Fantasy Football Handcuffs: Where Every Backup RB Would Rank If Every Starter Took a Vacation

Ian Hartitz ranks Blake Corum as the RB2 in his hypothetical scenario, noting that Corum's preseason usage while starters rested indicates a clear path to volume. While not a high-volume receiver, Corum is viewed as a strong athlete capable of catching checkdowns in a high-scoring Rams offense, making him a candidate to lead the league in touchdowns if Kyren Williams were absent.

Ranked as the RB12, Brian Robinson Jr. is viewed as a clear-cut handcuff with minimal competition from Tyler Goodson or Nathan Carter. Hartitz highlights his elite ability to push the pile, noting he leads all running backs in percentage of carries with 3+ yards after contact.

Ian Hartitz identifies Brock Bowers as a preferred early-round tight end target, recommending him as part of a draft strategy that prioritizes running backs in the first three rounds followed by high-upside tight ends.

Ranked as RB15, Chris Rodriguez is praised by Ian Hartitz for his efficiency and success rate despite playing in short-yardage situations. While limited as a receiver, Hartitz notes he could reach 12 touchdowns in a high-scoring Jaguars offense.

Ian Hartitz maintains that Chuba Hubbard is the current starter for the Panthers, but notes that his fantasy ceiling is capped around RB7 even if he were the sole starter, due to the team's offensive outlook and the presence of Jonathan Brooks. Hartitz notes that if Brooks were removed from the depth chart, Hubbard would likely rank as an RB7, though he remains behind players like D'Onta Foreman in overall value due to the quality of the Panthers' offense.

Ian Hartitz admits his previous fade of DJ Moore was incorrect, stating that Moore's current draft price is fine, though he personally prefers Christian Watson and Mike Evans in that range.

Ian Hartitz acknowledges that the Bears' backfield remains D'Andre Swift's, stating that while Khalil Herbert has significant upside in Swift's absence, a total takeover of the backfield by Herbert is not currently considered imminent.

Ian Hartitz ranks Pacheco as RB16 in a hypothetical scenario where the starter is out, noting that while he personally does not believe Pacheco is a talented NFL player, his value is driven by volume and a top-five offensive environment. Pacheco is currently dealing with an MCL sprain on top of recovery from a previous lower-body injury, which Hartitz compares to Javonte Williams' recovery timeline.

Ian Hartitz notes that Jacob Saylors is the next running back on the Lions' depth chart following Sione Vaki.

Ian Hartitz suggests that if something were to happen to Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions might look to make a move for another running back given the current state of their depth chart.

Ian Hartitz notes that fantasy managers must account for Jalen Hurts vulturing goal-line carries, as the Eagles historically rank near the bottom of the league in running back carries at the one-yard line.

Ian Hartitz notes that despite speculation about his roster status, James Conner remains the primary running back for the Cardinals. While he is currently participating in walkthroughs without a fixed timeline for full drills, his presence prevents Tyler Allgeier from moving higher in the rankings. Hartitz projects that if Conner were not on the roster, it would significantly boost the fantasy value of his backup to an RB7 ranking.

Ian Hartitz views Jaylen Warren as effectively interchangeable with Rico Dowdle in the Steelers' backfield, projecting a 50/50 split and noting that either player would become a workhorse if the other were to miss time. Both players possess high handcuff upside.

Jeremiah Love is currently sidelined with a high ankle sprain, which Ian Hartitz suggests might influence the team's decision to keep other running backs on the roster.

Ian Hartitz ranks Jonathan Brooks as the RB10, noting he could move up to RB7 if he proves to be a game-changer. His ranking is contingent on the uncertainty surrounding Chuba Hubbard's hamstring injury, which could sideline the starter for an extended period. Concerns persist regarding the Panthers' offensive line, the team's overall scoring upside, and the offense's projected bottom-five ranking by industry experts. Hartitz also compares the uncertainty surrounding MarShawn Lloyd's talent to that of Brooks, noting both have appealing profiles but lack sufficient professional evidence.

Ian Hartitz ranks Jordan Mason as RB14, noting that while he is a talented runner—ranking 5th in yards after contact and 8th in yards after contact per carry—his fantasy outlook is capped by a projected 50/50 split with Aaron Jones and a lack of pass-down usage due to competition from Xavier Scott and Deon Claybourne.

Ian Hartitz ranks Mitchell as RB19, projecting a 'Gainwell-esque' role in the Chargers offense. While Mitchell is unlikely to see 20+ carries per game, he received 'starters treatment' by resting during the preseason, signaling his importance to the team.

