Jason Kamlowsky | Tue, Sep 16th 2025, 3:14pm EDT

Fantasy Football Running Back Handcuff Rankings: Week 3 (2025)

Week 2 brought a couple of injuries, which put Jordan Mason in the spotlight to start this week. I also want to take a moment to recognize Austin Ekeler, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last Monday. Those are notoriously difficult to come back from, but hopefully we haven’t seen the last of Ekeler on an NFL field. The former Western Colorado product is one of the better undrafted free agents to play the position. His 2022 season, when he hauled in 107 passes, was one of the best fantasy seasons of all time and led a lot of teams to championships. Best wishes on a speedy return.

Here are some backfield situations I am monitoring this week:

Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury Monday night, meaning Jordan Mason is set to be the lead back in Minnesota. He should receive a heavy workload in Week 3 and will be a top priority this week on the waiver wire. He is officially off the handcuff list for now.
Houston Texans: Woody Marks surpassed Dameon Pierce on the Houston depth chart. He is widely available, and if you need a speculation stash at running back, he is someone to strongly consider.
Washington Commanders: The injury to Austin Ekeler (and, to an extent, the ineffectiveness of Jacory Croskey-Merritt) puts Chris Rodriguez Jr. back on the map, but the team signed Chase Edmonds on Sunday. Edmonds is more in the mold of Ekeler. This is a messy situation I’m staying away from.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns are going to lean on Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. My guess is this is a committee, with Judkins handling early-down work and Sampson mixing in and handling passing downs.

Running Back Handcuff Rankings

Tier 1: Roster Everywhere

1. Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA)

I am still keeping Zach Charbonnet at the top spot, mostly because Seattle’s run game is so effective. Charbonnet led the Seahawks in carries Sunday and would be in the 18-20 touch range.

2. David Montgomery (RB – DET)

Detroit stormed back offensively Sunday, stomping the Bears 52-21. David Montgomery handled 12 carries and scored a touchdown, keeping him Flex-worthy. He and Charbonnet are the 1A and 1B of this backfield.

3. Trey Benson (RB – ARI)

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Cardinals have plans for Trey Benson this year. Of the 21 running back opportunities, Benson handled nine, as he continues to carve out a role. The window is closing to get in on him.

4. Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAX)

I wrote last week that Bhayshul Tuten’s stock took a hit, but that was before Jacksonville traded Tank Bigsby. Tuten finished Week 2 with 74 yards on 10 touches and a touchdown reception. If Travis Etienne were to miss time, Tuten would have a massive role.

5. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – SF)

I don’t want to dock Brian Robinson Jr. too much because “San Francisco starting running back” has been a productive spot. He is limited athletically, and his role in the passing game is questionable, but I still think he will be productive if called upon.

6. Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)

Tyler Allgeier was part of the game plan in a big way on Sunday night, handling 18 touches for 80 total yards and a touchdown. He isn’t as explosive as Bijan Robinson, but he is as steady as they come. I am probably underrating him a bit.

7. Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)

The Giants’ backfield has already turned into a committee, and I don’t think it is long before Cam Skattebo is the No. 1 RB. He is a mauler with the ball in his hands, and he seems to fit what Brian Daboll wants more than Tyrone Tracy.

8. RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

RJ Harvey is working behind J.K. Dobbins, although he is lining up all over the formation. Sean Payton has made two running backs viable for fantasy throughout his career, and this should evolve into a similar situation as the year wears on. If Harvey is dropped this week, scoop him up.

Tier 2: A Tier Below But Still Worth Stashing

9. DJ Giddens (RB – IND)

DJ Giddens didn’t see a single touch on Sunday, which may actually portend to be a positive sign. If Indianapolis is committed to a bell-cow approach, Giddens would be in line for a monster role.

10. Ray Davis (RB – BUF)

Same type of blurb as last week: I like Ray Davis as a player, and I think he can be productive in a starting role. Ty Johnson is going to be plenty involved, especially on third downs. Buffalo’s offense is awesome, and I don’t mind investing in it. Just know what you’re getting with Davis and his actual role.

11. Woody Marks (RB – HOU)

I don’t see how Nick Chubb keeps Woody Marks from cutting into his touch share in the coming weeks. Marks is far more explosive. As he develops, he will split time. I would bet that Marks eventually takes over as the starter.

12. Rachaad White (RB – TB)

Rachaad White is clearly running behind Bucky Irving, but he did have 10 carries for 65 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Irving is a borderline bell-cow back, and we’ve seen that White probably can’t handle that type of role, but he is a good bet in PPR leagues to be more than viable if given the chance.

13. Kendre Miller (RB – NO)

Kendre Miller is the only other running back in New Orleans to get a touch this year. Alvin Kamara is averaging 20 touches in his first two games. You can see where this is going.

Tier 3: Best of the Rest

14. Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT)

Kaleb Johnson‘s gaffe on the kickoff return won’t do him any favors getting back on the field. Consider Kenneth Gainwell a PPR special handcuff to Jaylen Warren, who should be getting more work than he is. The biggest detriment to any Steeler is Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin.

15. Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)

I had a surprising number of questions on Braelon Allen. I am fighting through some bias here because he is similar to Ray Davis in that he will have a role, but it isn’t probably as big as people would hope for. Isaiah Davis will be involved, and the Jets aren’t as prolific as Buffalo. He’s still a decent bet for 12-15 touches, but there is a noticeable difference between Allen and Breece Hall — something I don’t believe fantasy managers are fully adjusting to.

16. TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)

TreVeyon Henderson is here because I think he will get dropped this week. He hasn’t looked great so far, but this is a bet-on-talent rank. In the coming weeks, fantasy managers will get antsy with handcuffs like Henderson. He could still be a late-season difference-maker.

Thursday Night Football Handcuff Stash

Ray Davis is probably rostered, so I will give you two names: Ollie Gordon III for Miami and Ty Johnson for Buffalo. Gordon has been mentioned in this space, but I have a hard time ranking him given how bad Miami’s offensive line has been. Still, touches are touches, and Gordon would be next in line behind De’Von Achane. Johnson is more of a third-down back, but Buffalo trusts him, and he’s essentially free on waivers.

Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.

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