2019 fantasy soccer handcuffs: Austin Ekeler amongst prime choices
Mike ClayESPN Author
CloseFantasy soccer, NFL analyst for ESPN.com
Member of Professional Soccer Writers of America
Founding director of Professional Soccer Focus Fantasy
2013 FSTA award winner for many correct preseason rankings
Fantasy soccer handcuffing is a tough animal.
On one hand, you wish to defend your self from accidents by warehousing your star participant’s backup.
Alternatively, the chance price of expending that roster spot may price you a beneficial waiver pickup.
The actual fact is handcuffing is a beneficial device if used appropriately.
Some backups are excellent gamers, whereas others aren’t. Within the occasion of an damage, some could be positioned for a transparent path to a big share of touches, whereas others would see solely a slight uptick in work. Most of your opponents might be pondering solely about handcuffs at operating again, so you may achieve a bonus by contemplating these at different positions as effectively.
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When evaluating handcuffs, the perfect recreation plan is to pick out gamers with excessive ceilings ought to the participant forward of them on the depth chart miss time. For instance, ought to Alvin Kamara get damage, Latavius Murray would tackle a workhorse position in New Orleans and could be within the RB1 dialogue. If Saquon Barkley goes down, nonetheless, the likes of Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins and Rod Smith would determine to share touches and none could be a transparent fantasy starter. If you happen to chosen Barkley and never Kamara, do not cross Murray off your draft board and pressure a dart throw at Gallman. Decide the man who can win you a league championship, not a participant who would barely be value flex consideration.
Beneath is a two-part examination of the 2019 handcuff panorama. As a result of handcuffing is most related to the operating again place, the primary half is a rating 1-to-32 of the highest RB handcuffs for every group, in addition to some ideas on how the backfield would possibly look if the starter goes down. Half 2 runs by means of a couple of notable handcuffs at different positions.
For up to date handcuff data and recommendation all through the season, make sure you sustain with our fantasy depth charts.
Operating again handcuff rankings
1. Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints — Improve if Alvin Kamara is out.
Even with a wholesome Kamara, Murray goes to price you a mid-round draft choose. It is no secret that ought to Kamara miss time, Murray would vault to almost 20 touches per recreation in a high-scoring, operating back-friendly Saints offense. He’d definitely be on the RB1 radar. Regulate Javorius Allen and rookie Devine Ozigbo as effectively.
2. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns — Improve if Nick Chubb is out.
Hunt is suspended for eight video games and figures to be not more than a 1B to Chubb’s 1A as soon as he returns. Nevertheless, ought to Chubb get damage at any level, Hunt’s worth would skyrocket to RB1 territory. Because of this, Hunt is effectively value stashing on the top of benches in deeper leagues. Duke Johnson Jr. could be valued as an RB2 if Chubb have been to overlook time throughout Weeks 1-9.
three. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers — Improve if Melvin Gordon is out.
Ekeler has been one of many league’s most effective backs since coming into the league in 2017 and would absolutely be positioned for a run at RB1 numbers within the occasion of a Gordon damage. Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome would choose up the scraps.
four. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams — Improve if Todd Gurley II is out.
Henderson is among the most costly backups in early drafts with Gurley’s well being standing in query. That makes the rookie a bit unappealing on draft day, although there’s little doubt he’d see a major position in one of many league’s greatest offenses if Gurley have been to overlook time. Malcolm Brown, John Kelly and maybe Justin Davis may all be elements as effectively.
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5. Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks — Improve if Chris Carson is out
Penny could be ticketed for a considerable share of the backfield touches on this situation. The 2018 first-round choose would defer some work to the likes of J.D. McKissic and Travis Homer, however he’d nonetheless push for RB1 manufacturing in Seattle’s extraordinarily run-heavy offense.
6. Carlos Hyde, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs — Improve if Damien Williams is out.
Hyde’s shaky effectivity in latest seasons is a priority, however he’d have minimal competitors for lead again duties if Williams have been out of the image. On the very least, he’d be within the RB2 combine. Sixth-round choose Darwin Thompson and second-year Darrel Williams must also be in your radar.
7. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals — Improve if Joe Mixon is out.
Bernard continues to be in his prime at age 27 and was a powerful fantasy asset when Mixon missed time final season. We should always anticipate the identical in 2019, with sixth-round rookies Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson additionally mixing in. Bernard could be within the RB2 dialog.
eight. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles — Improve if Jordan Howard is out.
Sanders may win the Eagles’ lead again job outright, nevertheless it’s extra possible that he’ll open his rookie marketing campaign behind Howard. Nonetheless, if Howard goes down, Sanders should not have hassle managing 15-plus touches in a superb Eagles offense. The likes of Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, Boston Scott and Josh Adams are competing for backup gigs and are names to observe.
