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The Mystery of Handcuffing
By Gregg Rosenthal
Senior Editor, RotoWorld.com
July 6, 2006
One year ago, Larry Johnson was just a handcuff. Priest Holmes, despite his injury history, was a consensus top-five overall pick and the biggest question facing his owners was, “How high is too high to attach Larry Johnson to him?”
RotoWorld ranked LJ in the top 50 overall picks despite his backup status. Average Draft Position (ADP) had Johnson No. 68. It turned out too high didn’t exist. We didn’t rank Johnson high enough. Smart owners snatched up Johnson in the fourth round and won their league championship when Holmes’ season ended in Week 8.
Of course, all backups aren’t created equal. Some are necessary to ‘handcuff’, i.e. attach to their starting running back in fantasy leagues. Some can be ignored. Johnson was the highest drafted handcuff in memory because he combined four attributes that are crucial before slapping the ‘cuffs on.
1. Job Security – Is the backup running back very likely to get the majority of carries if the starter loses his job? For handcuffs, its better (and cheaper) if he’s a clear backup, not part of a Running Back by Committee (RBBC).
2. Talent and production – Johnson already showed in 2004 that he could he handle the job.
3. System – Running back is the most fungible skill position in football. Systems, such as Kansas City’s, can often make any runner successful.
4. Starter Question Marks – Priest Holmes was a huge injury risk last season, making his handcuff more valuable. A starter that is at risk to lose his job to injury (Corey Dillon, Julius Jones) or performance (Chris Brown, Fred Taylor) makes their handcuff more valuable.
Now that you have an idea what to look for, let’s look at the most necessary handcuffs for 2006. The more “links,” the more imperative it is to reach above a player’s ADP to make sure you attach. The team’s starter is listed in parentheses. To paraphrase the song I used for this article’s title, the game of fantasy football is like a sword fight. You must think first before you move.
Five Links
Starter: Julius Jones Handcuff: Marion Barber III
Barber doesn’t have a realistic chance to start if Jones is healthy, despite public perception to the contrary. Still, it’s impossible to ignore that Jones has missed 19 games in his two-year career. The Dallas backfield is set up for improvement in 2006 and Barber showed he can handle a bigger workload if necessary.
Handcuff ADP: 103
Target Round: 8
Starter: Corey Dillon Handcuff: Laurence Maroney
There is some risk of a RBBC in New England, but Dillon is likely to carry the load while healthy. He’s a huge injury risk at 32 and both players should get their chance to start during the season. While expensive, grabbing a high-scoring backfield is reasonable for two mid-round picks.
Handcuff ADP: 80
Target Round: 7
Starter: Rudi Johnson Handcuff: Chris Perry
Perry is the perfect handcuff if not for Johnson’s amazing durability. Still, Perry’s talent and Cincinnati’s system makes him worth reaching for in case Rudi fails to stay healthy. Perry also has stand-alone value in Points-Per-Reception (PPR) leagues as a flex option. He finished fourth among all running backs in receptions with 53.
Handcuff ADP: 113
Target Round: 9-10
Starter: Carnell Williams Handcuff: Michael Pittman
Cadillac struggled at times with his heavy workload in 2005 and remains an injury risk after being in a committee in college. Pittman offers a very talented, productive, and cheap backup who would be a fantasy starter if Williams breaks down. Like Perry, he has extra value in PPR leagues.
Handcuff ADP: 177
Target Round: 12
Four Links
Starter: Domanick Davis Handcuff: Antowain Smith
I must be drinking the Gary Kubiak Kool Aid. Can he really make the Houston running game into Denver South? If not for Atlanta’s incredible success replicating Denver’s system, I’d be more skeptical. Antowain Smith was surprisingly productive in New Orleans last season and could be effective for a few games. Davis is rarely 100% healthy. The only reason Smith doesn’t get five links is that Vernand Morency and a few rookies including Wali Lundy linger. Smith remains the favorite and will come so cheaply, Davis owners have to draft him.
