2025 RB Lotto Ticket Rankings (1 Viewer)

[Footballdaz]

Pure speculation, but Dameon Pierce trade potential to Arizona? I believe they're gap heavy.

Not really sure why Carter went from an interesting dynasty asset in his rookie year to 3rd or 4th string. I guess the same could be said for Pierce.

.

Jets ruined Carter's confidence. Maybe Arizona is where he gets it back.

Doubt Arizona trades for Pierce. They probably grab someone cheap off the streets or someones practice squad.

If Benson was out for the year,maybe they wld trade for a rb. It's not a need right now.

 

[gbill2004]

Thoughts on Ollie Gordon as a lotto ticket this season? Would he be a fantasy RB2 if Achane gets injured?

 

[JohnnyU]

Thoughts on Ollie Gordon as a lotto ticket this season? Would he be a fantasy RB2 if Achane gets injured?

I was down on him coming into the draft because of his 2024 regression, but I may have been too harsh. I believe he has passed Jaylen Wright as the clear backup to Achane. I'm probably wrong again. If anyone has disappointed it's Wright.

 

[Krilons Resa]

Both, Jaydon Blue and Keaton Mitchell, are expected to finally be active this week.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Just wondering how everyone balances situation (opportunity) vs perceived talent with these backup RB stashes?

In particular, I'm asking for a dynasty setting where you might have some leverage to set aside "dead" roster spots on talented backups. At the same time, I only have three reliable backs going into bye weeks, and things would get real in a hurry if one goes down. Last year, I desperately needed Spears to be a stopgap #3 option. He was unplayable during the portion of the season that mattered once CMC went down. This year, I only need him to be stopgap #4 and while his season just began, I'm still waiting.

Leads me to a dilemma with a 4-week window of opportunity for Chargers RBs Haskins and Vidal to be semi-relevant fantasy filler. Should I really be clamping on to guys like Sean Tucker and Tahj Brooks (perceived talent, but next to chance of contributing without an injury). Or take a swing on one of these guys who actually has a chance to save me in week 8 or week 9 if I take an injury?

Of the two, I think I probably prioritize Tucker's talent over Tahj, but Tahj has a much easier path to relevancy in 2025. Of the two Chargers, I was on board the VIdal hype last season, so while I think Haskins is the favorite to outscore him, I think there's trace amounts of upside with Vidal. Dropping Tahj Brooks and adding Vidal is probably my transaction if I act on it. I'm still not sure that it's wise.

Beyond that, if I'm trying to win this year, I can also make a case for dropping a perceived talent like Sean Tucker (effectively a #3, even thought he's #2 for the moment) to scoop Emanuel Wilson. Wilson would seem to have a much easier path to 2025 relevance. I think I'm probably leaning against this one with the ghost of MarShawn LLoyd possibly becoming an option later in the year. I also think Chris Brooks would factor in on any scenario where Jacobs goes down. Another name? Ollie Gordon. I think he's the #2, which is great. I think I like the talent enough that he should be stashed. With that said, I have zero optimism that he can matter as the #2. I'm not even sure how valuable he would be in this offense if Achane went down.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

Vidal vs Haskins

I have #2 waiver priority so might get one or the other.. Who has the #1 priority Vidal or Haskins?

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Vidal vs Haskins

I have #2 waiver priority so might get one or the other.. Who has the #1 priority Vidal or Haskins?

Just my spit take, but I feel like Harbaugh will favor Haskins slightly if you're looking for a 4-week filler in re-draft. I like him to get more goal line duty, but didn't watch any of week 5.

In dynasty, I still want to believe that some sliver Vidal's hype last season was warranted. I probably go with him and hope that he outshines Haskins. The "dream" scenario is that he does enough to become the clear #2 to own once Hampton is back. I guess Matt Waldman still has a spell over me.

I'm expecting production to be very close between the two for the next four weeks and also wouldn't rule out a trade. If you're not hurting at RB, seeing if you become the #1 waiver priority might be the play. I can understand the temptation to use the #2 this week since a case can be made for either.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

Vidal vs Haskins

I have #2 waiver priority so might get one or the other.. Who has the #1 priority Vidal or Haskins?

Just my spit take, but I feel like Harbaugh will favor Haskins slightly if you're looking for a 4-week filler in re-draft. I like him to get more goal line duty, but didn't watch any of week 5.

In dynasty, I still want to believe that some sliver Vidal's hype last season was warranted. I probably go with him and hope that he outshines Haskins. The "dream" scenario is that he does enough to become the clear #2 to own once Hampton is back. I guess Matt Waldman still has a spell over me.

I'm expecting production to be very close between the two for the next four weeks and also wouldn't rule out a trade. If you're not hurting at RB, seeing if you become the #1 waiver priority might be the play. I can understand the temptation to use the #2 this week since a case can be made for either.

This is a 16 dynasty team that I took over.. the team was/is horrible and had Brian Robinson as the only RB on the roster (not to mention ARich and Russ as QBs - no wonder they left). Our waivers reset every week.

 

[Hartliner]

KingMaker RB Handcuff & RBBC List – 2025 Update (as of 10/7/2025)​

Overview​

This is a comprehensive, team-by-team breakdown of the top KingMaker running back handcuffs and RBBC (Running Back By Committee) situations for the 2025 NFL season. The list highlights the starter, the best backup/handcuff, and the potential fantasy value of the backup if the starter is injured.
RB1/RB2/RB3 refer to standard fantasy tiers (RB1 = top 12, RB2 = 13–24, RB3 = 25–36).

