One of the ways to put your fantasy football team over the top is to target underrated handcuffs. These are backup running backs with a lot of upside if they’re thrust into a starting role, either due to injury or performance-related reasons.
While everyone knows the top options like Blake Corum and Kyle Monangai, this article focuses on unheralded handcuffs.
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Fantasy Football Sleepers to Draft
We’re digging deep in this article. Each of the running backs featured sports a late-round average draft position (ADP). These are viable sleepers to look for at the end of your drafts.
Jordan James (RB – SF) | ADP: 229.3 (RB70)
Jordan James is a second-year running back who went in the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, James is the most likely bet for the No. 2 running back role behind Christian McCaffrey.
Remember, James rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry in his final year at Oregon. He went in the fifth round because of a stacked class. There’s a reasonable chance that he would have gone higher if he were in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Obviously, McCaffrey’s handcuff is one of the most valuable roles in fantasy. What’s great about targeting James right now is that he’s virtually free, given the ambiguous situation despite the reports. There’s also the fact that the 49ers drafted Kaelon Black in the third round, but that pick was widely considered a reach.
It’ll likely take time for a rookie to earn more of a role in a Kyle Shanahan offense, so my bet is on James here. Take him as an end-of-bench stash with the ability to be a difference-maker.
Ollie Gordon II (RB – MIA) | ADP: 217.7 (RB65)
Ollie Gordon II didn’t show much as a rookie, rushing for 199 yards and three touchdowns while averaging only 2.8 yards per carry. However, the Dolphins have a new coaching staff, one that wants to establish a smash-mouth identity.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Gordon fits the bill as a power back who can act as a complementary piece to De’Von Achane.
Remember, Gordon has some impressive college production, including 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns at Oklahoma State in 2023. Maybe he’ll be a better fit with new quarterback Malik Willis, opening up running lanes with his rushing threat.
The Dolphins didn’t select a running back in this year’s draft, but they bolstered their offensive line with tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round. While Jaylen Wright is still there, he’s more of a finesse back at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds. Gordon profiles as the better fit next to Achane.
Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL) | ADP: 238.0 (RB75)
At this time last year, Jaydon Blue was viewed as an intriguing pick with a chance to assert himself in the Cowboys’ backfield. However, Javonte Williams exceeded expectations, earning a contract extension after establishing himself as the top dog in Dallas.
However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore Blue this time around, especially at such a cheap cost. The Cowboys did not select a running back in this year’s draft, so Blue just has to beat out Malik Davis to become Williams’ backup.
It’s also worth noting that Blue showed some flashes in Week 18 against the Giants, including a 14-yard touchdown. This is the kind of handcuff that I want to take as a late-round stash. The Cowboys can have an elite offense, so Blue is a lottery-ticket handcuff to target.
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