Another week in the books, more changes to the handcuff rankings for Week 6. Surprisingly, some of the backups performed better than starters despite roles not changing for some teams.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt finally took over the backfield in Washington, making the Commanders’ backs Jeremy McNichols/ Chris Rodriguez Jr. backups. But we were rug-pulled with rookie Woody Marks, as Texans back Nick Chubb took over an increased workload after his snap share was going down before Week 5.
In fantasy football, smart managers don’t just chase starters; they stash the backups who could become league-winners overnight. Here’s your Week 6 handcuff RB rankings, spotlighting the most valuable insurance policies and upside plays.
Stash-Worthy Handcuffs
Tyjae Spears was activated off IR last week and saw his first game action for 2025 with 4 carries for 14 yards against the Cardinals. But expect his role to grow for the Titans, as Tony Pollard didn’t shock the world with his performance. The veteran had 14 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown in Arizona, but Cam Ward could use a check-down option or explosive weapon out of the backfield with Spears.
Against Dallas, a premier handcuff emerged behind Josh Jacobs with Emanuel Wilson before their bye week, but when Marshawn Lloyd was out last season, like this year, Wilson was the direct alternative back in Green Bay. He saw increased usage in a competitive game with 8 carries for 44 yards and 3 receptions for 37 yards to go along with it.
Tyjae Spears– Team: Tennessee Titans
Emanuel Wilson– Team: Green Bay Packers
Injury Watch for Week 6
We all saw what Rico Dowdle did as the starter, with rookie Trevor Etienne backing him up. If Chuba Hubbard is out again in a prime matchup, start Dowdle with confidence against his former team, the Cowboys. Even with Hubbard back, the veteran could eat into Hubbard’s workload (as he was struggling on the ground so far in 2025).
With Bucky Irving out for another week, it’s Rachaad White starting again with Sean Tucker as the backup. For the Colts and during their blowout, practice squad addition Ameer Abdullah played more than rookie DJ Giddens, but the veteran reverted back to P.S., so the rookie is the current backup to Jonathan Taylor for now, at least.
Saquon Barkley also popped up with a knee injury, but he is likely to play Thursday Night for the Eagles in a revenge matchup against the Giants. Philadelphia’s backup running backs include Will Shipley, AJ Dillon, and Tank Bigsby (via trade).
Handcuff: Rico Dowdle
Injury Status: Day to Day with Calf
Starter: Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Top 10 Pure Handcuff Rankings
I only included running backs who are in defined backup roles to a known starter, so backs in ambiguous split or trio backfields I didn’t include for this list. Also, players like the backfield trio are essentially seeing enough time as part-time starters themselves and have RB 2/3 or, at worst, flex appeal as a starter, so they are not in this list either.
Emari Demercado is still the passing downs back for the Cardinals, as Michael Carter takes over as the lead, with Bam Knight backing him up as the pure handcuff in Arizona. With Omarion Hampton sidelined, Hassan Haskins is likely the lead back with Kimani Vidal taking over as a third-down receiving back, unless they sign or trade for a more proven back with a battered offensive line.
With the injury to Antonio Gibson, I guess TreVeyon Henderson is the handcuff to Rhamondre Stevenson (if they ever bench him for the fumbles) in New England. After a good showing in Week 4, RJ Harvey took a backseat in Week 5 and is just a handcuff to JK Dobbins, with him playing so well.
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Isaiah Davis
- Kendre Miller
- Blake Corum
- Jaydon Blue
- Ollie Gordon II
- Kai Monangai
- Raheem Mostert
- Tyler Allgeier