• RB injuries and volatility remain high: Many teams are dealing with RB injuries, making handcuffs more important than ever.
• RBBC situations are more common: Fewer true bellcows, more committees and split workloads.
• No major new “KingMaker” names: Most high-upside handcuffs are rookies or established backups in ambiguous situations.

I personally rank the top 10 lotto picks ROS from Week 6 as:

1. Tyler Allgeier
2. Kendre Miller
3. Brian Robinson Jr
4. Ray Davis
5. Blake Corum
6. Kenneth Gainwell
7. Bhayshul Tuten
8. Brashard Smith
9. Will Shipley
10. Tyjae Spears

---

Suggested 2025 KingMaker/RBBC Watch List (Based on Current Trends)​

Below is a refreshed, division-by-division list.
Bolded names are the most likely “KingMakers” if the starter goes down.
“Monitor” means the situation is fluid or RBBC is likely.

---

AFC East​

• BUF:
  • Starter: James Cook
  • Handcuff: Ray Davis
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2
• MIA:
  • Starter: De’Von Achane
  • Handcuff: Ollie Gordon/Jaylen Wright
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• NEP:
  • Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson [Consolidated backfield ROS, I think injury is the only way we see a clear winner too fwiw]
  • Handcuff: Terrell Jennings?
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC likely)
• NYJ:
  • Starter: Breece Hall
  • Handcuff: Braelon Allen(injured)/ Isaiah Davis - i think you hope Allen makes it back at some point est 11/30 and get them on discount/monitor.
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2

---

AFC North​

• BAL:
  • Starter: Derrick Henry
  • Handcuff: Keaton Mitchell CJ2K?(speed dial monitor)/ Justice Hill good in ppr
  • Value: low-end RB2
• CIN:
  • Starter: Chase Brown
  • Handcuff: Tahj Brooks
  • Value: RB3 - the stink lines on this O w/o Burrow torpedo's value
• CLE:
  • Starter: Quinshon Judkins
  • Handcuff: Jerome Ford/Dylan Sampson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC likely)
• PIT:
  • Starter: Jaylen Warren
  • Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell/Kaleb Johnson
  • Value: RB1

---

AFC South​

• HOU:
  • Starter: Nick Chubb
  • Handcuff: Dameon Pierce/Woody Marks
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (uncertain pecking order)
• IND:
  • Starter: Jonathan Taylor
  • Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O
  • Value: RB2
• JAC:
  • Starter: Travis Etienne Jr.
  • Handcuff: Bhayshul Tuten
  • Value: Mid-range RB2
• TEN:
  • Starter: Tony Pollard
  • Handcuff: Tyjae Spears
  • Value: low-end RB2

---

AFC West​

• DEN:
  • Starter: J.K. Dobbins
  • Handcuff: RJ Harvey
  • Value: High-end RB2
• KCC:
  • Starter: Isiah Pacheco
  • Handcuff: Kareem Hunt/Brashard Smith
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• LVR:
  • Starter: Ashton Jeanty
  • Handcuff: Zamir White
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (bad offense, RBBC)
• LAC:
  • Starter: Omarion Hampton we sorta assumed they were starter and they were drafted high
  • Handcuff: Kimani Vidal Hassan Haskins RBBC but Vidal has edge
  • Value: RB3s

---

NFC East​

• DAL:
  • Starter: Javonte Williams
  • Handcuff: Miles Sanders/Jaydon Blue
  • Value: Mid-range RB3 (monitor Jaydon Blue for 2nd half surge)
• NYG:
  • Starter: Cam Skattebo ?
  • Handcuff: Tyrone Tracy Jr.injured should be back this week 10/9
  • Value: low-end RB2
• PHI:
  • Starter: Saquon Barkley
  • Handcuff: Will Shipley
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• WAS:
  • Starter: JCM "Bill"
  • Handcuff: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
  • Value: Mid-range RB3

---

NFC North​

• CHI:
  • Starter: D’Andre Swift
  • Handcuff: Kyle Monangai /Roshon Johnson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• DET:
  • Starter: Jahmyr Gibbs
  • Handcuff: David Montgomery
  • Value: High-end RB2 / Low-end RB1
• GBP:
  • Starter: Josh Jacobs
  • Handcuff: MarShawn Lloyd/Emmanuel Wilson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• MIN:
  • Starter: Jordan Mason
  • Handcuff: Zavier Scott
  • Value: Mid-range RB2

---

NFC South​

• ATL:
  • Starter: Bijan Robinson
  • Handcuff: Tyler Allgeier
  • Value: High-end RB2
• CAR:
  • Starter: Rico Dowdle pending Kingmaker? [Chubba est. back 10/12]
  • Handcuff:
  • Value: RB2
• NO:
  • Starter: Alvin Kamara
  • Handcuff: Kendre Miller
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC threat)
• TBB:
  • Starter: Rachaad White pending Kingmaker? [Bucky est. back 10/12]
  • Handcuff: Sean Tucker
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

