what's a handcuff in fantasy football

3 min read 16-01-2025

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, prediction, and a little bit of luck. But even the best-laid plans can go awry if your star player gets injured. That's where the concept of a "handcuff" comes in. This article will explain what a handcuff is, why they're important, and how to identify the best ones for your fantasy team.

Understanding the Handcuff Strategy

In fantasy football, a handcuff is the backup player who directly benefits from the success (or more importantly, the injury) of a starting player, usually a running back. If your star running back goes down, his handcuff is the player most likely to inherit his carries and subsequently his fantasy points. This strategy is primarily used to mitigate risk and ensure you still have production at a key position if your starter is injured or underperforms.

Why Use a Handcuff?

The primary reason to use a handcuff is risk mitigation. Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL season. A single injury to your RB1 can cripple your fantasy team's performance for a week or even longer. A handcuff provides a safety net, offering a decent replacement if your star player is sidelined. This allows for consistent scoring even in the face of unexpected setbacks.

Identifying Potential Handcuffs

Identifying a strong handcuff requires some detective work. Here are key factors to consider:

Team Depth Chart: Look at the team's official depth chart. The player listed directly behind your starting running back is the most obvious candidate.
Snap Counts: Pay attention to the snap counts in games. If a backup RB is consistently getting a significant number of snaps, they’re a better handcuff prospect.
Game Script and Usage: Analyze how the team utilizes its running backs. Does the backup see action in specific situations (like goal-line carries)?
Preseason Performance: Preseason games offer a glimpse into how coaches view their players and their potential roles.

Example: If you draft Christian McCaffrey, his handcuff might be Chuba Hubbard (depending on the year and team situation). If McCaffrey gets hurt, Hubbard is likely to see a significant increase in carries and targets, making him a valuable asset.

The Importance of Context: Not All Handcuffs are Created Equal

While the concept is straightforward, the effectiveness of a handcuff depends heavily on the context. Factors that can affect a handcuff's value include:

Team Offense: A high-powered offense will generally produce more fantasy points for all its running backs, including the handcuff.
Coaching Philosophy: Some coaches rely heavily on one running back, minimizing the value of the backup. Others utilize a committee approach, distributing carries among multiple players.
Injury Severity: A minor injury might only sideline the starter for a week, whereas a significant injury could see the handcuff start for several weeks.

Handcuffs Beyond Running Backs

While the term “handcuff” is most commonly associated with running backs, the principle can apply to other positions. For instance:

Quarterbacks: A backup quarterback who might take over if the starter gets injured.
Wide Receivers: A #2 or #3 receiver on a team who might get significantly more targets if the top receiver goes down. (Though less common as an explicit strategy)

FAQ: Common Handcuff Questions

Q: How many handcuffs should I draft?

A: The number of handcuffs you draft depends on your risk tolerance and draft strategy. One or two handcuffs is a reasonable number for most fantasy teams.

Q: Should I draft a handcuff even if I'm not confident in my starting player?

A: It's a valid strategy if you believe the backup has standalone value beyond just being a handcuff.

Q: What if my handcuff gets injured?

A: Unfortunately, there's no guarantee. That's why carefully assessing potential handcuff value is crucial. You could consider a "handcuff to the handcuff," but this gets increasingly speculative.

By understanding the concept of a handcuff and employing a strategic approach to identifying and drafting them, you can significantly reduce the impact of injuries on your fantasy team's performance. Remember to always consider the context and the specific circumstances of each team and player. Good luck!