Fantasy Football Running Back Handcuff Rankings: Week 2 (2026)

Week 1 is just about in the books and, thankfully, we made it through without any major injuries to running backs. We did get some clarity in a few backfields, though, while a handful of presumed backups stepped into starting roles right away. That gives us a little more information to work with as we put together this week’s fantasy football running back handcuff rankings.

Fantasy Football RB Handcuff Rankings: Week 2

When putting these tiers together, I’m looking at more than just who the most talented backup is. The goal is to identify the running backs who have a legitimate path to fantasy relevance if the opportunity comes their way. In other words, I’m looking for players who could step into a bigger role and potentially find their way into your starting lineup.

Tier 1: Roster Everywhere

1. Kaelon Black (RB – SF)

I don’t want to overreact to Kaelon Black’s workload from Week 1. I believe it was a function of the long trip combined with the game getting out of hand.

However, the 49ers clearly like what they have in their rookie from Indiana. The backup running back to a 30-year-old running back coming off a 400-touch season (who also plays in a Kyle Shanahan system) is one of the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy.

2. Blake Corum (RB – LAR)

Blake Corum is probably a better pure runner than Kyren Williams, but Sean McVay trusts Williams more. For now, anyway. Corum had a better yards-per-carry average than Williams in Week 1.

3. Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)

Kyle Monangai is probably the least rostered of any back in the top five on the list. That will not be the case after waivers run this week.

Monangai looked great on the ground (100 yards and a touchdown) and had a receiving role yesterday. Even as a handcuff, he has FLEX appeal.

4. TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)

TreVeyon Henderson’s injury pushes him down this list, as I’d probably have him at the top otherwise. He is hoping to play in Week 2, and the Patriots will need all hands on deck with the loss of A.J. Brown to his own ankle injury.

5. Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI)

Our old friend, Tyler Allgeier, did his thing on Sunday, leading the Cardinals in carries and rushing yards. I don’t think it is a hot take to think he will split touches with Love for the next month or so.

6. Kenneth Gainwell (RB – TB)

Bucky Irving looks like he is going to lead this backfield, relegating Kenneth Gainwell to handcuff status. He will probably be dropped in a lot of leagues after his Week 1 dud, but is well worth a roster spot. Don’t leave him on the waiver wire.

7. Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)

I don’t know if Jaylen Warren is the handcuff in Pittsburgh, but he is a better fit for the offense than Rico Dowdle. He earned more touches, and until the Steelers get their offensive line issues straightened out, they won’t be able to run inside.

Warren gives Pittsburgh more in the passing game, and his outside runs are where the Steelers need to attack at the moment.

8. Aaron Jones (RB – MIN)

While the yardage numbers weren’t gaudy, Minnesota put up 39 points on Sunday. With Carson Wentz the presumed starter for probably the next few weeks, the Vikings should play a pretty balanced style.

Aaron Jones had a reasonable day on Sunday, trailing Jordan Mason in usage but rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown. There is still some juice left there, enough to make him a priority pickup.

Tier 2: A Tier Below But Still Worth Stashing

9. Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)

Alvin Kamara was inactive in Week 1 with an injury, but given how the Saints deployed Kendre Miller, I can’t help but think Kamara will be involved in the backfield.

Kamara has been a staple of the organization, and they brought him back for a reason.

10. Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)

Braelon Allen is someone with intriguing upside, and he performed well on Sunday with 10 carries for 40 yards.

Allen had a touchdown run called back that would have made his stat line look even better. If you are looking for a speculative handcuff add, he will go overlooked this week.

11. Mike Washington Jr. (RB – LV)

Mike Washington Jr. had a strong camp, and for a day or two, it looked like he might be the Week 1 starter when Ashton Jeanty got hurt in practice.

Fortunately for the Raiders, Jeanty was fine, but Washington looked good in Week 1 in limited work. The only thing holding Washington (and Jeanty) back is the overall lack of offensive talent in Las Vegas.

12. Emmett Johnson (RB – KC)

I have a hard time believing Kenneth Walker III will make it 17 games without some kind of injury designation.

Enter Emmett Johnson, who looks like a great fit for Andy Reid’s scheme. I think this is the perfect situation for a handcuff, although his standalone value is admittedly low right now.

13. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – ATL)

Brian Robinson Jr. is well behind Bijan Robinson in just about every way possible, but an injury to the latter would put the former in position for 15+ touches. It is essentially the same type of role he’s held for the better part of two seasons.

Tier 3: Best of the Rest

14. Samaje Perine (RB – CIN)

Samaje Perine is the No. 2 RB behind Chase Brown, giving him some handcuff appeal. He was the only other Bengals running back to garner a touch on Sunday, putting him on our radar.

15. Ray Davis (RB – BUF)

Ray Davis goes overlooked, but he is someone I like quite a bit. The only thing that gives me caution is that I don’t know if Buffalo would give him a featured role.

Ty Johnson‘s injury puts him on track to be back before too long, and he will almost certainly get some touches as well.

Thursday Night Football Handcuff Stash

Ray Davis should be rostered ahead of Thursday Night Football. I can make a case for Ty Johnson as well, although he is more of a PPR league stash. For Detroit, I don’t know if their current handcuff is on the roster, so I will steer clear of recommending anyone on that side.