Week 8, almost the midway point of the NFL and fantasy season is here, and with the changes to starters with byemageddon, handcuffs change as well. Stashing the right one can give you an instant starter if you pick right and have those upside backs on your bench.
In fantasy football, smart managers don’t just chase starters; they stash the backups who could become league-winners overnight. Here’s your Week 8 handcuff RB rankings, spotlighting the most valuable insurance policies and upside plays.
Stash-Worthy Handcuffs for Week 8
Although Breece Hall returned from injury for the New York Jets, it might be worthwhile still stashing Isaiah Davis, as he would be the next man up. But the main back that might elevate himself out of handcuff territory is Chicago Bears rookie Kyle Monangai, as he had a noteworthy fantasy performance with D’Andre Swift also going off. He is the big pickup off waivers this week, as Ben Johnson used both as a tandem, like the Detroit Lions. Monangai isn’t a start, but he could have a decent game against a weak Baltimore Ravens run defense.
– Team: Isaiah Davis, New York Jets
– Team: Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Injury Watch for Week 8
With RB Kendre Miller out for the season, rookie Devin Neal, who hasn’t seen any playing time, will be the backup to veteran Alvin Kamara. This is a stash-only move for Alvin Kamara owners, as I don’t envision much from Neal right away on the New Orleans Saints as a fantasy assest. Now if he is traded, that is a different story.
Handcuff: Kendre Miller, New Handcuff would be Devin Neal
Injury Status: Out for the Season (Torn ACL)
Starter: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Top 10 Pure Handcuff Rankings
The one concerning back that I didn’t mention is TreVeyon Henderson, as he is ceding snaps to a practice squad back in Terrell Jennings for the New England Patriots, with Rhamondre Stevenson as the lead starting back. I hope that is not a trend moving forward. Will Hendo ever breakout this year?
- Tyler Allgeier
- Brian Robinson Jr.
- RJ Harvey
- Brashard Smith
- Emanuel Wilson
- Jaydon Blue
- Ollie Gordon II
- Samaje Perine
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Tyjae Spears
I only included running backs who are in defined backup roles to a known starter in no specific order, so backs in ambiguous split backfields I didn’t include. Also, players in backfield trios are essentially seeing enough time as part-time starters themselves or, at worst, flex appeal as a starter, so they are not in this list either.