---

NFC West​

• ARI:
  • Starter: Michael Carter pending Kingmaker? [Benson EST. RETURN 11/9]
  • Handcuff: Emari Demercado
  • Value: Mid-to-low RB2
• LAR:
  • Starter: Kyren Williams
  • Handcuff: Blake Corum
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2
• SF:
  • Starter: Christian McCaffrey
  • Handcuff: Brian Robinson/Isaac Guerendo
  • Value: Elite RB1 potential
• SEA:
  • Starter: Kenneth Walker III
  • Handcuff: Zach Charbonnet
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Haskins

• drafted 131st -- 2022
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• missed 2023 with injury(?) , bad numbers in limited (albeit short yardage) role in 2024 & 2025

Vidal

• drafted 181st -- 2024
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• practice squad behind Haskins before Najee's injury, not sure how much of that is special teams considerations
• Waldman seal of approval
• anecdotally, one "wow" play on his first nfl touch

 

[zamboni]

Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O

Agree 100% on this one - probably among the least talked about handcuffs out there. I don't know if Giddens is any good, but he's one Taylor injury away from potentially becoming fantasy gold.

 

[jurrassic]

I've been holding Corum for a few weeks, strictly for the obvious upside. That said, Davis and Giddens aren't rostered at all. They are all dart throws. Will eventually have to hit drop with byes.

 

[FarFromHome]

Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O

Agree 100% on this one - probably among the least talked about handcuffs out there. I don't know if Giddens is any good, but he's one Taylor injury away from potentially becoming fantasy gold.

Yep. 2 leagues. Own Taylor in both. Own Giddens in both. I'm not dropping. I'm a dinosaur and i still believe in handcuffing. Don't judge me

 

[the spanker]

Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O

Agree 100% on this one - probably among the least talked about handcuffs out there. I don't know if Giddens is any good, but he's one Taylor injury away from potentially becoming fantasy gold.

Yep. 2 leagues. Own Taylor in both. Own Giddens in both. I'm not dropping. I'm a dinosaur and i still believe in handcuffing. Don't judge me

Sorry It's already too late for that.

 

[Scooby1974]

Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O

Agree 100% on this one - probably among the least talked about handcuffs out there. I don't know if Giddens is any good, but he's one Taylor injury away from potentially becoming fantasy gold.

Yep. 2 leagues. Own Taylor in both. Own Giddens in both. I'm not dropping. I'm a dinosaur and i still believe in handcuffing. Don't judge me

Sorry It's already too late for that.

Says rhe guy who calls himself "the spanker". LOL

 

[Chaka]

Handcuff: D.J. Giddens people are sleeping on this nearly free lotto ticket. This is a good O

Agree 100% on this one - probably among the least talked about handcuffs out there. I don't know if Giddens is any good, but he's one Taylor injury away from potentially becoming fantasy gold.

Yep. 2 leagues. Own Taylor in both. Own Giddens in both. I'm not dropping. I'm a dinosaur and i still believe in handcuffing. Don't judge me

Not a dinosaur IMO.

When you believe a guy is a clear handcuff to your starter, IMO it's a smart move to get that guy.

 

[Chaka]

GBP:

• Starter: Josh Jacobs
• Handcuff: MarShawn Lloyd
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Lloyd? Seems like Wilson is the guy, doesn't it?

 

[FarFromHome]

GBP:

• Starter: Josh Jacobs
• Handcuff: MarShawn Lloyd
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Lloyd? Seems like Wilson is the guy, doesn't it?

Yep.

 

[tigerz]

So I hate going for guys like Carter and Haskin. This happened to me in past years where I miss the elite pickup early because I’m chasing committees where both players lack both opportunity and talent.

Chase brown. Bucky Irving, and Tracy were great last year because they had talent and just needed opportunity.

Thinking about RBs who are currently backups who can surpass the starter and be drafted early next year is what I view as a kingmaker. Even if you got to trade for them.

I believe these RBs have the talent and a chance at surpassing the current starters if given all the opportunity later in the season like chase and Irving in the prior year.

1. Charbonnet - trade target
2. Tuten
3. Corum
4. Harvey - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
5. Dowdle
6. Henderson - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
7. Spears
8. Marks- may not have talent to overcome situation but he showed flash and gets receptions

Next tier are farther away, need more things to go their way, or don’t have as high of upside. But if there are injuries in front, immediate starter value.

1. Allgier
2. Miller
3. Robinson
4. Gainwell
5. Monangai - may be wishful thinking but I can’t see anyone else competing with him
6. Tucker - needs 2 injury
7. Sampson - may be committee and on tier below….

Next are guys with potential but who may have huge drop off when they get their shot due to injury. Just not convinced they are good enough to become a bell cow and it may be a committee. Or their talent drop off from the starter makes them nothing more than spot starts against weak defenses and a RB3 flex player. You basically have to get lucky twice: 1 to have starter injury and 2 that they come out on top after injury.

1. Davis - will he really be the bellcow?
2. Gordon - feels like Achane is good enough to overcome the team but maybe Gordon can’t. Need to see more.
3. Giddens - is he really a lock for bellcow?
4. Wilson - think it’s committee
5. Shipley - think it’s committee
6. Blue - need to see something. But watching him.