Handcuff ADP: Undrafted
Target Round: 13
Starter: Chris Brown Handcuff: LenDale White
This is a tricky ranking because both players have stand alone value and will compete for carries. Travis Henry is an insurance policy. They are very close in ADP (72 vs. 78). Titans coach Jeff Fisher desperately wants to return to smashmouth football, so both players could take turns as useful fantasy assets. For a fantasy team that drafts wideouts early, I think drafting both Titans in the middle rounds represents better value than taking one. They could combine to be a decent RB2.
Handcuff ADP: 78
Target Round:6 and 7
Starter: Tiki Barber Handcuff: Brandon Jacobs
Jacobs scored seven times on the goal line in 2005, but was limited on the rest of the football. Barber, now 30 and coming off a career high in touches, is a bigger injury risk than usual. The price is right with Jacobs, but make sure he stays ahead of Derrick Ward on the depth chart.
Handcuff ADP: 187
Target Round: 12-13
Starter: Brian Westbrook Handcuff: Ryan Moats
Moats has all the attributes you look for in a handcuff. He was productive last season and is clearly the No. 2 RB. Westbrook has never topped 200 carries or played 16 games. Our only concern is that Moats would be limited to 15 touches a game as a starter because of his size. He’s still a great RB 4/5 target even if you don’t own Westbrook.
Handcuff ADP: 147
Target Round:12
Starter: Shaun Alexander Handcuff: Maurice Morris
Morris is a tough player to own in a 12-team league throughout the season. Alexander has never seriously been hurt, but is coming off a career high in rushes for a second straight season, including three playoff games. Morris has no competition and could put up passable stats behind the great Seattle offensive line. He’s a worthwhile insurance policy.
Handcuff ADP: 214 (Undrafted)
Target Round: 14
Starter: LaDainian Tomlinson Handcuff: Michael Turner
It’s unlikely that a non LT2 owner will draft Turner, but he’s still one of the best handcuffs available. The third-year pro has a sterling 5.7 career yards-per-carry and plays for a coach who is committed to the running game. Turner should be owned in all leagues.
Handcuff ADP: 186
Target Round: 12-13
Three Links
Starter: DeShaun Foster Handcuff: DeAngelo Williams
I’m not in love with this pairing because Williams is going so high in fantasy drafts. Foster is a major injury concern, but the bigger worry is that a RBBC will evolve, making both players weak fantasy plays.
Handcuff ADP:68
Target Round:7
Starter: Reggie Bush Handcuff: Deuce McAllister
While Bush may not start, he has a higher ADP (31 vs. 49) and he’s the better fantasy asset. I don’t see how McAllister can have consistent fantasy-starter value unless Bush gets hurt. Coming off a torn ACL, Deuce is hardly a knowable asset. Both Bush and McAllister seem unlikely to play 16 games, though, so handcuffing isn’t outrageous, just expensive. Do you really want to spend your third and fourth picks on the New Orleans backfield? I would rather just see if either player slips and look for value separately.
Handcuff ADP:49
Target Round: 4 & 5
Starter: Joseph Addai Handcuff: Dominic Rhodes
Once again, I’m basing the starter on ADP (54 vs. 68), and RotoWorld’s projections. We’re firmly in the “Dominic Rhodes isn’t worth it” camp. I’m not convinced he can be productive for the first time since his 2002 ACL surgery. He’s being drafted as a RB3 and I’d rather pair Addai with another possible starter available around pick 68. You may not agree. The Colts will likely start the season in some version of a RBBC. The best bet here, like with the Saints, is to look for independent value.
Handcuff ADP:68
Target Round: 9th
Starter: Jamal Lewis Handcuff: Mike Anderson
On paper, Anderson has a lot of the characteristics I listed above as an ideal handcuff. He is turning 33, however, and transitioning from a great offensive line to a poor one.
Handcuff ADP:114
Target Round:11-12
Starter: Clinton Portis Handcuff: Ladell Betts
Betts is another player who usually goes undrafted unless he’s taken as a handcuff. That’s not a smart approach this season. Betts gets more carries than most backups (five games with 12 carries in 2005) and the Washington coaching staff loves him. Clinton Portis is overworked and all his owners should grab Betts in case Portis breaks down. He’s a solid RB5 if Portis’ owners drop the ball.
