What is a handcuff in fantasy football?

In fantasy football, a handcuff refers to drafting or picking up a backup player who is expected to step in and perform well if the starting player ahead of them gets injured or underperforms. Handcuffing is a strategy used primarily with running backs, although it can also be applied to other positions like wide receivers or tight ends.

The concept of handcuffing revolves around minimizing the risk of losing production if a star player goes down with an injury. Fantasy managers often look for running backs who have clear-cut backups who would see a significant increase in workload if the starter goes down. By adding the handcuff to their roster, they ensure that they have a viable replacement and maintain a steady flow of points.

For example, in fantasy football, Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers is an elite running back. In this case, his handcuff would be Mike Davis, who proved himself capable of producing solid numbers during McCaffrey's injury absence in the 2020 season. By drafting Davis as a handcuff to McCaffrey, fantasy managers were able to still generate consistent points even when McCaffrey was unavailable.

Handcuffing is not always necessary or recommended for every player, as it depends on the depth of a league and the potential impact of a specific player's injury. It is a strategy mainly employed by more risk-averse fantasy managers who want to secure their investments and ensure a backup plan if the unexpected happens. However, there can be limitations as it may require roster space, potentially sacrificing other opportunities for depth in other positions.