Mastering Fantasy Football: The Art of RB Handcuffing
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into an often overlooked but incredibly important strategy: RB handcuffing. If you're new to the game or just looking to up your strategy, you've come to the right place. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football rb handcuffs.
What are RB Handcuffs?
In a nutshell, RB handcuffs are backup running backs who are drafted as direct replacements for their starters. They're often drafted late in the game, but their value can skyrocket if the starter goes down with an injury.
Why Should You Care About RB Handcuffs?
In fantasy football, injuries are a part of the game. Having a solid RB handcuff on your team can be the difference between a winning season and a disappointing one. Here's why:
Injury Protection
Imagine this: Your star RB, let's say Saquon Barkley, goes down with an injury. If you don't have a handcuff, you're left scrambling to find a replacement. But if you've got a handcuff like Wayne Gallman or Devonta Freeman, you're covered. Your team keeps rolling.
Opportunity Knocks
Sometimes, a handcuff can turn into a starting role. Think James Robinson last season. He was a handcuff for Leonard Fournette, but when Fournette went down, Robinson stepped up and became a fantasy stud. It's not uncommon for handcuffs to outperform their starters.
How to Draft RB Handcuffs
Drafting handcuffs is an art. You want to find the right balance between value and opportunity. Here's how to do it:
Know Your Starters
Before you draft a handcuff, understand the starter's situation. Is he injury-prone? Does he have a history of sharing touches? The more you know, the better you can predict when a handcuff might be needed.
Draft Late
Handcuffs are typically drafted in the late rounds. You don't want to waste an early pick on a backup. Wait until you've filled your other positions, then snag a handcuff or two.
Consider the Opportunity
Not all handcuffs are created equal. Some have a clear path to touches if their starter goes down. Others might be in a committee situation. Look for handcuffs in offenses that pass the ball a lot, too. Those are the ones who tend to have RB-friendly game scripts.
RB Handcuffs to Target in 2021
Here are a few RB handcuffs to keep an eye on this season:
- D'Ernest Johnson (Cleveland Browns) - Handcuff to Nick Chubb. Johnson showed he can handle a workload last season and is in an offense that loves to run the ball. - Gio Bernard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Handcuff to Leonard Fournette. With Tom Brady under center, the Bucs are likely to be in positive game scripts often, which means plenty of RB opportunities. - Jaret Patterson (Washington Football Team) - Handcuff to Antonio Gibson. Patterson is a rookie with explosive potential and could see a significant role if Gibson misses time.
Final Thoughts
RB handcuffing is a crucial strategy in fantasy football. It's all about planning for the worst and hoping for the best. So, get out there and snag those handcuffs, guys! Your fantasy team will thank you.
Happy drafting!