Mastering Fantasy Football: The Ultimate Guide to Handcuffs Rankings
Hello, football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our fantasy football series, where we're diving deep into the world of handcuffs rankings. If you're new here, don't worry, we'll keep it casual and friendly, just like we're chatting over a game of Madden. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football handcuffs rankings.
What are Fantasy Football Handcuffs?
Before we dive into rankings, let's ensure we're on the same page. Handcuffing in fantasy football refers to drafting a backup running back who plays behind a highly-drafted RB, hoping to capitalize on his starting role if the lead back goes down with an injury. It's like having a backup quarterback in real life - you hope you never need them, but you're glad you have them when you do.
Why are Handcuffs Important?
Injuries are a significant part of football. In fact, according to Football Outsiders, the average NFL team has 14.5 adjusted games lost (AGL) per season due to injuries. Handcuffing helps mitigate the risk of losing a valuable starter and ensures your team's success throughout the season.
2022 Fantasy Football Handcuffs Rankings
Alright, let's get to the meat and potatoes. Here are our top fantasy football handcuffs rankings for the 2022 season. Remember, these rankings are based on current ADP (Average Draft Position) and may change as the season approaches.
1. James Conner / Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris is the clear workhorse in Pittsburgh, but James Conner is an experienced back who could step in if needed. Conner's 12.5 ADP makes him an excellent handcuff, as he's being drafted late in most leagues.
2. J.K. Dobbins / Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens
Dobbins is the clear lead back in Baltimore, but Gus Edwards has shown he can handle a significant workload. Edwards' 14.7 ADP makes him an attractive handcuff, especially in PPR leagues.
3. Joe Mixon / Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals
Mixon is one of the league's best running backs, but he's also had injury issues in the past. Perine is an experienced back who could step in if needed. His 15.6 ADP makes him a solid handcuff.
4. Dalvin Cook / Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Cook is a fantasy football superstar, but he's also missed time due to injuries in each of the past three seasons. Mattison has shown he can handle a full workload, making him an elite handcuff. His 18.1 ADP is a bit high, but worth it for a potential RB1.
5. Alvin Kamara / Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
Kamara is one of the league's most talented backs, but he's also dealt with injuries and off-field issues. Ingram is a veteran who could step in if needed. His 19.2 ADP makes him a solid late-round handcuff.
When to Handcuff
The optimal time to handcuff is typically in the late rounds of your fantasy draft. You want to wait until you've secured your starting lineup before investing in a backup. However, if a valuable handcuff is available earlier, it might be worth taking the risk.
Conclusion
Handcuffing is a crucial strategy in fantasy football that can help you weather the storm of injuries. By drafting a quality backup to your lead running backs, you're ensuring your team's success throughout the season. So, guys, what do you think of our handcuffs rankings? Who are your favorite handcuffs this season? Let us know in the comments!
That's all for now, folks! Stay tuned for more fantasy football content, and as always, thanks for reading. Happy drafting!