Handcuff ADP: 202
Target Round:13
Starter: Chester Taylor Handcuff: Mewelde Moore
Moore is a talented third-round back; a poor man’s Chris Perry. The only reason this handcuff gets only three links is because he’s relatively expensive and it’s uncertain that he has the backup job to himself. Moore must impress a new coaching staff and last year’s fourth-round pick Ciatrick Fason is also vying for carries. If Moore is the clear backup to Taylor during training camp, his ADP should rise. He’s proven he can gain 100 total yards when he starts.
Handcuff ADP: 133
Target Round: 11
Starter: Larry Johnson Handcuff: TBA
Priest Holmes is barely getting drafted in some of my leagues. Even though I’d put his over/under of games played in 2006 around 4, he’s worth a final round risk. If medically cleared, Holmes will be one of the best backups in football. If Holmes retires or starts the season on the PUP list, I suspect the Chiefs will pick up another running back.
Handcuff ADP: 139
Target Round: 13
Two Links
Starter: Thomas Jones Handcuff: Cedric Benson
I don’t quite understand it, but Cedric Benson’s ADP (52) is almost the same as Thomas Jones (47) despite Jones’ monster 2005 season. Both players have stand alone value so it’s not a true handcuff situation. It’s a Jones camp vs. a Benson camp. Sure, it would be nice to pair them if Jones drops out of the top 50-60 picks and Benson is available round later. That’s unlikely to happen. I expect Jones to emerge as the primary runner. Benson has 2007 and beyond.
Handcuff ADP: 52
Target Round: 5 + 6
Starter: Willie Parker Handcuff: Duce Staley
FWP is a player that deserves a handcuff. He wore down physically at times in 2005 and is at risk of being overworked. The Steelers love to feature their backup. It’s just not clear who that will be. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are battling for the job, with Staley a slight favorite. It’s quite possible Pittsburgh could add a veteran like T.J. Duckett in training camp.
Handcuff ADP: 157
Target Round: 13
Starter: Warrick Dunn Handcuff: T.J. Duckett/Jerious Norwood
The Falcons would like to lessen Dunn’s load, but Duckett may not even be on the team come September. He’s been mentioned in constant trade talks and is overvalued at ADP 115 as a one-trick pony that only helps in TD-only leagues. I’d rather draft rookie Jerious Norwood in the final round, who may take Duckett’s backup role.
Handcuff ADP:115
Target Round: 12
Starter: Frank Gore Handcuff: Kevan Barlow
In theory, Barlow is still the starter and worth handcuffing to Gore because of the second-year pro’s injury history. In reality, Barlow hasn’t approached 3.5 yards-per-carry in two seasons and wouldn’t be worth starting in fantasy leagues even if Gore is hurt. Barlow is a decent third-down back, but only worth a draft pick late.
Handcuff ADP: 110
Target Round:12
Starter: Tatum Bell Handcuff: Ron Dayne
Once again, I’m basing the starter tag on ADP, which strongly favors Bell (41 vs. 74). Dayne is the starter, however, and RotoWorld has him ranked higher. So that must mean something. Owners of both Mike Anderson and Bell last season will attest that owning both didn’t help. Even when one missed a game, Dayne stepped in to keep the committee going. It’s going to be a RBBC again this season, so I don’t think it’s worth it to draft both players. I’d rather draft Dayne in the fifth round alone and take my chances.
Handcuff ADP: 74
Target Round: 5
One Link
Starter: LaMont Jordan Handcuff: Justin Fargas
Art Shell has talked about using Fargas more this season. It’d be hard not to; the fourth-year pro had five carries in 2005. I would handcuff Fargas to Jordan in a deep league, but in a 12-by-15 redraft league, there should be better running backs to take late.
Handcuff ADP:Undrafted
Target Round: 16
Starter: Steven Jackson Handcuff: Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk appears to be leaning towards retirement. Tony Fisher is next on the depth chart and isn’t worth considering in fantasy leagues yet. Its possible St. Louis could acquire Michael Bennett, who would be a passable handcuff.
