Handcuff running backs are keys to your draft strategy. Everyone wants to draft the right one but what factors into the “right” pick. For one we need to look at injury history and age of the projected starter. Some guys can’t have a clean bill of health and often results in a backup gaining touches. Other times teams don’t want to give a heavy dosage of carries to the old man on the squad so they ramp up the usage of the fresh young guns.
Another huge factor in a handcuff running back is the offense they play in. You might have a back who is just mediocre but when you put him in front of future Hall of Famer offensive lineman they could look like the next Barry Sanders (huge exaggeration but you get the point).
In today’s age of the NFL cowbell backs are diminishing so its vital to hit on those late round picks. Below I have posted my top 5 handcuff backs and done extensive research on the best situations.
1) Alexander Mattison
Why oh why is Mattison not one of the top handcuffs for several writers? What more does he have to do? Let’s check out his situation.
Mattison as a rookie last year was given 100 carries last year and dominated the game with them. He averaged 4.6 YPC despite facing the most defenders in the box (7.3) on average compared to EVERYONE. He’s extremely young and fresh and also plays behind one of the most injury prone backs Dalvin Cook. Let’s not forget long ago Dalvin Cook was starting the holdout talk which seems to have fizzled but certainly it can resurface.
If Dalvin Cook misses an extended period of time I can easily see Mattison as a top 10 back. In a run first offense Mattison will find success even if he is limited to backup duties. While Cook and Mattison present the best 1-2 combo in football don’t be surprised to see Mattison continue his fantasy relevance despite what role he plays.
2) JK Dobbins
Another guy who is lower on several charts for handcuffs but he’s near the top and rightfully so. The rookie from Ohio state is already raising eyebrows with dazzling plays. While he is putting on a show already, I am the first to say who cares until we see it come game day.
Well when game day comes you will see him and a lot! Dobbins plays behind the best offensive line in the best offensive running game statistically in NFL history. To put things in perspective, the Ravens had 2 players rush for over 1000 yards and 3 rush for over 700. Gus Edwards the 700 yard back had 133 carries and will now take a backseat to my man JK.
Dobbins will be rushing behind Mark Ingram this season but how durable will Ingram be at the age of 30? I love me som Mark Ingram but even if he stays healthy I feel Dobbins has a larger snap count by seasons end. We will see a transition period throughout the season if starters. Jump on the Dobbins bandwagon while you still can.
3) Kareem Hunt
Hunt is an obvious candidate for top handcuff RB. I almost feel guilty labeling him as a handcuff because he shouldn’t be a backup. Nonetheless we are here due to the talented Nick Chubb.
Hunt has had a rollercoaster season and I guess you can say rollercoaster life. The highs were high and the lows were downright disturbing but Hunt in the 2020 season will make an impact as he has plenty times before. New head coach Kevin Stefanski comes from an offensive philosophy that leans run more then the Browns have seen in the past. This obviously speaks volumes for all browns running backs who will see an even larger uptick in usage then last year.
Hunt is looking stronger and mentally better this offseason as last year he had the 8 game suspension glooming over his head. In 2017 he finished as the 4th best running back in PPR and in 2018 he was on his way to a top 10 finish before his disgusting incident. The Browns have Nick Chubb who is one of the best backs in the league but they also know what they have in Kareem Hunt. Even with Chubb in the lineup Hunt will have flex value each week but one injury to Chubb and the fantasy world will go into instant chaos.
4) Latavius Murray
I know you all read my blog from last year about Latavius Murray being a potential low end RB2. Well I missed the mark but 4 players but I was pretty damn close! Again Murray should be one of the top handcuff options and like Hunt can be utilized in a flex play each week.
One of my favorite Latavius Murray stats is that he’s. Missed just 3 games in 6 years. His durability can not go untold. Along with outstanding health he has performed as a starter very well in offenses a lot worse then the New Orlean Saints. Despite being a backup Murray will still have relevant usage. Kamara missed some time last year where Murray filled in and in this 2 weeks combined (weeks 7 and 8) Murray finished as the #1RB. An outstanding handcuff back who should be targeted in all leagues