IR watch - people forget about them due to injury but you shouldn’t and keep an eye on waivers and stash in IR

1. Benson
2. Jones
3. Tracy
4. Braelon Allen

Other guys I don’t really feel are worth rostering until the starter goes down. Maybe take a flyer but I prefer hitting the top tier guys rather having a Demarco Carter type debate.

 

[Footballdaz]

GBP:

• Starter: Josh Jacobs
• Handcuff: MarShawn Lloyd
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Lloyd? Seems like Wilson is the guy, doesn't it?

Think it'd be a committee.

 

[kyoun1e]

So I hate going for guys like Carter and Haskin. This happened to me in past years where I miss the elite pickup early because I’m chasing committees where both players lack both opportunity and talent.

Chase brown. Bucky Irving, and Tracy were great last year because they had talent and just needed opportunity.

Thinking about RBs who are currently backups who can surpass the starter and be drafted early next year is what I view as a kingmaker. Even if you got to trade for them.

I believe these RBs have the talent and a chance at surpassing the current starters if given all the opportunity later in the season like chase and Irving in the prior year.

1. Charbonnet - trade target
2. Tuten
3. Corum
4. Harvey - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
5. Dowdle
6. Henderson - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
7. Spears
8. Marks- may not have talent to overcome situation but he showed flash and gets receptions

Next tier are farther away, need more things to go their way, or don’t have as high of upside. But if there are injuries in front, immediate starter value.

1. Allgier
2. Miller
3. Robinson
4. Gainwell
5. Monangai - may be wishful thinking but I can’t see anyone else competing with him
6. Tucker - needs 2 injury
7. Sampson - may be committee and on tier below….

Next are guys with potential but who may have huge drop off when they get their s

I'd bump up Allgiere and Miller into the top tier. Both have standalone value right now.

Miller is EXACTLY the guy I went for over Haskins/Vidal. His touches are even with Kamara and there is a chance Kamara gets traded.

 

[pack66]

You have the RBs wrong for Green Bay. Emmanuel Wilson is the handcuff for Jacobs. He's come in to work Jacobs and looked good doing it. Wilson is also a decent pass blocker. Lloyd is our change of pace back.

If Jacobs were to go down, it'd probably be a committee with Brooks getting the GL touches and maybe more since he's so big.

 

[the spanker]

I wander in this thread and after reading catching up, I'm perplexed nobody mentions RJ. Harvey???

No one.....sigh.....

 

[higgins]

You have the RBs wrong for Green Bay. Emmanuel Wilson is the handcuff for Jacobs. He's come in to work Jacobs and looked good doing it. Wilson is also a decent pass blocker. Lloyd is our change of pace back.

If Jacobs were to go down, it'd probably be a committee with Brooks getting the GL touches and maybe more since he's so big.

Brooks is 220 vs. Wilson's 230 -- just sayin'.

 

[IHEARTFF]

I wander in this thread and after reading catching up, I'm perplexed nobody mentions RJ. Harvey???

No one.....sigh.....

He was drafted pretty high in most redraft leagues, so he doesn't really qualify as a lotto ticket

 

[tigerz]

So I hate going for guys like Carter and Haskin. This happened to me in past years where I miss the elite pickup early because I’m chasing committees where both players lack both opportunity and talent.

Chase brown. Bucky Irving, and Tracy were great last year because they had talent and just needed opportunity.

Thinking about RBs who are currently backups who can surpass the starter and be drafted early next year is what I view as a kingmaker. Even if you got to trade for them.

I believe these RBs have the talent and a chance at surpassing the current starters if given all the opportunity later in the season like chase and Irving in the prior year.

1. Charbonnet - trade target
2. Tuten
3. Corum
4. Harvey - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
5. Dowdle
6. Henderson - trade target / wait for disgruntled owner drop
7. Spears
8. Marks- may not have talent to overcome situation but he showed flash and gets receptions

Next tier are farther away, need more things to go their way, or don’t have as high of upside. But if there are injuries in front, immediate starter value.

1. Allgier
2. Miller
3. Robinson
4. Gainwell
5. Monangai - may be wishful thinking but I can’t see anyone else competing with him
6. Tucker - needs 2 injury
7. Sampson - may be committee and on tier below….

Next are guys with potential but who may have huge drop off when they get their s

I'd bump up Allgiere and Miller into the top tier. Both have standalone value right now.

Miller is EXACTLY the guy I went for over Haskins/Vidal. His touches are even with Kamara and there is a chance Kamara gets traded.

Yeah the only reason I didn’t put them in the top tier because their ceiling seems more defined than the other guys, and the guys in front of them are solid performers.

The top tier guys I feel can reach greater heights than the incumbent starters.

That being said, allgiere may not surpass bijan but he can be top 10 without bijan.

And miller has more avenues to relevance than others. But I also could say same about gainwell.

Anyway, agree. Those two are on borderline of the two tiers. Just a lot of subjectivity on who you like and your estimate of future probabilities.

I have both myself and agree, I held them over the committee backups.

 

[Hartliner]

Lloyd? Seems like Wilson is the guy, doesn't it?

You have the RBs wrong for Green Bay. Emmanuel Wilson is the handcuff for Jacobs. He's come in to work Jacobs and looked good doing it. Wilson is also a decent pass blocker. Lloyd is our change of pace back.

If Jacobs were to go down, it'd probably be a committee with Brooks getting the GL touches and maybe more since he's so big.