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Edgerrin James Handcuff: Marcel Shipp/J.J. Arrington
It’s uncertain who will backup Edgerrin James this season. Both Shipp and Arrington proved in 2005 that they don’t have much value no matter how many carries they get.
Handcuff ADP: 218
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Kevin Jones Handcuff: Brian Calhoun/Shawn Bryson/Arlen Harris
For now, Arlen Harris is No. 2 on the Lions depth chart at running back. Rookie Brian Calhoun has some potential, especially on passing downs. Shawn Bryson has also been quietly productive in recent years. Until the situation clears up, Jones owners don’t need a backup.
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Ahman Green Handcuff: Samkon Gado
In theory, an owner could draft Green, Gado, and Najeh Davenport, knowing they’d find the Green Bay starter. It’s not worth the investment. If you are so inclined, look for value with all three separately.
Handcuff ADP: 111
Target Round: 10
Starter: Reuben Droughns Handcuff: William Green/Lee Suggs/Jerome Harrison
Watch training camp closely to see how this situation plays out. Both Suggs and Harrison could be worth a late-round flier as a stand alone RB5/6 if they earn the backup job to Droughns.
Handcuff ADP: 209
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Curtis Martin Handcuff: Cedric Houston/Leon Washington/Derrick Blaylock
Blaylock is probably gone, but the Jets offense is so lackluster that Martin’s backup is only worth a minimal investment. Washington is a slight favorite because he was picked by the new coaching staff. Even if Martin is hurt, though, there would probably be a RBBC.
Handcuff ADP: 151
Target Round: 13
Starter: Willis McGahee Handcuff: Anthony Thomas
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Here’s a list of players that Thomas couldn’t pass on the depth chart last season: Tyson Thompson, Marion Barber, Aaron Stecker, and Antowain Smith. I can’t imagine him producing behind Buffalo’s O-line should McGahee get hurt.
The Mystery of Handcuffing
By Gregg Rosenthal
Senior Editor, RotoWorld.com
July 6, 2006
One year ago, Larry Johnson was just a handcuff. Priest Holmes, despite his injury history, was a consensus top-five overall pick and the biggest question facing his owners was, “How high is too high to attach Larry Johnson to him?”
RotoWorld ranked LJ in the top 50 overall picks despite his backup status. Average Draft Position (ADP) had Johnson No. 68. It turned out too high didn’t exist. We didn’t rank Johnson high enough. Smart owners snatched up Johnson in the fourth round and won their league championship when Holmes’ season ended in Week 8.
Of course, all backups aren’t created equal. Some are necessary to ‘handcuff’, i.e. attach to their starting running back in fantasy leagues. Some can be ignored. Johnson was the highest drafted handcuff in memory because he combined four attributes that are crucial before slapping the ‘cuffs on.
1. Job Security – Is the backup running back very likely to get the majority of carries if the starter loses his job? For handcuffs, its better (and cheaper) if he’s a clear backup, not part of a Running Back by Committee (RBBC).
2. Talent and production – Johnson already showed in 2004 that he could he handle the job.
3. System – Running back is the most fungible skill position in football. Systems, such as Kansas City’s, can often make any runner successful.
4. Starter Question Marks – Priest Holmes was a huge injury risk last season, making his handcuff more valuable. A starter that is at risk to lose his job to injury (Corey Dillon, Julius Jones) or performance (Chris Brown, Fred Taylor) makes their handcuff more valuable.
Now that you have an idea what to look for, let’s look at the most necessary handcuffs for 2006. The more “links,” the more imperative it is to reach above a player’s ADP to make sure you attach. The team’s starter is listed in parentheses. To paraphrase the song I used for this article’s title, the game of fantasy football is like a sword fight. You must think first before you move.
Five Links
Starter: Julius Jones Handcuff: Marion Barber III
Barber doesn’t have a realistic chance to start if Jones is healthy, despite public perception to the contrary. Still, it’s impossible to ignore that Jones has missed 19 games in his two-year career. The Dallas backfield is set up for improvement in 2006 and Barber showed he can handle a bigger workload if necessary.
