Understanding the value of a running back handcuff is crucial for building a winning roster in 2024 fantasy football. This RB handcuffs depth chart can often hold the key to unlocking hidden fantasy points, as a good chunk of backup running backs can produce near the starter’s level when given a similar workload.
But what exactly is an RB handcuff? Simply put, an RB handcuff is a backup running back poised to take over the starting role if the lead back goes down with an injury or is benched due to performance.
Drafting an RB handcuff isn’t just a safety net—it’s a strategic move that could make or break your season. To dominate your league, you must understand which “backups” have standalone value and which are top handcuffs to stash at the end of your bench.
Don’t forget to scroll down below the RB handcuff depth chart to see our updated RB Handcuff Rankings.
2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL RB HANDCUFFS DEPTH CHART | WEEK 8
Updated: 10/24/2024
| TEAM | STARTER | HANDCUFF |
| Arizona Cardinals | James Conner | Trey Benson |
| Atlanta Falcons | Bijan Robinson | Tyler Allgeier |
| Baltimore Ravens | Derrick Henry | Justice Hill |
| Buffalo Bills | James Cook | Ray Davis |
| Carolina Panthers | Chuba Hubbard | Miles Sanders |
| Chicago Bears | D’Andre Swift | Roschon Johnson |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Chase Brown | Zack Moss |
| Cleveland Browns | Nick Chubb | D’Onta Foreman |
| Dallas Cowboys | Rico Dowdle | Ezekiel Elliott |
| Denver Broncos | Javonte Williams | Jaleel McLaughlin |
| Detroit Lions | Jahmyr Gibbs | David Montgomery |
| Green Bay Packers | Josh Jacobs | Emanuel Wilson |
| Houston Texans | Joe Mixon | Dameon Pierce |
| Indianapolis Colts | Jonathan Taylor | Tyler Goodson |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Tank Bigsby | D’Ernest Johnson |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Kareem Hunt | Carson Steele |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Alex Mattison | Zamir White |
| Los Angeles Chargers | JK Dobbins | Kimani Vidal |
| Los Angeles Rams | Kyren Williams | Blake Corum |
| Miami Dolphins | De’Von Achane | Jaylen Wright |
| Minnesota Vikings | Aaron Jones | Ty Chandler |
| New England Patriots | Rhamondre Stevenson | Antonio Gibson |
| New Orleans Saints | Alvin Kamara | Kendre Miller |
| New York Giants | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | Devin Singletary |
| New York Jets | Breece Hall | Braelon Allen |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Saquon Barkley | Kenneth Gainwell |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Najee Harris | Jaylen Warren |
| San Francisco 49ers | Jordan Mason | Isaac Guerendo |
| Seattle Seahawks | Kenneth Walker III | Zach Charbonnet |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Rachaad White | Bucky Irving |
| Tennessee Titans | Tony Pollard | Tyjae Spears |
| Washington Commanders | Brian Robinson Jr. | Austin Ekeler |
WEEK 8 RB HANDCUFF RANKINGS
Note: These five handcuffs are true handcuffs and do not have true standalone value, as of now. Recently, we crossed Tyrone Tracy Jr., Tank Bigsby, and Chase Brown off the list of top RB handcuffs because of their increased volume and snap share.
1. Zach Charbonnet (Kenneth Walker III)
Zach Charbonnet’s fantasy outlook remains underwhelming when Kenneth Walker is healthy. However, he’s proven to be a true workhorse when given the keys to the backfield. In his two games with double-digit carries, Charbonnet finished as an RB1. He can handle the workload on the ground and catch the ball, totaling 20 receptions on the season.
Walker has been one of the most consistent fantasy running backs this season and if anything were to happen to him, Charbonnet would be a fantasy league-winner.
2. Ray Davis (James Cook)
Ray Davis has proven to be a valuable handcuff to James Cook, stepping up in Cook’s absence and now making a case for more playing time when Cook is healthy. In Cook’s missed game due to a toe injury, Davis delivered with the RB14 performance, proving his upside. While Cook offers more explosiveness, the rookie from Kentucky has shown he’s more than capable as the next man up, with no significant weaknesses in his game.
In the Bills’ Week 7 win over the Titans, Davis rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown on just five carries, while also catching his only target for six yards. He capped off the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, continuing to make a case for more playing time.
3. Bucky Irving (Rachaad White)
Bucky Irving remains a key handcuff, though there’s some debate about his standalone value. Despite playing behind White in snap share in Week 7, Irving stayed plenty involved, racking up 12 touches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Though Sean Tucker has been gaining attention lately, Irving’s role remains solid. With Chris Godwin out for the season and Mike Evans dealing with injury, expect the Bucs’ ground game to see a boost, potentially increasing Irving’s opportunities moving forward.
4. Tyler Allgeier (Bijan Robinson)
Tyler Allgeier remains a valuable handcuff behind Bijan Robinson, whose talent often overshadows Allgeier’s underrated consistency. While Allgeier’s current role doesn’t provide the volume needed for consistent flex consideration, he would be a solid fantasy starter if Robinson were to miss time.
In the Falcons’ recent loss, Allgeier was productive on his limited touches, but game flow forced the team to rely more on Robinson as they played from behind.
5. Braelon Allen (Breece Hall)
Braelon Allen’s fantasy outlook has dimmed with Breece Hall solidifying his role in the Jets’ offense, especially after the team demoted Nathaniel Hackett. While Allen’s role has diminished, he remains a valuable stash as Hall’s handcuff, capable of handling a full workload if Hall were to miss time.
Allen has been quiet for the third straight week, rushing for just 25 scoreless yards on ten carries over that span. Earlier in the season, the rookie looked poised to force a timeshare with Hall, but his production has since trended in the wrong direction. Despite this, Allen is still a high-end handcuff, though he shouldn’t be trusted in starting lineups for now.
Next up: Emanuel Wilson (Josh Jacobs), Jaylen Wright (De’Von Achane), Blake Corum (Kyren Williams), Ty Chandler (Aaron Jones), Kimani Vidal (JK Dobbins), Isaac Guerendo (Jordan Mason)
