Handcuffing running backs is an oft-debated topic among the fantasy football community. Should you handcuff your starters, or should you go after the opposing manager’s handcuffs to maximize opportunity? Whether you believe in the former or the latter, this article will explore the best RB handcuffs in fantasy football. While there are a few obvious options in Tony Pollard (RB – DAL) and A.J. Dillon (RB – GB), this article will not include these players due to their standalone value.
Since entering the league in 2019, Alexander Mattison has become one of the most valuable handcuffs, if not the most valuable, in fantasy. While getting virtually no touches behind star running back Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN), Mattison will be drafted solely for insurance purposes. However, while having no standalone value, he is a near-lock to get a spot start or come into a game for relief a few times each season. Since Cook’s rookie year in 2017, he has never played a full season. He has maxed out at 14 games in a season during his five-year career.
Coming into the 2022 season, Cook will be 27 years old. He has dealt with injuries his entire career, and we all know father time stops for no one. While banking on injuries is never smart (and in poor taste), the reality of the situation is that Mattison has a very solid chance of getting meaningful touches this season. That bodes well for those managers who currently roster him. In his four starts last season, Mattison averaged 22 carries, 89 rushing yards, five receptions and 40 receiving yards while totaling three touchdowns.
Additionally, not only will Mattison become a free agent in 2023 at just 25 years old, but Cook has a potential out in 2023. Whether this means Mattison could potentially get a bigger workload elsewhere or take over lead duties in Minnesota, we could see his dynasty value rise.
The hot waiver wire pickup after Week 5, Khalil Herbert put himself on the fantasy football radar by stepping in for the injured David Montgomery (RB – CHI) last season. Playing on just over 50% of the offensive snaps in Week 5, Herbert was able to rush for 75 yards on 18 attempts. In the following three games (in which he played at least 75% of the offensive snaps), Herbert averaged 20 rushes for 90 yards, while finding the end zone once.
There is no doubt that, when given the opportunity, Herbert will step up to the plate. He has proved on multiple chances he can produce when receiving a bigger workload. On just 103 rushing attempts, Herbert recorded nine broken tackles. On the surface, this may not seem like much, but among players with at least 100 carries, Herbert ranked 14th in rush attempts per broken tackle with an 11.4 rate. Standing at just 5-foot-9, Herbert has a low center of gravity packed with 212 pounds of force. He is not easy to bring down.
Even being an easily replaceable sixth-round pick, the Chicago Bears did next to nothing to address the running back room. Herbert’s backup role should be secure at least for the 2022 season. If he can get some work this season to further prove he is here to stay, Herbert could end up being a valuable asset to roster for years to come.
Honorable Mentions: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE), Jamaal Williams (RB – DET), Darrell Henderson Jr. (RB – LAR)
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