This is my bias towards the PPR scam RBs, I prefer the fast receiving backs. I did the same w/ Keaton Mitchell and possibly Vidal Haskins above. I'll add Wilson tho

 

[tsc]

Stuck with too many lotto tickets. Woody, Corum, and Kendre along with Benson in my IR. Kimani Vidal just sitting on my wire. Been thinking about tossing Corum for him as he's actually getting run. Am I crazy? Brock Purdy is also on my mind. How do you rank Woody, Corum, Kendre, and Vidal?

 

[msudaisy26]

Stuck with too many lotto tickets. Woody, Corum, and Kendre along with Benson in my IR. Kimani Vidal just sitting on my wire. Been thinking about tossing Corum for him as he's actually getting run. Am I crazy? Brock Purdy is also on my mind. How do you rank Woody, Corum, Kendre, and Vidal?

I would grab Vidal and dump Corum, but if Vidal shows nothing this weekend then I would switch back next weekend.

 

[Runkle]

Stuck with too many lotto tickets. Woody, Corum, and Kendre along with Benson in my IR. Kimani Vidal just sitting on my wire. Been thinking about tossing Corum for him as he's actually getting run. Am I crazy? Brock Purdy is also on my mind. How do you rank Woody, Corum, Kendre, and Vidal?

Cut Corum weeks ago. He dropped every pass thrown his way 2 games in a row. Even if he gets his shot... I don't know what that's actually going to be worth. He can't be the bellcow if he can't catch a single pass, he'd be in a timeshare as the 1B to someone who may not even be on the roster who has actual hands.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Stuck with too many lotto tickets. Woody, Corum, and Kendre along with Benson in my IR. Kimani Vidal just sitting on my wire. Been thinking about tossing Corum for him as he's actually getting run. Am I crazy? Brock Purdy is also on my mind. How do you rank Woody, Corum, Kendre, and Vidal?

There are RB lotto tickets. Then there are RB free Costco food samples.

I believe Haskins and Vidal are the free samples. I begrudgingly made the decsion to toss back Tahj Brooks to go get Kimani Vidal for 4% FAAB in dynasty. This decision was based on having three good backs and a bunch of non-producing lotto tickets behind them. I don't want to be stuck with Tyjae Spars as my only plausible bye week starter weeks 8/9 if I take an RB injury. I thought it was fair to trade one 6th rounder with no opportunity for last year's version that will at least have a chance to make a statement this week.

With that said, someone lost patience on Jarquez Hunter and I'm extremely tempted to immediately abort Vidal and use the roster spot to park on the better talent. I think I have to give Vidal at least week 6. I can fall back to a Devin Neal or Jordan James if Jarquez and Tahj both get scooped.

 

[Hartliner]

Haskins

• drafted 131st -- 2022
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• missed 2023 with injury(?) , bad numbers in limited (albeit short yardage) role in 2024 & 2025

Vidal

• drafted 181st -- 2024
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• practice squad behind Haskins before Najee's injury, not sure how much of that is special teams considerations
• Waldman seal of approval
• anecdotally, one "wow" play on his first nfl touch

Used this since I have to drop one. I think I should keep Vidal.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Haskins

• drafted 131st -- 2022
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• missed 2023 with injury(?) , bad numbers in limited (albeit short yardage) role in 2024 & 2025

Vidal

• drafted 181st -- 2024
• pedestrian numbers in a limited role his rookie year
• practice squad behind Haskins before Najee's injury, not sure how much of that is special teams considerations
• Waldman seal of approval
• anecdotally, one "wow" play on his first nfl touch

Used this since I have to drop one. I think I should keep Vidal.

Oh man, pressure is on. I probably should have added that Haskins has a long receiving TD on his books too. Also, size is an advantage to Haskins for goal line work (not that Vidal is a featherweight). On the other hand, Haskins had his best numbers during his rookie season in Tennessee 2022 and @Bri was unimpressed with his time there.

I do think Vidal is the right call if you're actually trying to add someone that has a chance to stick as a backup worth owning once Hampton returns. I noticed that this sentiment was echoed by Bloom and Cecil on their waiver wire show. A lot of vitriol about what a rookie bust he was last season, but I think it's more directed at those that were hyping him. Nothing stands out as bad for a 6th round rookie trying to earn the trust of Harbaugh. When Harbaugh finally gave him 50%+ snap share late in the season, the numbers don't support that he can't handle the volume that we're looking for.

He's worth a look. If you need 8 fantasy points this Sunday, take Haskins. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't already deliberating about what to do with Vidal's roster spot once I drop him.

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

In one of my leagues, Gainwell is sitting on the wire. I'm considering dropping Daniel Jones to squeeze him on my team to see how the snaps break down, as I've got Jayden Daniels starting. Still, while he flashed in his last game, I'm not in love with the amount of competition he faces for touches, and some of the other RBs available are intriguing:

Brashard Smith
Blake Corum (dropped by me, recently)
Keandre Miller
Kimani Vidal

I think Gainwell is my top option of this group but in a 10-team league with FAAB enough to compete for a breakout player (and weak streaming QBs if Jones ends up gaining interest on drop) I'm hesitating on pulling the trigger. Thoughts?

