In fantasy football, smart managers don’t just chase starters; they stash the backups who could become league-winners overnight, and Week 12 is no exception.
However, this week is full of injuries that are unclear heading into the weekend. Make sure to stash these guys in case the starter or running mate is ruled out on Saturday or early Sunday. A potential swap could be the difference between winning your matchup and making the playoffs or missing out.
Here’s your Week 12 handcuff RB rankings, spotlighting the most valuable insurance policies and upside plays.
Injury Watch
Handcuff: Sean Tucker
Injury Status: Bucky Irving ruled out with Toe and Shoulder Injuries
Starter: Rachaad White
Although it’s not a great matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, there still could be a chance that Sean Tucker has a breakout run or two. At least over Rachaad White, as he has been inefficient with his touches without Bucky Irving in the lineup, who could miss even more time than previously anticipated for the Buccaneers.
Handcuff: Bhayshul Tuten (Ankle)
Injury Status: Both Questionable
Starter: Travis Etienne Jr. (Shoulder)
Both are questionable as of now heading into Week 12 against the Cardinals, as whoever is active and if the other is out, would become an instant starter. Whether it is rookie Bhayshul Tuten or Travis Etienne, who has been the lead back for the Jaguars, Tuten has been taking more opportunities weekly.
Handcuff: Emanuel Wilson
Injury Status: Questionable (Knee Bone Bruise and Thigh Contusion)
Starter: Josh Jacobs
It might be a 50/50 whether Josh Jacobs plays against the Vikings, as Emanuel Wilson was a high-priority waiver pickup for the Packers. It isn’t a great matchup, but he would see most of the workload over Chris Claybrooks, as he could be a flex or at least a valuable bench stash even if Jacobs plays. It might just be a one-week rental start for Wilson, but he becomes a top handcuff rest of the season.
Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell
Injury Status: Questionable (Ankle)
Starter: Jaylen Warren
It is unclear if Jaylen Warren will suit up against the Bears, as Kenneth Gainwell would become an easy start if he is ruled out. With a full-time workload, we saw Gainwell become a fantasy superstar with his PPR floor but with a high ceiling since rookie Kaleb Johnson hasn’t done anything significant with his limited touches for Pittsburgh.
Handcuff: TreVeyon Henderson
Injury Status: Questionable (Toe)
Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson
Even if Rhamondre Stevenson returns, against a porous Bengals run defense, rookie TreVeyon Henderson is still an RB2 start, but if Stevenson is out, then the Patriots’ lead back as of late is a must-start.
Top 10 Pure Handcuff Rankings
These are my top 10 pure handcuffs, as this is in no specific order.
Even with Justice Hill coming back from injury, Keaton Mitchell has gotten increased touches and could be a valuable stash. Tyler Allgeier has almost escaped handcuff status to a potentially flex, since he gets most, if not all, the goal-line carries over Bijan Robinson. Brian Robinson Jr. has scored touchdowns over the past few weeks, spelling Christian McCaffrey late in games. Coming out of the bye, watch for rookie Devin Neal to get an increased workload potentially, and split touches with Alvin Kamara.
Tank Bigsby is the pure handcuff over Will Shipley behind Saquon Barkley, while Jordan Mason has taken a backseat entirely behind Aaron Jones. Blake Corum and Kyle Monangai still see snaps behind Kyren Williams and D’Andre Swift as valuable bench stashes. Isaiah Davis, behind Breece Hall, and Chuba Hubbard, behind Rico Dowdle, aren’t as good of adds but should be mentioned nonetheless.
- Keaton Mitchell
- Tank Bigsby
- Jordan Mason
- Tyler Allgeier
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- Isaiah Davis
- Devin Neal
- Blake Corum
- Kyle Monangai
- Chuba Hubbard
Players In Split or Ambiguous Backfields
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. These are also desperation flexes as well, as this is in no specific order.
- Kareem Hunt/ Isiah Pacheco (Questionable- Knee)
- Tyjae Spears/ Tony Pollard
- Bam Knight/ Michael Carter (Trey Benson IR)
- Devin Singletary/ Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Zach Charbonnet/ Kenneth Walker III
- David Montgomery
