Below you will find my top ranked Running Back Handcuffs entering the 2010 fantasy football season. Note: I did not include Reggie Bush below, as I consider him a low-end fantasy starter (or flex) regardless of what an NFL depth chart suggests.
Jonathan Dwyer is my top ranked running back handcuff heading into 2010. While he might not have as much value as a Thomas Jones-type right out of the gate in 2010, Dwyer has the most home run potential out of all the back-up running backs in the league. Rashard Mendenhall won’t just give up his starting job, but if he gets injured, watch out! Dwyer will thrive in that Pittsburgh attack and he might not let go of the starting job if he ever gets his hands on it.
Jamaal Charles has more fantasy appeal than Thomas Jones, but the Chiefs appear to trust Jones a lot and have been giving him some run with the first team recently in camp. We’re not suggesting that Jones will start Week 1, but coach Todd Haley has indicated that he won’t hesitate to roll with the runner that gives his team the best chance to win in 2010. Jones is not only our No. 2 ranked handcuff runner entering 2010, he has some appeal all by himself for all you sneaky drafters out there.
Ray Rice is set to have a top 1-3 running back season in 2010, but if he ever misses time, Willis McGahee will be the runner that steps up. Last year, McGahee only had 109 carries for 544 yards, but he had an impressive 14 total TDs. That’s impressive.
Bernard Scott won’t steal Cedric Benson’s job away this season, but Scott would certainly shine as a starter if Benson ever got injured (entirely possible).
Darren Sproles is the forgotten guy, especially in PPR formats. All Ryan Mathews owners should grab Sproles in 2010. He would do very well if ever forced to start. He is proven and can have those 140+ total yard outings when given that occasional start.
Shonn Greene is the starter, but the Jets appear to be set on giving LaDainian Tomlinson some third-down touches this year. Third-down work doesn’t exactly equate to guaranteed fantasy value, but if Greene gets banged up, LT2 could have a great year behind that Jets’ offensive line.
Joseph Addai is the starter entering Week 1, there is no question about that, but Brown could eventually become the Colts’ starter. He has more dynasty appeal than anything else, but Brown is a must-have handcuff for all Addai owners in 2010. The combo should provide decent-to-strong fantasy RB2-type numbers this upcoming fantasy season.
Chester Taylor is about to turn 31, and he had his worst season with the Vikings last year averaging just 3.6 yards-per-carry. He is a must-have for all Matt Forte owners this season, but he also has some appeal all by himself late in upcoming fantasy drafts. Just don’t expect elite numbers out of Taylor, even if he gets into that Bears’ line-up. Forte is a very talented runner and he is only 24 years-old. Forte is very undervalued heading into 2010.
Arian Foster looks like the clear starter entering Week 1, and while he is one of my favorite middle round sleeper candidates this year, Ben Tate has some big-time sleeper appeal himself. I don’t trust Steve Slaton.
We like Chris Wells a ton this season, but it’s not hard to imagine Tim Hightower thriving if given starter-type carries. All Wells owners should grab Hightower in 2010. Wells will be the main guy, but injuries happen. Hightower is a very talented running back.
Chris Johnson, like Ray Rice, is in for another elite season, but if he misses any time someone has to step up. Javon Ringer would be that guy if anything should happen. He is no fantasy RB1, even if starting, but if forced to start for 2-3 games, Ringer would play like a strong fantasy RB2 behind that TEN offensive line. Last year, Ringer averaged 6.0 yards-per-carry on just eight carries. Clearly there is not a lot to go on, but he is a talented enough runner and that offensive line is great.
James Starks has more upside than Brandon Jackson, but it’s tough to say which will back-up Ryan Grant entering Week 1. If forced to grab one, I say Starks, even if it takes the rookie a few weeks to climb the depth chart.
Jerious Norwood is also in the mix for the back-up role behind starter Michael Turner, but Jason Snelling is the grind-it-out replacement if Turner goes down. That makes him the handcuff to have for all Turner owners.
Mike Bell is a smart handcuff for all LeSean McCoy owners this year. Leonard Weaver could still be in the mix, though.
Frank Gore has bad knees and the 49ers just upgraded their offensive line in tremendous fashion. If Gore goes down, someone will have a good season behind that line. Right now, Glen Coffee has the edge, but Anthony Dixon can’t be overlooked. Dixon could be the answer later on in the season, while Coffee is the initial back-up heading into the start of the season.
Thoughts? Any other names to throw out? Players you’d rank higher than we have them listed?
You might want to add Charles Scott of Philadelphia Eagles because Mike Bell could not be trusted due to his injury history. Scott is a nonsense bulldozer type that may be beneficial to Eagles for short-yard schemes.
aznflyer14: That’s a great name to throw out there.
[...] — especially if it is going to cost me a higher draft pick than I want to give up for one. Knowing the handcuffs, however, always is a good idea in case one of these guys falls into your lap late in fantasy [...]