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

In one of my leagues, Gainwell is sitting on the wire. I'm considering dropping Daniel Jones to squeeze him on my team to see how the snaps break down, as I've got Jayden Daniels starting. Still, while he flashed in his last game, I'm not in love with the amount of competition he faces for touches, and some of the other RBs available are intriguing:

Brashard Smith
Blake Corum (dropped by me, recently)
Keandre Miller
Kimani Vidal

I think Gainwell is my top option of this group but in a 10-team league with FAAB enough to compete for a breakout player (and weak streaming QBs if Jones ends up gaining interest on drop) I'm hesitating on pulling the trigger. Thoughts?

I think I probably agree with you on Gainwell. If the Vikings game is an indicator of what it could look like without Warren, it's hard not to be intrigued with that. It's probably neck and neck with Miller. I don't think Kamara is getting traded, but there's a non-zero chance they're able to talk him into a trade to a contender.

With that said, I don't think I can drop D. Jones for any of them until he turns in a clunker. There has to be someone that would give you something for him even in a 1QB, no?

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Both, Jaydon Blue and Keaton Mitchell, are expected to finally be active this week.

Looking at Blue much differently now with Miles Sanders out for the season.

 

[Krilons Resa]

I wanna grab Blue but will have to drop either Brashard Smith or Isaiah Davis. Any opinions?

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

In one of my leagues, Gainwell is sitting on the wire. I'm considering dropping Daniel Jones to squeeze him on my team to see how the snaps break down, as I've got Jayden Daniels starting. Still, while he flashed in his last game, I'm not in love with the amount of competition he faces for touches, and some of the other RBs available are intriguing:

Brashard Smith
Blake Corum (dropped by me, recently)
Keandre Miller
Kimani Vidal

I think Gainwell is my top option of this group but in a 10-team league with FAAB enough to compete for a breakout player (and weak streaming QBs if Jones ends up gaining interest on drop) I'm hesitating on pulling the trigger. Thoughts?

I think I probably agree with you on Gainwell. If the Vikings game is an indicator of what it could look like without Warren, it's hard not to be intrigued with that. It's probably neck and neck with Miller. I don't think Kamara is getting traded, but there's a non-zero chance they're able to talk him into a trade to a contender.

With that said, I don't think I can drop D. Jones for any of them until he turns in a clunker. There has to be someone that would give you something for him even in a 1QB, no?

I'm concerned that his 14pt average the past three weeks will turn people off, but I can shop him around. This league has been very trade-hesitant, and a review of the QBs rostered has me skeptical that anyone will bite on him as more than a back-up or match-up dependent option unless he gets back to top-end form. The teams rostering only one QB are rolling with Hurts, Herbert, Mahomes, and Nix respectively, which doesn't put a whole lot of bye pressure on them for the next couple weeks. Might poke the Herbert manager to see if he's got any interest, he's got JT so it might be an appealing stack.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

In one of my leagues, Gainwell is sitting on the wire. I'm considering dropping Daniel Jones to squeeze him on my team to see how the snaps break down, as I've got Jayden Daniels starting. Still, while he flashed in his last game, I'm not in love with the amount of competition he faces for touches, and some of the other RBs available are intriguing:

Brashard Smith
Blake Corum (dropped by me, recently)
Keandre Miller
Kimani Vidal

I think Gainwell is my top option of this group but in a 10-team league with FAAB enough to compete for a breakout player (and weak streaming QBs if Jones ends up gaining interest on drop) I'm hesitating on pulling the trigger. Thoughts?

I think I probably agree with you on Gainwell. If the Vikings game is an indicator of what it could look like without Warren, it's hard not to be intrigued with that. It's probably neck and neck with Miller. I don't think Kamara is getting traded, but there's a non-zero chance they're able to talk him into a trade to a contender.

With that said, I don't think I can drop D. Jones for any of them until he turns in a clunker. There has to be someone that would give you something for him even in a 1QB, no?

I'm concerned that his 14pt average the past three weeks will turn people off, but I can shop him around. This league has been very trade-hesitant, and a review of the QBs rostered has me skeptical that anyone will bite on him as more than a back-up or match-up dependent option unless he gets back to top-end form. The teams rostering only one QB are rolling with Hurts, Herbert, Mahomes, and Nix respectively, which doesn't put a whole lot of bye pressure on them for the next couple weeks. Might poke the Herbert manager to see if he's got any interest, he's got JT so it might be an appealing stack.

I guess I was blind that his fantasy scoring dipped that much (Thanks, Adonai). I hate playing 1QB. Make a great pick on a 2nd QB and it's actually creating a problem for you. Guy is balling out at the most important position in real football and there's no trade market for him in your fantasy league.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

 

[kyoun1e]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I dumped him but I"m looking to pick him up next week if possible to dump into IR (with Kittle hopefully coming off IR).

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I'm very pro-Benson, I think he has more talent than his replacements by a significant margin. I would prefer to roster him over Aiyuk in most leagues, simply due to the uncertainty around Aiyuk's injury. If both were healthy I'd rather have Aiyuk 100% but I think Benson will outplay Aiyuk for the majority of the year even when (if?) Aiyuk IS back until he gets back up to speed. Kinda still depends on your roster and whether you'd rather have the RB depth or the risky potential Aiyuk presents.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I'm very pro-Benson, I think he has more talent than his replacements by a significant margin. I would prefer to roster him over Aiyuk in most leagues, simply due to the uncertainty around Aiyuk's injury. If both were healthy I'd rather have Aiyuk 100% but I think Benson will outplay Aiyuk for the majority of the year even when (if?) Aiyuk IS back until he gets back up to speed. Kinda still depends on your roster and whether you'd rather have the RB depth or the risky potential Aiyuk presents.

