Presented by
RB Handcuffs For Fantasy Football: Blake Corum, Kyle Monangai And More
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims.
Handcuff running backs are backups who are often one injury to their team's starter away from suddenly becoming high-end fantasy football assets. Of course, individual talent level, offensive scoring upside, and general team philosophy with deploying committees all factor heavily into each unique equation, making the process of tiering handcuff running backs more of an art than science.
But, hey, if it were easy, everyone would do it! Accordingly, let's make today a great day to be great and break down the five tiers of handcuff running backs ahead of the 2026 season. Note that players are listed in order of ranking preference inside each individual tier.
Tier S: FLEX with Benefits
You can probably already start these guys in the FLEX if needed, and the ceiling is the moon if their competition misses time.
- Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson
- Bears RB Kyle Monangai
- Steelers RB Rico Dowdle
- Rams RB Blake Corum
TreVeyon Henderson's up-and-down rookie campaign still featured him showing off some tantalizing big-play upside with 17.6 PPR points per game (RB7) during Weeks 10-18 last season … Kyle Monangai turned 29 touches into 198 total yards in his only game without D'Andre Swift; he averaged 13.7 opportunities per game across da Bears' final 10 contests … Rico Dowdle overtook Chuba Hubbard early in 2025 and supplied some BOOM performances, something that is on the table again in Pittsburgh with old friend Mike McCarthy … Blake Corum is essentially a Kyren Williams clone and actually managed to carve out an average of 11.2 opportunities per game in Weeks 7-18
Tier A: One injury away from being on the cover of waiver wire articles
Standalone value is possible. But if RB1 goes down? We're looking at RBs capable of winning leagues thanks to a blend of scoring upside and three-down ability.
- Broncos RB RJ Harvey
- Vikings RB Jordan Mason
- Jaguars RB Chris Rodriguez
- Buccaneers RB Kenneth Gainwell
- Texans RB Woody Marks
- Giants RB Tyrone Tracy
- Lions RB Isiah Pacheco
RJ Harvey returned RB8 production following the team's Week 12 bye, but could Jonah Coleman complicate the picture behind JK Dobbins? … Jordan Mason was quietly the RB6 in Next-Gen Stats' rushing yards OVER expected per carry and could find much touchdown success in a better edition of this Vikings offense … There's potential for Chris Rodriguez to see plenty of standalone work from his old college coach, although the best-case touch ceiling looks capped due in part to the elite pass-pro talents of LeQuint Allen … Kenneth Gainwell has the sort of explosive pass-catching ability that fantasy managers dream of seeing in a full-time role—that's on the table if Bucky Irving struggles to stay healthy again … Rookie-year Woody Marks was painfully inefficient as a rusher, but still handled at least 15 touches in all but two of his final 10 games … Tyrone Tracy averaged 18.1 opportunities per game following Cam Skattebo's season-ending ankle injury … Isiah Pacheco is the only RB behind Jahmyr Gibbs on the Lions depth chart with more than 10 career touches.
Tier B: THE, backup running back, y'all
These men would step up into their team's RB1 role should their starter miss time, but don't expect any level of standalone value before then.
- Eagles RB Tank Bigsby
- Falcons RB Brian Robinson
- Raiders RB Mike Washington
- Cowboys RB Malik Davis
Tank Bigsby's advanced rushing metrics have been NICE over the past two seasons, although Will Shipley could factor in on passing downs … The other B Robinson in Atlanta is capable of handling a big role; just realize fireworks aren't expected inside the NFL's reigning 24th-ranked scoring offense. … Mike Washington didn't get the Day 2 draft capital that his truthers hoped for–at least he's the clear next-man-up behind Ashton Jeanty … Malik Davis relegated Jaydon Blue to healthy-scratch status during the second half of 2025.
Tier C: There's a favorite, but we have questions
We don't know. We can't know. But I've got my suspicions. I've got my f*cking suspicions.
- Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks
- Titans RB Tyjae Spears
- Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier
- Browns RB Dylan Sampson
- Bills RB Ray Davis
- 49ers RB Kaelon Black
These are all the favorites for handcuff duties; just realize there's at least one bright-ish red flag for each in the health (Jonathon Brooks), early-down trustworthiness (Tyjae Spears, Dylan Sampson) and/or additional competition (Tyler Allgeier, Ray Davis, Kaelon Black) departments.
Tier D: We're saying there's a chance
Expect a committee of sorts should the starter go down, but there's at least some intrigue.
- Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell
- Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson
- Jets RB Braelon Allen
- Bengals RB Samaje Perine
- Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd
The respective frontrunners for No. 2 duty, albeit clarity is murky for all parties involved, as is each player's ability to handle a three-down workload if it were to come to fruition.
