Story perspectives

Draft Smart: Key RB Handcuffs for 2025 Fantasy Football

8/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 fantasy football draft highlights the significance of backup running backs, or RB handcuffs, to reduce injury risks.
Notable RB handcuffs include Zach Charbonnet, who performed well as a starter during Kenneth Walker's injury, and Tyler Allgeier, a potential fill-in for Bijan Robinson.
Draft strategies recommend pairing starters with their handcuffs for injury coverage.
Ray Davis and Isaac Guerendo are recognized as valuable backups in high-scoring offenses.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the NFL's introduction of backup player designations marked a strategic shift, emphasizing roster depth, particularly in running backs. The New England Patriots, with a 12-4 record that year, exemplified this trend. Today, players like Zach Charbonnet and Tyler Allgeier reflect the ongoing importance of RB handcuffs in fantasy football, highlighting the need for teams to adapt to player injuries and maintain competitive rosters.

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Story summary

The 2025 fantasy football draft highlights the significance of backup running backs, or RB handcuffs, to reduce injury risks.
Notable RB handcuffs include Zach Charbonnet, who performed well as a starter during Kenneth Walker's injury, and Tyler Allgeier, a potential fill-in for Bijan Robinson.
Draft strategies recommend pairing starters with their handcuffs for injury coverage.
Ray Davis and Isaac Guerendo are recognized as valuable backups in high-scoring offenses.

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