Top 10 Fantasy Football Handcuffs | The Back Up Running Backs

Fantasy Football Handcuffs 2024

Top 10 Fantasy Football Handcuffs for the 2024 Season: Backups Ready to Shine

In the dynamic world of fantasy football, having a solid understanding of handcuffs—the backup running backs poised to step up in case of an injury to the starter—can make or break your season. These players are often undervalued during drafts but can become league winners if given the opportunity. Our number one Fantasy Football Counselor podcast delves into the top 10 fantasy football handcuffs for 2024, providing stats from the 2023 season and scouting reviews to help you make informed decisions. Here are the backups you need to keep an eye on:

1. Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks)

• 2023 Stats: 108 carries, 462 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
• Counselor’s Thoughts: Charbonnet possesses a blend of power and agility that makes him a versatile threat in the Seahawks’ backfield. His vision and ability to break tackles are standout traits, making him a prime candidate to take over if Kenneth Walker III goes down. He is enough of a pest to take away volume from Walker and push Walker out of the 2024 top 10 fantasy football rankings as he did last year.
  

  Zach Will take a step up in the offense this year and ruin Walkers value! (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire)

2. Kimani Vidal (Los Angeles Chargers)

• 2023 Stats: 297 carries, 1661 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns – Troy College
• Scouting Review: Vidal is a speedy back with excellent cutting ability and a knack for finding open lanes. His receiving skills out of the backfield add another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset behind Gus Edwards at the moment.  Gus and JK Dobbins are not that good, and Kimani can climb up that fantasy football depth chart pretty fast! I love the value and the upside.

3. Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)

• 2023 Stats: 44 carries, 179 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Brown is a downhill runner who excels between the tackles. His physicality and endurance make him a perfect fit for the Bengals’ ground-and-pound style, providing a reliable option if  Zach Moss misses time. There is a chance that Brown could earn that starting job, but he really didn’t do anything last year to prove he can.

I have no Chase Brown Stock for Fantasy Football 2024, but I see some upside because I am not sold at all that Moss can be the true starter in Cinci this 2024 season!

4. MarShawn Lloyd (Green Bay Packers)

• 2023 Stats: 116 carries, 820 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Lloyd is known for his quick burst and acceleration, making him a threat on outside runs. His ability to make defenders miss in open space could see him thrive if Josh Jacobs gets sidelined or fumbles the ball.

I feel Marshawn Lloyd can outshine Josh Jacobs. He is an explosive running back and play maker. He is a great sleeper stash later in drafts.

5. Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers)

• 2023 Stats: 238 carries, 902 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Hubbard is a consistent performer with good vision and cutting ability. His experience and familiarity with the Panthers’ offensive scheme make him a dependable option behind the man who will be the starter in Jonathan Brooks. Brooks has way more upside and is much more talented than Hubbard!

6. Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons)

• 2023 Stats: 186 carries, 683 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Allgeier is a powerful runner with a low center of gravity, allowing him to power through tackles. His physical running style complements the Falcons’ offensive strategy, making him a key backup to Bijan Robinson.

Let’s hope that Allgeier sits on the bench this season. He has no business playing at all, with Bijan Robinson on this team. If the team wants to win, they have to use their best player, and it’s definitely not Tyler.

Tyler should not be seeing the field at all this season! (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

7. Jaleel McLaughlin (Denver Broncos)

• 2023 Stats: 76 carries, 410 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
• Scouting Review: McLaughlin is a versatile back with good speed and agility. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a valuable asset in the Broncos’ backfield, and he is ready to step in for Javonte Williams.

8. Jaylen Wright (Miami Dolphins)

• 2023 Stats: 137 carries, 1013 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns – Tennessee
• Scouting Review: Wright’s speed and elusiveness make him a dangerous weapon in open space. His knack for making big plays could get him a lot of snaps on that Miami committee, which includes Devon Achane. Jaylen is a speedster with some serious breakout potential.

9. Alexander Mattison (Las Vegas Raiders)

• 2023 Stats: 180 carries, 700 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Mattison has been a reliable backup throughout his career, showcasing his ability to produce when given the opportunity. His physical running style and goal-line prowess make him a strong candidate to take over if Josh Jacobs is unavailable.

10. Braelon Allen (New York Jets)

• 2023 Stats: 181 carries, 984 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns
• Scouting Review: Allen’s combination of size and speed makes him a formidable presence in the Jets’ backfield. His ability to grind out tough yards and contribute in short-yardage situations makes him a valuable handcuff behind Breece Hall. Braelon Allen is a beast in his own right, and if Breece weren’t there, we would see a top-10 upside player in 2024 and beyond!

Conclusion

Handcuffs are essential for fantasy football success, providing insurance against injuries to your star players. Highlighted by our number one Fantasy Football Counselor podcast, these backups are ready to step up and deliver significant value if called upon. Keep these players on your radar during drafts and the season, as they could be the key to securing a championship.

Watch the Full Fantasy Football Podcast below as Jim and the Counselor break it down for you: