If you’ve
played fantasy football before, you’ve undoubtedly
heard about “handcuffs.” Simply, it’s the act of drafting a starting
running
back and his immediate replacement because of injury concerns.
Why
would you do this? Because many starting running backs have backups who
would be capable starters on many other teams (think Larry Johnson when
he was
second fiddle to Priest Holmes). It’s an insurance policy that doesn’t
often
fail.
But don’t be the guy in your league who drafts two unproven
players who will split carries (i.e. Vernand Morency and Brandon
Jackson). Two
of your roster spots will be filled and neither player is the clear-cut
starter.
With that caution out of the way, meet the top five fantasy
handcuff situations.
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1. Larry
Johnson and
Michael Bennett, Kansas City Chiefs – There is no guarantee Larry
Johnson
will even be playing in Kansas City
this year. In fact, he might resort to a long term holdout if he isn’t
traded.
But even if he does play with the Chiefs, odds are good that he’ll burn
out at
some time or another. Having Michael Bennett on your roster as an
insurance policy
for any of these reasons would be a good idea.
2. Ronnie
Brown and
Lorenzo Booker, Miami Dolphins – This is a bit risky,
considering that Booker himself is a bit of an injury hazard. But
Booker
himself is a good third down back and Ronnie Brown is undervalued right
now;
he’ll be a solid RB2 when he does play.
3. Clinton
Portis and
Ladell Betts, Washington Redskins – There’s a good chance Ladell
Betts will
steal carries from Portis even before an injury strikes. And the
chances of an
injury at this point are fairly strong. Locking up both of these
players will
guarantee you a starting runner, no matter if Portis goes down with
injury.
4. LaDainian
Tomlinson and Michael Turner, San
Diego Chargers – The only
way you’ll find yourself in this situation is
if you’re drafting first in your league. With that said, if you’re in
that
position, consider yourself lucky. Both of these players can be
electrifying
backs and Turner figures to play more downs this season. And with all
the
touches LT has been receiving (390+ for the past three seasons),
there’s a
decent chance he’ll wear down toward the end of the season. If that
happens, it
would be best to have Turner on your roster so your team doesn’t have a
void
during the playoffs.
5. Travis
Henry and
Mike Bell, Denver Broncos – Mike Bell will get a few
touches every game, even as Henry’s backup. But if the latter does wear
down
and get injured during the season as he has in the past, Mike Bell is a
very
capable starter in a runner-friendly offense who will put up good
numbers week
in and out.
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