The Top 10 Running Back Handcuffs to Target Before Week 12
A few weeks remain before fantasy playoffs begin, and bench depth now matters more than early-season upside. Injuries have reshaped several backfields and put certain backups just one step away from meaningful roles. These running back handcuffs offer potential volume, goal-line chances, or straightforward paths to touches if the starters miss time.
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
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TreVeyon Henderson is fresh off a breakout that the Patriots desperately needed. He posted three touchdowns on 24 touches against the Jets, and his workload didn’t stop there. He played 90 percent of New England’s offensive snaps in Week 11, the kind of usage fantasy managers chase all season.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
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Sean Tucker brought plenty of power against Buffalo with 140 total yards and three touchdowns. The matchup helped, but the burst and acceleration stood out. Tampa Bay still waits on Bucky Irving’s shoulder, so Tucker holds valuable insurance behind Rachaad White.
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
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Atlanta relies on Tyler Allgeier when the field gets tight. The Falcons continue giving him the more valuable goal-line looks, and that type of usage makes him one of the more dependable handcuffs, especially since his role doesn’t hinge entirely on an injury in front of him.
Emanuel Wilson, Packers
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Josh Jacobs exited Week 11 with a knee issue, which opened the door for Emanuel Wilson to handle the backfield. Once Jacobs left the game, Wilson played almost every snap and turned his 12 touches into a touchdown. His previous usage also outpaces every other Packers reserve.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars
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Bhayshul Tuten briefly took control of the Jacksonville backfield before suffering an ankle scare. His carries produced strong efficiency, and he ran ahead of Travis Etienne during the first half. Coaches like his burst and patience between the tackles, so he earns meaningful work when healthy.
Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
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The 49ers rarely feature a secondary runner behind Christian McCaffrey, yet Brian Robinson Jr. keeps forcing his way into productive stretches. He averages more yards per carry than McCaffrey this season and ranks near the top of the league in runs that gain extra yardage after contact.
Blake Corum, Rams
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Sean McVay trusts one running back more than most coaches, and that explains Kyren Williams’ heavy usage. Blake Corum sits right behind him and would likely step into a massive role if needed. McVay’s offense creates clean lanes for one primary runner and gives Corum immediate fantasy value if Williams misses any time.
Tyjae Spears, Titans
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Tennessee lists Tyjae Spears as its primary backup behind Tony Pollard, and he stays involved enough to matter. The Titans use a committee approach at times, and Spears’ versatility keeps him in the mix when the offense needs a change of pace. His current role offers steady depth for fantasy benches.
Kyle Monangai, Bears
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Kyle Monangai holds the top handcuff spot in Chicago’s backfield behind D’Andre Swift. The Bears value what he brings as their next option up. While the workload shifts week to week, Monangai is positioned to benefit quickly if Swift’s touches dip or injuries hit.
Devin Singletary, Giants
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The Giants turned to Devin Singletary when Tyrone Tracy logged heavy usage between the 20s. Singletary capitalized with two short rushing scores and showed his comfort near the goal line. His experience makes him a steady fallback option if Tracy’s workload dips or if injuries surface again.