Handcuff Running Backs To Target In 2021
As we draw closer to the season we are starting to see the hard parts of fantasy emerge. Injuries, they are unavoidable and terrible to see. As we embark on the first NFL season that is 17 games long we should expect to see more unfortunately. With this being said lets take a look at the running back position, one that is know for many injuries through out the season. Yes the stud players are attractive and the obvious selection early in drafts. However depth and the ability to over come injuries is a key piece of football, whether in fantasy or the NFL. I want to highlight a few “Handcuff Running Backs” that I think can help you win your league in 2021.
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Gus Edwards
One of the premier “handcuff” running backs on the market in my opinion. Edwards could easily be a starter on many teams in the NFL. However he is co-starter on a team with JK Dobbins, and Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are a very run heavy offense, this bodes well for all the running backs. We could easily see Edwards and Dobbins both finish in the top 24 at the position. With this being said imagine if Dobbins was to go down. Edwards immediately becomes a must start in any format. The best part of all of this is that Edwards is fairly cheap currently, he has a tenth round ADP. He can also be traded for in dynasty leagues for a 2nd round pick in most cases. If I am looking to win a championship in 2021, i am looking no further than Gus Edwards as a solid depth addition to my roster.
Kenyan Drake
Drake made the move to Las Vegas in the offseason, with this move he has earned himself a trip to the “handcuff” list. A top 15 finisher in PPR last season in Arizona we know he is full of talent. Added to a backfield with Josh Jacobs really makes things confusing for us as fantasy managers. However early word in camp is that Drake is the second option on the ground and the first in the air. This bodes well for any PPR format managers, however is Jacobs goes down Drake has top 10 upside in every week he starts. Jacobs finished as a top 10 back last season with limited passing work. So if Drake gets tossed into a lead role and continues to see his passing work he would be a must start in any format. I love the addition of Drake to any format roster if your competing for a championship in 2021!
Tony Pollard
Last season we saw the Pollard emerge as a very good “handcuff”, he stepped in for Zeke late in the season and burst onto the scene. Week 15 we saw Pollard go for 132 all purpose yards and two touchdowns. He looked quick and very effective in his opportunity. He showed us that if Zeke was to miss any time Pollard is a must start. This was all with out a healthy Dak Prescott. With Dak back and healthy only makes the allure of Pollard rise. Adding Pollard late in drafts or trading for him could pay off if we see Zeke go down this season. As a contender I am send offers out now for Pollard to get ahead of the game if I can. He will be hard to acquire if you wait for an injury to happen.
