Recently I have read and heard on some of my favorite podcasts the idea of handcuffing positions other than running backs. I thought I would chime in on this subject as it seems to be a hot topic people are concerned with.
There are some obvious cases of handcuffs for running backs in the NFL. Guys like Knile Davis to back up Jamaal Charles, and James Starks for Eddie Lacy. On the flip side of that, there are plenty of teams that you would not want to have a back up for. Point being, there are players to handcuff because of either their talent or opportunity. A reasonably talented back up running back can step in and be productive for both their team, and your fantasy team.
The question I have repeatedly been hearing and reading is about handcuffing your wide recievers. This led me to wonder if handcuffing either receivers or tight ends is something you should do. My thought on this is that there are some specific and rare cases where it makes some sense to me, but overall there isn't a lot of value in the third or fourth receiver in an offense.
Some of the players I would consider taking a flyer on rostering in case their teammate gets an injury during the fantasy playoffs are as follows:
Davante Adams (GB) has been a decent receiver for the Packers this season, and if Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb went down, Adams would see his role increase, and he has the talent to rise to the occasion. If you are an owner of Nelson or Cobb, Adams is worth a roster spot in case of emergency.
Donte Moncrief (IND) has shown explosive play ability and has been increasing his snap count in recent weeks. If something were to happen to TY Hilton or Reggie Wayne in the next few weeks, it is likely that the workload would end up on Moncrief's plate. Worth a stash for the next few weeks, especially if you are in a keeper or Dynasty league.
Wes Welker, Cody Latimer, Andre Caldwell (DEN) are all players that could be treated as handcuff type players for the Broncos. Welker has been disappointing this season, missing time for suspension and injury, and not performing well overall. These three players would all have a chance to gain more playing time and relevance. In my opinion the pecking order of these players would be Welker, Caldwell, Latimer, but teh only one I would think about rostering is Welker as a handcuff. Caldwell and Latimer are hail mary guys and should be left on the wire until proven otherwise.
Tim Wright (NE) has had some productive games so far this season, but has been very dependent on scoring. If something were to happen to Rob Gronkowski, Wright would have a big opportunity in an offense that is very big on using the tight end in the receiving game. If you own Gronk, Wright is worth a stash over a 5th running back or wide receiver you are unlikely to play in the next few weeks.
Niles Paul (WAS) played well in the absence of Jordan Reed this season, and as long as Colt McCoy is the quarterback for Washington, the tight ends will be productive. McCoy loves to utilize the tight end and throws a lot of passes in the middle of the field where the tight ends live. Paul should likely be owned if you have Reed as your only tight end.
This time of year it is important to protect your roster with players that will be playing. An injury to a major player on your roster is likely catastrophic during the playoffs, One thing to remember about the handcuff players is that they will not be as good as the player in front of them, but it can make sense to have them to conserve some possible value from teams with high powered high scoring offenses. Good luck in your playoffs this week!