Handcuff ADP: 103
Target Round: 8
Starter: Corey Dillon Handcuff: Laurence Maroney
There is some risk of a RBBC in New England, but Dillon is likely to carry the load while healthy. He’s a huge injury risk at 32 and both players should get their chance to start during the season. While expensive, grabbing a high-scoring backfield is reasonable for two mid-round picks.
Handcuff ADP: 80
Target Round: 7
Starter: Rudi Johnson Handcuff: Chris Perry
Perry is the perfect handcuff if not for Johnson’s amazing durability. Still, Perry’s talent and Cincinnati’s system makes him worth reaching for in case Rudi fails to stay healthy. Perry also has stand-alone value in Points-Per-Reception (PPR) leagues as a flex option. He finished fourth among all running backs in receptions with 53.
Handcuff ADP: 113
Target Round: 9-10
Starter: Carnell Williams Handcuff: Michael Pittman
Cadillac struggled at times with his heavy workload in 2005 and remains an injury risk after being in a committee in college. Pittman offers a very talented, productive, and cheap backup who would be a fantasy starter if Williams breaks down. Like Perry, he has extra value in PPR leagues.
Handcuff ADP: 177
Target Round: 12
Four Links
Starter: Domanick Davis Handcuff: Antowain Smith
I must be drinking the Gary Kubiak Kool Aid. Can he really make the Houston running game into Denver South? If not for Atlanta’s incredible success replicating Denver’s system, I’d be more skeptical. Antowain Smith was surprisingly productive in New Orleans last season and could be effective for a few games. Davis is rarely 100% healthy. The only reason Smith doesn’t get five links is that Vernand Morency and a few rookies including Wali Lundy linger. Smith remains the favorite and will come so cheaply, Davis owners have to draft him.
Handcuff ADP: Undrafted
Target Round: 13
Starter: Chris Brown Handcuff: LenDale White
This is a tricky ranking because both players have stand alone value and will compete for carries. Travis Henry is an insurance policy. They are very close in ADP (72 vs. 78). Titans coach Jeff Fisher desperately wants to return to smashmouth football, so both players could take turns as useful fantasy assets. For a fantasy team that drafts wideouts early, I think drafting both Titans in the middle rounds represents better value than taking one. They could combine to be a decent RB2.
Handcuff ADP: 78
Target Round:6 and 7
Starter: Tiki Barber Handcuff: Brandon Jacobs
Jacobs scored seven times on the goal line in 2005, but was limited on the rest of the football. Barber, now 30 and coming off a career high in touches, is a bigger injury risk than usual. The price is right with Jacobs, but make sure he stays ahead of Derrick Ward on the depth chart.
Handcuff ADP: 187
Target Round: 12-13
Starter: Brian Westbrook Handcuff: Ryan Moats
Moats has all the attributes you look for in a handcuff. He was productive last season and is clearly the No. 2 RB. Westbrook has never topped 200 carries or played 16 games. Our only concern is that Moats would be limited to 15 touches a game as a starter because of his size. He’s still a great RB 4/5 target even if you don’t own Westbrook.
Handcuff ADP: 147
Target Round:12
Starter: Shaun Alexander Handcuff: Maurice Morris
Morris is a tough player to own in a 12-team league throughout the season. Alexander has never seriously been hurt, but is coming off a career high in rushes for a second straight season, including three playoff games. Morris has no competition and could put up passable stats behind the great Seattle offensive line. He’s a worthwhile insurance policy.
Handcuff ADP: 214 (Undrafted)
Target Round: 14
Starter: LaDainian Tomlinson Handcuff: Michael Turner
It’s unlikely that a non LT2 owner will draft Turner, but he’s still one of the best handcuffs available. The third-year pro has a sterling 5.7 career yards-per-carry and plays for a coach who is committed to the running game. Turner should be owned in all leagues.