Thanks for the reply. That mirrors a lot of my thoughts. I would personally prefer a wr as my team is somewhat loaded at rb but I prefer value and just think aiyuk is not gonna be what I hoped when I got him last round of my draft

 

[Panda13]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I'm very pro-Benson, I think he has more talent than his replacements by a significant margin. I would prefer to roster him over Aiyuk in most leagues, simply due to the uncertainty around Aiyuk's injury. If both were healthy I'd rather have Aiyuk 100% but I think Benson will outplay Aiyuk for the majority of the year even when (if?) Aiyuk IS back until he gets back up to speed. Kinda still depends on your roster and whether you'd rather have the RB depth or the risky potential Aiyuk presents.

Would you prefer to have Benson in your IR spot over Mixon? Benson is avaiable and I'm not sure Mixon will be coming back this season, and if he does, be fantasy relevant. I did this last year with Brooks and held for so long and it ended in disaster.

 

[Insein]

Probably dropping my second DST on Saturday for one of the Lotto tickets out there. It's to the point in the season where a season ending injury may happen to anyone at any point.

With Sanders out for the year, Blue seems like a solid ticket. If Javante goes down, Blue looks to be in for a decent volume in a top 5 offense.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I'm very pro-Benson, I think he has more talent than his replacements by a significant margin. I would prefer to roster him over Aiyuk in most leagues, simply due to the uncertainty around Aiyuk's injury. If both were healthy I'd rather have Aiyuk 100% but I think Benson will outplay Aiyuk for the majority of the year even when (if?) Aiyuk IS back until he gets back up to speed. Kinda still depends on your roster and whether you'd rather have the RB depth or the risky potential Aiyuk presents.

Would you prefer to have Benson in your IR spot over Mixon? Benson is avaiable and I'm not sure Mixon will be coming back this season, and if he does, be fantasy relevant. I did this last year with Brooks and held for so long and it ended in disaster.

I would keep Benson over Mixon for two main reasons. 1. If all things are equal, I am taking the younger guy. 2. Benson is the clear-cut guy when he comes back. We do not know what the backfield looks like with Chubb and Woody.

 

[icehouse]

Probably dropping my second DST on Saturday for one of the Lotto tickets out there. It's to the point in the season where a season ending injury may happen to anyone at any point.

With Sanders out for the year, Blue seems like a solid ticket. If Javante goes down, Blue looks to be in for a decent volume in a top 5 offense.

I did this today. I dropped the Vikings (also have the Packers) for Corum. Thought about Blue instead.

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

What do people think of Benson for later in the year when he comes off IR? Someone dropped him in my 10 team 0.5 PPR league. He hits waivers tonight. I have Aiyuk on ir but honestly concerned when he will come off it and how productive he will be this year since his injury was more than the usual ACL. Could swap Evans with aiyuk on ir, then drop aiyuk for benson and finally swap benson onto ir for Evans.

I'm very pro-Benson, I think he has more talent than his replacements by a significant margin. I would prefer to roster him over Aiyuk in most leagues, simply due to the uncertainty around Aiyuk's injury. If both were healthy I'd rather have Aiyuk 100% but I think Benson will outplay Aiyuk for the majority of the year even when (if?) Aiyuk IS back until he gets back up to speed. Kinda still depends on your roster and whether you'd rather have the RB depth or the risky potential Aiyuk presents.

Would you prefer to have Benson in your IR spot over Mixon? Benson is avaiable and I'm not sure Mixon will be coming back this season, and if he does, be fantasy relevant. I did this last year with Brooks and held for so long and it ended in disaster.

Oh I dropped Mixon a million years ago man, I’d rather have an open IR slot for the potential rather than Mixon at this point.

 

[Hartliner]

KingMaker RB Handcuff & RBBC List – 2025 Update (as of 10/15/2025)​

NOT a lot of Movement TBH- but I had free time.

Overview​

This is a comprehensive, team-by-team breakdown of the top KingMaker running back handcuffs and RBBC (Running Back By Committee) situations for the 2025 NFL season. The list highlights the starter, the best backup/handcuff, and the potential fantasy value of the backup if the starter is injured.
RB1/RB2/RB3 refer to standard fantasy tiers (RB1 = top 12, RB2 = 13–24, RB3 = 25–36).

• RB injuries and volatility remain high: Many teams are dealing with RB injuries, making handcuffs more important than ever.
• RBBC situations are more common: Fewer true bellcows, more committees and split workloads.
• No major new “KingMaker” names: Most high-upside handcuffs are rookies or established backups in ambiguous situations.

