Another week in the books with more changes to the handcuff rankings for Week 7. Some ambiguous backfields, like the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals, sort of answered our questions about what the split would look like.
Without Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal is the one to own for PPR as the Chargers’ lead back compared to Hassan Haskins, who still has some role but lacks any pass-chops. The main worry is if they trade for a running back, as Hampton will likely be out for more than his IR stint.
In Arizona, it was flipped compared to Week 5, as Michael Carter supposedly took the backseat, only to basically see the same volume as Bam Knight, who was announced as the starter the morning of the game. However, they saw the same usage except the main difference is goalline, as Knight could be viable with touchdown opportunities while Carter could get more passing work if the Cardinals are in a trailing situation.
In fantasy football, smart managers don’t just chase starters; they stash the backups who could become league-winners overnight. Here’s your Week 7 handcuff RB rankings, spotlighting the most valuable insurance policies and upside plays.
Stash-Worthy Handcuffs
Well, there aren’t many true stashes that haven’t been talked about previously. But with bye weeks and injuries, there could be teams that are willing to trade or cut these two rookies, as it seems they won’t become starters unless there are injuries to the lead backs on their respective teams.
If you are a 6-0, 5-1, or 4-2 team, especially in PPR, see if you can buy low on either TreVeyon Henderson from the New England Patriots or RJ Harvey from the Denver Broncos. Both have disappointed, but still have a chance after their bye weeks to pop more in the rotation.
I know with the Patriots’ backfield situation and Rhamondre Stevenson fumbles, it should’ve happened by now for Hendo with Antonio Gibson done for the year, but all it takes is one week. If New England needs a spark in the backfield, they already have it; they just have to use him.
While JK Dobbins is playing well in Denver, at least historically, his production has always fallen off the back end of the season (usually due to injuries). You have the luxury to take on that risk on the bench for a few weeks as a team that should be looking more long-term for high upside stashes with rookies, especially at RB.
TreVeyon Henderson– Team: New England Patriots
RJ Harvey– Team: Denver Broncos
Injury Watch
With the ankle injury suffered by Blake Corum against the Ravens, it is unknown if he will travel to London for their Week 7 game against the Jaguars. Although Kyren Williams has had a good stretch of fantasy games, it is always wise to stash the immediate handcuff a week ahead. If the Rams‘ backup RB misses any time, it would be the rookie Jarquez Hunter, who the Rams were excited about in the preseason.
Handcuff: Blake Corum
Injury Status: Questionable (Day to Day) with Ankle Injury
Starter: Kyren Williams- New Handcuff would be Jarquez Hunter
Top 10 Pure Handcuff Rankings
Even if Chuba Hubbard comes back, Rico Dowdle will still get a big role in the Panthers‘ offense, especially after his two monster games. With Bucky Irving already ruled out, Rachaad White gets another start for the Bucs while Sean Tucker remains the backup.
For the Falcons, Tyler Allgeier maintains somewhat of a role even with Bijan Robinson going off on Monday Night, so he is a must-stash backup and even a desperation start in plus matchups. Last Thursday, even with Tyrone Tracy back in the lineup, Cam Skattebo took over as the lead dog with some Devin Singletary mixed in for the Giants.
In Tennessee, after they fired head coach Brian Callahan, it will be interesting to see what the split is moving forward between Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, as they did see work almost 50-50 in Week 6 (potentially signaling a flip in the coming weeks).
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 in a potential backfield trio (like the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills) or duo (Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans) 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.
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Isaiah Davis
- Kendre Miller
- Emanuel Wilson
- Jaydon Blue
- Ollie Gordon II
- Kyle Monangai
- Raheem Mostert
- Zavier Scott