Handcuff ADP: 186
Target Round: 12-13
Three Links
Starter: DeShaun Foster Handcuff: DeAngelo Williams
I’m not in love with this pairing because Williams is going so high in fantasy drafts. Foster is a major injury concern, but the bigger worry is that a RBBC will evolve, making both players weak fantasy plays.
Handcuff ADP:68
Target Round:7
Starter: Reggie Bush Handcuff: Deuce McAllister
While Bush may not start, he has a higher ADP (31 vs. 49) and he’s the better fantasy asset. I don’t see how McAllister can have consistent fantasy-starter value unless Bush gets hurt. Coming off a torn ACL, Deuce is hardly a knowable asset. Both Bush and McAllister seem unlikely to play 16 games, though, so handcuffing isn’t outrageous, just expensive. Do you really want to spend your third and fourth picks on the New Orleans backfield? I would rather just see if either player slips and look for value separately.
Handcuff ADP:49
Target Round: 4 & 5
Starter: Joseph Addai Handcuff: Dominic Rhodes
Once again, I’m basing the starter on ADP (54 vs. 68), and RotoWorld’s projections. We’re firmly in the “Dominic Rhodes isn’t worth it” camp. I’m not convinced he can be productive for the first time since his 2002 ACL surgery. He’s being drafted as a RB3 and I’d rather pair Addai with another possible starter available around pick 68. You may not agree. The Colts will likely start the season in some version of a RBBC. The best bet here, like with the Saints, is to look for independent value.
Handcuff ADP:68
Target Round: 9th
Starter: Jamal Lewis Handcuff: Mike Anderson
On paper, Anderson has a lot of the characteristics I listed above as an ideal handcuff. He is turning 33, however, and transitioning from a great offensive line to a poor one.
Handcuff ADP:114
Target Round:11-12
Starter: Clinton Portis Handcuff: Ladell Betts
Betts is another player who usually goes undrafted unless he’s taken as a handcuff. That’s not a smart approach this season. Betts gets more carries than most backups (five games with 12 carries in 2005) and the Washington coaching staff loves him. Clinton Portis is overworked and all his owners should grab Betts in case Portis breaks down. He’s a solid RB5 if Portis’ owners drop the ball.
Handcuff ADP: 202
Target Round:13
Starter: Chester Taylor Handcuff: Mewelde Moore
Moore is a talented third-round back; a poor man’s Chris Perry. The only reason this handcuff gets only three links is because he’s relatively expensive and it’s uncertain that he has the backup job to himself. Moore must impress a new coaching staff and last year’s fourth-round pick Ciatrick Fason is also vying for carries. If Moore is the clear backup to Taylor during training camp, his ADP should rise. He’s proven he can gain 100 total yards when he starts.
Handcuff ADP: 133
Target Round: 11
Starter: Larry Johnson Handcuff: TBA
Priest Holmes is barely getting drafted in some of my leagues. Even though I’d put his over/under of games played in 2006 around 4, he’s worth a final round risk. If medically cleared, Holmes will be one of the best backups in football. If Holmes retires or starts the season on the PUP list, I suspect the Chiefs will pick up another running back.
Handcuff ADP: 139
Target Round: 13
Two Links
Starter: Thomas Jones Handcuff: Cedric Benson
I don’t quite understand it, but Cedric Benson’s ADP (52) is almost the same as Thomas Jones (47) despite Jones’ monster 2005 season. Both players have stand alone value so it’s not a true handcuff situation. It’s a Jones camp vs. a Benson camp. Sure, it would be nice to pair them if Jones drops out of the top 50-60 picks and Benson is available round later. That’s unlikely to happen. I expect Jones to emerge as the primary runner. Benson has 2007 and beyond.
Handcuff ADP: 52
Target Round: 5 + 6
Starter: Willie Parker Handcuff: Duce Staley
FWP is a player that deserves a handcuff. He wore down physically at times in 2005 and is at risk of being overworked. The Steelers love to feature their backup. It’s just not clear who that will be. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are battling for the job, with Staley a slight favorite. It’s quite possible Pittsburgh could add a veteran like T.J. Duckett in training camp.