Ian Hartitz ranks Kenneth Gainwell as his RB1 in a handcuff scenario, citing his strong receiving profile (70+ catches last year) and potential for standalone flex value. However, Hartitz expresses concern that Sean Tucker could limit Gainwell to a 55/45 or 60/40 split, capping his role at 10-12 carries and 5-7 targets rather than a true workhorse load.

Ian Hartitz ranks Khalil Herbert as his RB6, noting that despite a knee injury, he is expected to be ready for Week 1; Hartitz highlights that when D'Andre Swift is absent, the Bears' backfield becomes the 'Khalil Herbert show,' citing his 74% snap rate and 29-touch performance against the Bengals last season.

Ian Hartitz ranks MarShawn Lloyd as RB17, noting he is the preferred handcuff for Josh Jacobs and played all 12 snaps during the first two preseason drives. While Hartitz acknowledges uncertainty regarding Lloyd's talent level and potential for a committee split, he admits Lloyd could be ranked as high as RB12. Hartitz compares the uncertainty surrounding Lloyd's talent to Jonathan Brooks, noting that both have appealing profiles but lack sufficient professional evidence.

Ian Hartitz ranks Mike Washington as his RB9, highlighting his elite athleticism—ranking 28th all-time in RAS score including agility—and his cemented role as the Raiders' clear-cut RB2. Washington has already outperformed incumbent backup Dylan Laube in pass-game usage, running 10 routes to Laube's two over four preseason drives.

Ian Hartitz ranks Ray Davis as a priority handcuff and a top-five running back if the starter were to miss time. Davis demonstrated high-volume capability with 23 touches in both his lead-back opportunities, and Hartitz highlights his role as a kick returner as an additional asset.

Ian Hartitz identifies Rico Dowdle as a priority handcuff/RB5, noting that he and Jaylen Warren are essentially interchangeable for fantasy purposes as they are expected to split the backfield work 50/50, with either having workhorse potential if the other is sidelined. Hartitz notes Dowdle is a capable receiver, having recorded only five fewer PPR points than Warren over the past two seasons.

Ian Hartitz ranks Harvey as RB18, highlighting his explosive pass-catching ability as a key asset in PPR formats. Despite concerns about a committee backfield and low efficiency (3.7 YPC), Harvey's potential to catch 50+ passes gives him top-24 upside, as 82% of RBs reaching that target threshold since 2020 have finished as top-24 fantasy assets.

Ian Hartitz identifies Roschon Johnson as part of the secondary backfield competition for the Bears, alongside Salvon Ahmed, noting that he lacks the same level of hype as other prospects despite his role.

Ian Hartitz identifies Sean Tucker as a potential nuisance to Kenneth Gainwell's fantasy value, suggesting Tucker could command a significant 40-45% share of the backfield. Hartitz notes Tucker could act as a nuisance on early downs and goal-line opportunities, potentially creating a 55/45 or 60/40 split in favor of Gainwell rather than a workhorse role.

Ian Hartitz identifies Sione Vaki as the next man up in the Lions' backfield behind the primary starter, though he is currently dealing with a broken nose and an eye poke sustained during training camp.

Ian Hartitz ranks Tank Bigsby as his RB3, highlighting elite efficiency metrics over the last two seasons: 8th in yards per carry, 1st in yards after contact per carry, 2nd in tackles avoided per carry, and 5th in explosive rush rate among backs with 200+ carries. While Hartitz notes skepticism regarding his pass-down upside and a minor toe injury, he values Bigsby's explosive playmaking behind a strong offensive line, noting he would be a high-volume asset if he secured 20-plus touches.

Ian Hartitz notes that Trey Benson is currently dealing with an injury, which puts his roster security in question.

Ian Hartitz identifies Tyjae Spears as the RB1 in a hypothetical scenario where all starters are removed, citing his 17.6 PPR points per game in the second half of last season and a 24.3 PPR average during a three-week stretch as a starter. Spears demonstrated workhorse usage with snap rates of 75%, 84%, and 88% during that period.

Ranked as the RB13, Allgeier is a high-value backup with strong efficiency metrics, including a top-12 career offensive success rate and high pass-blocking grades. However, his upside is capped by a potentially poor Cardinals offense and the continued presence of James Conner; if Conner were removed, Allgeier could rise to RB7.

Ian Hartitz ranks Woody Marks as RB8, arguing his poor 2024 performance was largely due to the Texans' 25th-ranked yards before contact per carry; he highlights Marks' proven three-down usage and elite college receiving profile (261 career receptions) as reasons for optimism. Hartitz views him as a strong late-round stash in the RB4 range with standalone value potential.

Ian Hartitz identifies Xavier Scott as a threat to Jordan Mason's fantasy value because Scott is expected to handle pass-down work, a role that limits Mason's ceiling.