The Two Best Priced Handcuff Running Backs Heading into 2022 Fantasy Football

Whether you’re looking for late round value that could potentially pay off, or you’re looking to secure a fantasy roster with one or two injury prone running backs, the handcuff role can make a big difference for fantasy rosters. While you can panic on the waiver wires during the regular season, a better plan is to target a handcuff or two during your fantasy draft. The best part is generally speaking handcuff running backs are easily attainable in fantasy drafts.

While there are plenty of great running back committees this year, such as the Cowboys, Packers, or Broncos, a true handcuff situation to me is one where the RB2 gains their value when the RB1 is injured. In today’s article we’ll break down two of my favorite handcuff running backs heading into the 2022 season.

Alexander Mattison:

Mattison averaged 21.5 fantasy points in games that Dalvin Cook missed last season. Cook has not played more than 14 games in a full season his entire career. Mattison offers almost the exact value of Cook when he is on the field. You’re probably guaranteed three to five starts out of Mattison at worst. Mattison is easily attainable in fantasy drafts, with an average draft projection of 125.

Khalil Herbert:

Herbert averaged 13.5 fantasy points in games that David Montgomery missed last season. Montgomery has not played a full season since his rookie year. I’m a big fan of Montgomery but there’s no denying he has some injury issues. With the way that Herbert stepped up last season with Montgomery missing time, there’s no competition on the depth chart behind Herbert. He’s a locked in handcuff running back with upside, and a beautiful average draft projection of 156.

Highest graded rookie sixth round picks from the 2021 season

🥇 Khalil Herbert: 78.8
🥈 Elijah Mitchell: 76.8
🥉 Trey Smith: 73.1 pic.twitter.com/VqAOecJCQm

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 24, 2022

In conclusion:

It’s always better to plan and get ahead of the waiver wire. While it may feel like a waste of a draft pick or even a waste of a roster spot to start the season, having a handcuff running back on the bench at the right time can make you look like a genius. Just think of the Vikings fan who went after Mattison last season in the draft and had him readily available when Cook was hurt. All I’m saying is both these running backs are in great handcuff situations and are beyond affordable heading into the 2022 season.

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