potential. This is how you win.

Handcuff Strategy: How to Draft and Manage Them

Okay, so you know who to target. Now, how do you actually implement a handcuff strategy in your fantasy football league? It's a combination of smart drafting, savvy roster management, and a bit of luck.

Drafting Handcuffs:

  • Prioritize in later rounds: Handcuffs are generally not worth a high draft pick. You're not looking for immediate starters; you're looking for insurance. So, target them in the later rounds of your draft after you've secured your starting lineup. Look for running backs with clear paths to opportunity if the starter gets hurt.

  • Target the same backfield: If you draft a star running back, it's often wise to draft his handcuff as well. This guarantees you have some insurance in case of injury, and you have the potential for a massive boost in production if the starter goes down.

  • Consider positional scarcity: Running back is a position where injuries are common, and the talent pool can be shallow. Handcuffs at this position are often more valuable than handcuffs at wide receiver or tight end. It is more challenging to find viable replacements for injured running backs on the waiver wire.

Managing Handcuffs Throughout the Season:

  • Monitor the waiver wire: Be proactive on the waiver wire. If a starting running back gets injured, pounce on his handcuff immediately. Don't hesitate. This is how you win. The player's value skyrockets overnight, and if you wait, you'll likely miss out.

  • Be patient: Handcuffs are often a long-term investment. They may sit on your bench for weeks or even months before getting their opportunity. Don't get discouraged. The payoff can be huge.

  • Trade strategically: If you have a handcuff who is performing well as the fill-in starter, consider trading him to a team that needs a running back. You can often get valuable assets in return. However, assess your team's needs and don't make a trade just for the sake of it. Make sure the trade improves your roster.

  • Adjust to your league's format: In deeper leagues or leagues with larger starting lineups, the value of handcuffs increases. In shallower leagues, you may be able to be more selective about which handcuffs you target.

By following this strategy, you'll be well on your way to building a dynasty in your fantasy football league. Good luck this season, and may your handcuffs bring you championship glory!

Handcuffs Beyond Running Backs: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

While running backs are the primary focus when discussing handcuffs, don't completely ignore the potential value of backups at wide receiver and tight end. Injuries can happen at any position, and sometimes a backup can step up and become a reliable fantasy contributor.

Wide Receiver Handcuffs:

  • Identifying the **