I personally rank the top 10 lotto picks ROS from Week 7 as:

1. Tyler Allgeier
2. Brian Robinson Jr
3. Ray Davis
4. Blake Corum
5. Kenneth Gainwell
6. Bhayshul Tuten
7. Brashard Smith
8. Kendre Miller - bumped down since the Kamara trade is less likely (I believe the news)
9. Braelon Allen/Isaiah Davis - bumped up since Breece requested a trade?
10. Tyjae Spears

---

Suggested 2025 KingMaker/RBBC Watch List (Based on Current Trends)​

Below is a refreshed, division-by-division list.
Bolded names are the most likely “KingMakers” if the starter goes down.
“Monitor” means the situation is fluid or RBBC is likely.

---

AFC East​

• BUF:
  • Starter: James Cook
  • Handcuff: Ray Davis
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2
• MIA:
  • Starter: De’Von Achane
  • Handcuff: Ollie Gordon/Jaylen Wright
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• NEP:
  • Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson [Consolidated backfield ROS, I think injury is the only way we see a clear winner too fwiw]
  • Handcuff: Terrell Jennings?
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC likely)
• NYJ:
  • Starter: Breece Hall requesting a trade?
  • Handcuff: Braelon Allen(injured)/ Isaiah Davis - i think you hope Allen makes it back at some point est 11/30 and get them on discount/monitor.
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2

---

AFC North​

• BAL:
  • Starter: Derrick Henry
  • Handcuff: Keaton Mitchell CJ2K?(speed dial monitor)/ Justice Hill good in ppr
  • Value: low-end RB2
• CIN:
  • Starter: Chase Brown
  • Handcuff: Tahj Brooks
  • Value: RB3 - the stink lines on this O w/o Burrow torpedo's value
• CLE:
  • Starter: Quinshon Judkins
  • Handcuff: Jerome Ford/Dylan Sampson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC likely)
• PIT:
  • Starter: Jaylen Warren
  • Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell/Kaleb Johnson
  • Value: RB1

---

AFC South​

• HOU:
  • Starter: Nick Chubb
  • Handcuff: Dameon Pierce/Woody Marks
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (uncertain pecking order)
• IND:
  • Starter: Jonathan Taylor
  • Handcuff: D.J. Giddens
  • Value: RB2
• JAC:
  • Starter: Travis Etienne Jr.
  • Handcuff: Bhayshul Tuten
  • Value: Mid-range RB2
• TEN:
  • Starter: Tony Pollard
  • Handcuff: Tyjae Spears
  • Value: low-end RB2

---

AFC West​

• DEN:
  • Starter: J.K. Dobbins
  • Handcuff: RJ Harvey
  • Value: High-end RB2
• KCC:
  • Starter: Isiah Pacheco
  • Handcuff: Kareem Hunt/Brashard Smith
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• LVR:
  • Starter: Ashton Jeanty
  • Handcuff: Zamir White
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (bad offense, RBBC)
• LAC:
  • Starter: Omarion Hampton we sorta assumed they were starter and they were drafted high
  • Handcuff: Kimani Vidal Hassan Haskins
  • Value: RB3s

---

NFC East​

• DAL:
  • Starter: Javonte Williams
  • Handcuff: Miles Sanders/Jaydon Blue
  • Value: Mid-range RB3 (monitor Jaydon Blue for 2nd half surge)
• NYG:
  • Starter: Cam Skattebo bonafide kingmaker
  • Handcuff: Tyrone Tracy
  • Value: low-end RB2
• PHI:
  • Starter: Saquon Barkley
  • Handcuff: Will Shipley
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• WAS:
  • Starter: JCM "Bill"
  • Handcuff: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
  • Value: Mid-range RB3

---

NFC North​

• CHI:
  • Starter: D’Andre Swift
  • Handcuff: Kyle Monangai /Roshon Johnson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• DET:
  • Starter: Jahmyr Gibbs
  • Handcuff: David Montgomery
  • Value: High-end RB2 / Low-end RB1
• GBP:
  • Starter: Josh Jacobs
  • Handcuff: MarShawn Lloyd/Emmanuel Wilson
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3
• MIN:
  • Starter: Jordan Mason
  • Handcuff: Zavier Scott
  • Value: Mid-range RB2

---

NFC South​

• ATL:
  • Starter: Bijan Robinson
  • Handcuff: Tyler Allgeier
  • Value: High-end RB2
• CAR:
  • Starter: Rico Dowdle pending Kingmaker? [Chubba back]
  • Handcuff:
  • Value: RB2
• NO:
  • Starter: Alvin Kamara
  • Handcuff: Kendre Miller
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (RBBC threat)
• TBB:
  • Starter: Rachaad White pending Kingmaker? [Bucky est. back 10/12]
  • Handcuff: Sean Tucker
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

---

NFC West​

• ARI:
  • Starter: Bam Knight pending Kingmaker? [Benson EST. RETURN 11/9]
  • Handcuff: Emari Demercado, Michael Carter? No ide I would just avoid ARI if possible
  • Value: Mid-to-low RB2
• LAR:
  • Starter: Kyren Williams
  • Handcuff: Blake Corum
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2
• SF:
  • Starter: Christian McCaffrey
  • Handcuff: Brian Robinson/Isaac Guerendo
  • Value: Elite RB1 potential
• SEA:
  • Starter: Kenneth Walker III
  • Handcuff: Zach Charbonnet
  • Value: Mid-to-high RB2

 

[Gatorade]

Indy - is Ameer Abdullah a threat here ?

Minny - when is Aaron Jones back ?

Philly - what about AJ Dillon ?