Handcuff ADP: 157
Target Round: 13
Starter: Warrick Dunn Handcuff: T.J. Duckett/Jerious Norwood
The Falcons would like to lessen Dunn’s load, but Duckett may not even be on the team come September. He’s been mentioned in constant trade talks and is overvalued at ADP 115 as a one-trick pony that only helps in TD-only leagues. I’d rather draft rookie Jerious Norwood in the final round, who may take Duckett’s backup role.
Handcuff ADP:115
Target Round: 12
Starter: Frank Gore Handcuff: Kevan Barlow
In theory, Barlow is still the starter and worth handcuffing to Gore because of the second-year pro’s injury history. In reality, Barlow hasn’t approached 3.5 yards-per-carry in two seasons and wouldn’t be worth starting in fantasy leagues even if Gore is hurt. Barlow is a decent third-down back, but only worth a draft pick late.
Handcuff ADP: 110
Target Round:12
Starter: Tatum Bell Handcuff: Ron Dayne
Once again, I’m basing the starter tag on ADP, which strongly favors Bell (41 vs. 74). Dayne is the starter, however, and RotoWorld has him ranked higher. So that must mean something. Owners of both Mike Anderson and Bell last season will attest that owning both didn’t help. Even when one missed a game, Dayne stepped in to keep the committee going. It’s going to be a RBBC again this season, so I don’t think it’s worth it to draft both players. I’d rather draft Dayne in the fifth round alone and take my chances.
Handcuff ADP: 74
Target Round: 5
One Link
Starter: LaMont Jordan Handcuff: Justin Fargas
Art Shell has talked about using Fargas more this season. It’d be hard not to; the fourth-year pro had five carries in 2005. I would handcuff Fargas to Jordan in a deep league, but in a 12-by-15 redraft league, there should be better running backs to take late.
Handcuff ADP:Undrafted
Target Round: 16
Starter: Steven Jackson Handcuff: Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk appears to be leaning towards retirement. Tony Fisher is next on the depth chart and isn’t worth considering in fantasy leagues yet. Its possible St. Louis could acquire Michael Bennett, who would be a passable handcuff.
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Edgerrin James Handcuff: Marcel Shipp/J.J. Arrington
It’s uncertain who will backup Edgerrin James this season. Both Shipp and Arrington proved in 2005 that they don’t have much value no matter how many carries they get.
Handcuff ADP: 218
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Kevin Jones Handcuff: Brian Calhoun/Shawn Bryson/Arlen Harris
For now, Arlen Harris is No. 2 on the Lions depth chart at running back. Rookie Brian Calhoun has some potential, especially on passing downs. Shawn Bryson has also been quietly productive in recent years. Until the situation clears up, Jones owners don’t need a backup.
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Ahman Green Handcuff: Samkon Gado
In theory, an owner could draft Green, Gado, and Najeh Davenport, knowing they’d find the Green Bay starter. It’s not worth the investment. If you are so inclined, look for value with all three separately.
Handcuff ADP: 111
Target Round: 10
Starter: Reuben Droughns Handcuff: William Green/Lee Suggs/Jerome Harrison
Watch training camp closely to see how this situation plays out. Both Suggs and Harrison could be worth a late-round flier as a stand alone RB5/6 if they earn the backup job to Droughns.
Handcuff ADP: 209
Target Round: N/A
Starter: Curtis Martin Handcuff: Cedric Houston/Leon Washington/Derrick Blaylock
Blaylock is probably gone, but the Jets offense is so lackluster that Martin’s backup is only worth a minimal investment. Washington is a slight favorite because he was picked by the new coaching staff. Even if Martin is hurt, though, there would probably be a RBBC.
Handcuff ADP: 151
Target Round: 13
Starter: Willis McGahee Handcuff: Anthony Thomas
Handcuff ADP: N/A
Target Round: N/A
Here’s a list of players that Thomas couldn’t pass on the depth chart last season: Tyson Thompson, Marion Barber, Aaron Stecker, and Antowain Smith. I can’t imagine him producing behind Buffalo’s O-line should McGahee get hurt.
