Every season, a backup running back takes the league by storm. As the most injured position among fantasy-relevant positions, there’s opportunity everywhere. Finding the guys with the right talent and situation can make the difference in October for fantasy football folks. 2022 had D’Onta Foreman showing the league why paying running backs might be a bad move, but finding the right ones for fantasy is gold. The ideal fantasy football handcuff is talented enough to get the full workload, and in the right offense that the starter isn’t locked in every week.
Note that players projected for a complete timeshare like A.J. Dillon and Jerrick McKinnon were excluded.
Five Must Draft Fantasy Football Handcuffs
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
“Tank” has the appropriate nickname and skillset to take over in fantasy in 2023. His scouting report outlines his soft hands and aggressive rushing style. He could very easily vulture goal-line work from Travis Etienne, even without injury. If Etienne does miss time, Bigsby would be the lead back on a top-ten offense with a three-down skillset. Check, check, and check for top fantasy backs. All in all, he was fourth in the prospect running back rankings, and at an ADP of RB52, what’s not to love?
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Every efficiency metric actually thinks Warren is more talented than Najee Harris. Add in that the offense is set to take off in 2023, Warren might have FLEX value even without Najee going down. If he can keep up his efficiency Warren is set for a huge 2023. Off the board as RB51, Warren is basically free with loads of upside.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Draft capital matters for production. The Titans took Spears in the third round and their workhorse Derrick Henry leads the NFL in touches among active players. Henry is no spring chicken, and while no one should ever hope for an injury Henry has already missed games or had reduced snap counts the past two seasons. Spears is currently the RB62 off the board, and that’s an easy draft pick this season.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
Day two draft capital? Yes. Running backs on the roster with question marks? Definitely yes. 28-year-old running backs aren’t known to hold up well, and Kendre was a big part of TCU’s miracle run in 2022. The youngest fantasy football handcuff on the list, his scouting report gives all sorts of hope. He has a case to lead the backfield in touches, despite being the third running back from the team drafted. Consequently, Miller could be the piece that leads to fantasy football championships.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier 100 percent needs an injury to be a league winner. But if unfortunately, Bijan has something happen, Allgeier has earned the trust of the coaching staff. He already has a 1,000-yard season under his belt, and the odds of the offense being bottom ten again are slim. It should be noted that they are a run-heavy team in a weak division. Going off the board at RB48 in deep leagues he’s worth a stash.
Main Photo Credit: Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