Finally, the Saints, Seahawks, Dolphins, Ravens, Colts and Commanders headline situations that should gain clarity as we get into August. But for now, it's tough to have much, if any, confidence in the actual pecking order for all parties involved.
Spring Reset
Start losing weight the right way through Hims today. Weight-loss treatment plans through Hims now include access to FDA-approved Wegovy® pills and injections to fit your lifestyle (no insurance required)—helping users lose up to 20% of bodyweight in 1 year.* It’s convenient, legit and refreshingly simple to get started. You’ll fill out an online assessment and, if a provider determines you're eligible, receive your prescription—you’ll also get a dedicated Care Team with 24/7 messaging and personalized support to guide you through treatment plans that fit your goals.
With the new Weight Loss Membership, you can get started for just $39 in your first month, then $149/month thereafter.** Whether you’re chasing better energy, more confidence, or just want to feel more in control, Hims is here to help you stick to the plan (even when your starting QB busts his ankle).
We’re proud to have Hims as a Fantasy Life partner. Their support keeps this newsletter free, fun and full of trade panic and waiver wire regret.
*Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. In a 68-week clinical study of Wegovy®, about 1 in 3 adults with obesity or with overweight and weight-related medical problems achieved 20% weight loss. Average weight loss achieved was 15%. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
**$149/mo price includes medication only, if prescribed. An active Hims Weight Loss Membership is required ($39 for the first month, auto-renews at $149/month thereafter). Membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription. Medication is not available without a membership. Membership fee is not included.
Not available in all 50 states. Prescription required. Weight Loss by Hims is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Join Our Newsletter
Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.
By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Editors’ Picks
A little more quiet this weekend than last, right? Before you go out to smell the May flowers, here’s some great content we don’t want you to miss …
Early 2027 NFL Mock Drafts
Let the Dante Moore-Arch Manning debate kick off. Kody Malstrom dug in and planted some flags in this way-too-early NFL mock draft for next year’s loaded QB class.
Buy/Sell These 3 Projections
Brock Purdy’s TD rate could make him a bargain at ADP. Adam Pfeifer analyzed three player projections and whether he’s buying or selling them.
Best Ball Sleepers
Who are some late-round picks to target? Adam Kaufman zeroed in on seven players who DraftKings players may be sleeping on.
WR Rookie Super Model Update: Who’s #1?
Yesterday, we brought you the RB Rookie Super Model update, fresh off the NFL Draft. Next up, the WRs, and we have a new player among the top receivers in the model’S 10-year history. That’s right, y’all, Carnell Tate is someone to take seriously in drafts. Here’s a snippet of Dwain McFarland’s breakdown:
The Rookie Super Model views Tate as a mid-Round 1 talent—he went higher, but comps closer to previous high picks not named Ja'Marr Chase and Malik Nabers due to a lower production rating. Still, he carved out a substantial role in a loaded Buckeyes offense as a contested-catch specialist who attacks all three levels. He's not a high-end YAC player, so chunk plays will come downfield, but TD upside is strong. With the Titans, Tate should immediately take over a full-time role and has a shot to lead the team in all receiving categories. He's a WR2 with WR1 upside.
Arizona Cardinals Cheat Sheet: Something to Love
Now under new HC Mike LaFleur, the Arizona Cardinals are staring down a rebuild. Jacoby Brissett is slated to start the season at QB, but Carson Beck got picked in the third round, so could he start eventually? Let’s not bury the lead. Jeremiyah Love is going to be the co-headliner of this offense with Trey McBride, and could be someone fun to watch this season, especially on fantasy rosters.
Ian Hartitz and Dwain McFarland gIve us a peek into the Cardinals’ depth chart, who could be top performers for fantasy, as well as sharing team projections for the coming season.
Around the Watercooler
The latest fantasy and NFL gossip, news, memes and more from our merry band of football nerds …
❤️ Matthew says there’s plenty to love about Jadarian Price. Nice backdrop, BTW.
👁️ Keep an eye on Mark Andrews. For those who want to wait at TE.
📬 Dynasty Mailbag is open. Wait, you’re in a 24-team league?
👀 ICYMI: We dropped a pair of dynasty mock drafts: Superflex and Single-QB.
🏈 The Browns' new stadium is coming in 2029. A new chapter in Cleveland!
🗣️ Russell Wilson will have a new employer in 2026. But maybe not in the industry you think!
💪 Carson Beck at the 2.09 in rookie drafts? If backed into a corner.
Premium
Go FantasyLife+
Your league is unique. Your advice should be too. Get personalized tools, rankings, and projections tailored to your fantasy football league settings.
