For the first time in a few weeks, we don’t have any major injuries at the running back position. We do have what appears to be a changing of the guard in Houston, however. We also have a couple of other backfield spots that give us some data points to consider as we continue to work our way through the fantasy football season.
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Running Back Handcuff Rankings
Here are some backfield situations I am monitoring this week ahead of the rankings:
- Houston Texans: Woody Marks had a big day, finishing with 119 total yards and two touchdowns. He played on 58% of the snaps and got the majority of the third-down work. It would be a surprise if Marks isn’t the featured back moving forward, as the Texans showed signs of life offensively for the first time this season. He will be the priority add on waivers, but hopefully you already had him.
- New Orleans Saints: Kendre Miller‘s performance on Sunday will likely go overlooked, but he looked great in the Saints’ loss to Buffalo. Miller ran for 65 yards on 11 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and scored a touchdown. People will flock to Woody Marks, but Miller is a strong target as well.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Brashard Smith handled a season-high seven touches and had a good burst on a couple of receptions. It is probably too soon to roster him in 10- or 12-team leagues, but monitor his usage in the coming two games. If we see a snap percentage north of 30% in Week 5, he is worth considering.
- Arizona Cardinals: Emari Demercado played on 39% of the snaps and got most of the third-down work for Arizona. I am still bullish on Trey Benson, and he is going to be an every-week RB2, but Demercado will be part of the weekly game plan. There was also a nugget today that Benson got nicked up during the Seattle game. Benson is day-to-day, but the real piece of news is that Michael Carter could be the starter if Benson is out this week. He is a good speculative add.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Gainwell stepped in for an injured Jaylen Warren and had 134 total yards and two rushing touchdowns. I mentioned him as a PPR handcuff last week, but he was effective even as a runner. He should be rostered everywhere.
Tier 1: Roster Everywhere
1. David Montgomery (RB – DET)
Still checks every box for one of the league’s best offenses.
2. Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA)
Zach Charbonnet had 44 total yards and a touchdown Thursday night. He handled 12 total touches and appeared to be close to 100% healthy. He remains a top handcuff option.
3. Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAX)
Bhayshul Tuten’s role would be massive if Travis Etienne were to miss time. Tuten’s upside keeps him ahead of most others on this list.
4. Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
Mentioned him in the introduction, and with Alvin Kamara on the wrong side of 30, Kendre Miller could get more touches as the season progresses. There is also a chance Kamara gets traded, which would open up a massive role.
5. Rachaad White (RB – TB)
The Buccaneers are banged up offensively, so most of the offense is flowing through Bucky Irving and, to an extent, Rachaad White. I am still high on White as a handcuff, as I am moving him into Tier 1 with Bucky Irving’s Week 5 status looking iffy. White could be relevant for the next few weeks if Irving were to miss time.
6. Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
Had 11 touches but didn’t do much with them. However, the role of the starting running back for Sean McVay is one you should want to invest in. Blake Corum is still a strong hold.
7. Tyler Allgeier (RB -ATL)
Tyler Allgeier was back in his customary role as the primary backup to Bijan Robinson. The Falcons gashed Washington on the ground, and Allgeier chipped in with 51 yards and a touchdown. He is as steady as they come.
8. RJ Harvey (RB -DEN)
RJ Harvey managed 98 total yards and a touchdown on a season-high 18 touches. J.K. Dobbins is going to be the lead back in Denver, but like so many others, the role would be a smash spot if Harvey became the starter.
9. Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT)
Kenneth Gainwell had a big day for the Steelers on Sunday, but he will be less popular than Woody Marks or Kendre Miller. The Steelers have a Week 5 bye, meaning Jaylen Warren should return for their next game. Gainwell has earned a role in this offense, however.
Tier 2: A Tier Below But Still Worth Stashing
10. TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)
The TreVeyon Henderson breakout will need to wait as the Patriots are content using three running backs. Henderson did get in the box on Sunday, but this is not the ideal situation.
11. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – SF)
Bumping Brian Robinson Jr. down a bit this week because San Francisco can’t run the football. Their offensive line is a mess, and if it weren’t for Christian McCaffery‘s receiving role, he would be a volume-based RB2. I worry about Robinson if he were ever to become the lead back because he isn’t a pass-catcher.
12. Emanuel Wilson (RB – GB)
Josh Jacobs briefly left Sunday night’s game with a tweaked knee but finished the game. I don’t know if there is anything to that, but Emanuel Wilson did get 11 touches and turned them into 71 yards. He wouldn’t be quite as good inside the tackles as Jacobs, but his pass-catching ability would help in PPR leagues.
Tier 3: Best of the Rest
13. Ray Davis (RB – BUF)
James Cook is the RB1 so far, which gives me some hope for Ray Davis as a handcuff. He is nothing more than a bench stash at this point, however.
14. Justice Hill (RB – BAL)
I don’t think there is anything to panic about with Derrick Henry, but Justice Hill looks like he would get first crack at the job if given a chance. With the Ravens being awful offensively, this team will be in plenty of shootouts, which suits Hill’s style.
15. Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
Maybe I am getting ahead of myself, but I want Brashard Smith to be on your radar. I don’t think you need to grab him this week, but his Week 5 usage will be very telling. If it ticks up, he could very well be on his way to a big role in the second half of the season.
Thursday Night Football Handcuff Stash
If Blake Corum or Brian Robinson is available ahead of Thursday, grab them. This is one of the easiest spots to pick a good stash for your bench.
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Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.
