1) Seth McGowan – Colts
Idea: McGowan stands out because Indianapolis’ rushing plan centers on the starter, Jonathan Taylor. With the seventh-round rookie showing clear separation behind Taylor, he’s emerged as the clear RB2 in the Colts’ backfield.
Why he matters: If Taylor is sidelined, the Colts won’t suddenly reinvent the offense. Instead, someone else will absorb a heavy workload, and McGowan is the most cost-efficient bet to be that player. His path to meaningful touches is straightforward if an opportunity arises, making him an attractive lottery-ticket handcuff option in deeper leagues or as a speculative stash in standard formats.
2) Jonathon Brooks – Panthers
Idea: Brooks is positioned behind Chuba Hubbard, but he isn’t just another depth piece. He represents a legitimate handcuff with a realistic path to feature-back work should Hubbard miss time or if Brooks proves he’s the better option.
Why he matters: Hubbard has had hamstring concerns during the preseason, while Brooks is healthy after past knee injuries and was a high-second-round investment for Carolina. If the opportunity opens, Brooks could handle a sizable share of carries, giving him genuine upside as a potential weekly starter in the right circumstances.
3) Mike Washington Jr. – Raiders
Idea: This is a standout example of a high-upside “deep handcuff.” While Ashton Jeanty is the primary back, Washington is the player to target as the clear lottery-ticket behind a bell cow.
Why he matters: Washington delivered an eye-opening preseason, posting 168 yards on 23 carries (7.3 yards per attempt), showcasing burst and sufficient size to carry a between-the-tackles workload. He earned strong praise from evaluators, with preseason grading highlighting his potential as a dynamic change-of-pace back who could become a practical starter if the opportunity arises.
Why these players fit the handcuff profile
– They offer legitimate backup value, not just committee depth.
– They have a plausible path to lead-back volume if the starter is unavailable.
– They’re affordable relative to their potential upside, providing a valuable lottery ticket in many formats.
Key takeaways for fantasy managers
– Target handcuffs who could immediately absorb carries in the event of an injury to the starter, not just back-end depth players.
– Consider depth charts, injury histories, and early-season performance in evaluating which backups have a realistic path to feature work.
– In redraft leagues, you can often stash one or two of these players late in drafts or pick them up off waivers if the starter’s injury occurs.
Bottom line: McGowan, Brooks, and Washington are standout handcuff candidates who offer the clearest routes to meaningful carries and potential points when injuries strike. They’re not just fillers; they’re players who could change your fantasy season if the opportunity arises.