9. Jaylen Samuels, Pittsburgh Steelers — Improve if James Conner is out.
Samuels would little question be within the RB2 dialogue on this situation, although in contrast to final season, he has some competitors for touches within the type of rookie Benny Snell Jr. Samuels will already be rostered in most leagues, however Snell would must be added as effectively.
10. Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos — Improve if Phillip Lindsay is out.
Freeman could have misplaced beginning duties to Lindsay final season, however he nonetheless impressed after preliminary contact in a restricted position. His receiving struggles may restrict him to flex manufacturing, however Freeman would nonetheless be an every-week fantasy starter if Lindsay have been out. Devontae Booker would assist in passing conditions however would not be a superb fantasy choice.
11. Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans — Improve if Derrick Henry is out.
Lewis is already ticketed for a major position in passing conditions, so including on 12-15 carries per recreation would launch him into the RB2 combine. Because the roster stands, his main competitors for touches could be David Fluellen and Alex Barnes.
12. Jamaal Williams, Inexperienced Bay Packers — Improve if Aaron Jones is out.
Williams already has expertise as Inexperienced Bay’s lead again, and so we all know there is a fairly good likelihood he would produce top-20 numbers on this state of affairs. Intriguing sixth-round rookie Dexter Williams would even be value an add in all however shallow leagues.
13. Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals — Improve if David Johnson is out.
With T.J. Logan and D.J. Foster at the moment his main competitors, Edmonds could be positioned for a considerable backfield position if Johnson have been to go down. The 2018 fourth-round choose is a stable end-of-bench stash.
14. D’Onta Foreman, Houston Texans — Improve if Lamar Miller is out.
Now greater than a full yr recovered from a torn Achilles, Foreman is positioned to make a run at lead again duties in Houston. If Miller is out, Foreman will surely deal with a lot of the carries, although he would not determine to supply a lot as a receiver, which might restrict his fantasy manufacturing. Regulate Josh Ferguson and Karan Higdon behind him on the depth chart.
15. Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Improve if Peyton Barber is out.
Jones may win the lead again position in one of many league’s weakest backfields, however for now, he’s clearly behind Barber. If the veteran goes down, Jones will surely get his likelihood to emerge with the likes of Andre Ellington and undrafted rookie Bruce Anderson as his main competitors.
16. Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings — Improve if Dalvin Prepare dinner is out.
Mattison, who lately turned 21 years previous, was a shock choice by the Vikings within the third spherical of April’s draft. With Murray gone, the rookie could be the clear favourite for lead again if Prepare dinner have been to overlook time. Mike Boone, Roc Thomas and Ameer Abdullah would additionally push for touches.
17. Damien Harris, New England Patriots — Improve if Sony Michel is out.
Harris would must be added in all leagues on this situation, however there is no doubting that he would share the backfield with receiving specialist James White and versatile Rex Burkhead. That may restrict the rookie’s upside, however RB2 numbers could be attainable.
18. Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers — Improve if Tevin Coleman is out.
McKinnon and Matt Breida could be the group’s main tailbacks if newcomer Coleman goes down. Breida would presumably maintain an edge within the carry division with McKinnon working as a change-of-pace and pass-catching again. Each would must be rostered.
19. Kalen Ballage, Miami Dolphins — Improve if Kenyan Drake is out.
Ballage’s profile stays a serious concern, however quantity is king in fantasy soccer. On this state of affairs, the 2018 fourth-round choose’s main competitors for touches could be Mark Walton and Myles Gaskin. All three ought to be in your radar, with Walton making for an intriguing deep sleeper.
20. Mike Davis, Chicago Bears — Improve if David Montgomery is out.
This backfield would look loads just like the 2018 unit within the occasion of a Montgomery damage. Tarik Cohen would maintain a serious position, with Davis taking up the Jordan Howard between-the-tackles and short-yardage position. Davis’ upside could be restricted in PPR, however he’d be a good weekly wager for a landing.
21. Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins — Improve if Derrius Guice is out.
Peterson is again as Guice’s handcuff. The veteran stuffed in admirably final season, ending as fantasy’s No. 19 scoring operating again. Peterson would share work with receiving specialist Chris Thompson and maybe Bryce Love, which might restrict Peterson to flex manufacturing.
22. Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons — Improve if Devonta Freeman is out.
Smith struggled with effectivity as a rookie and is a bit undersized at 195 kilos. Although he’d possible lead this backfield in touches within the occasion of a Freeman damage, outsized rookie again Qadree OIlison would determine to deal with a considerable position as a ball provider, particularly briefly yardage and on the objective line.
23. Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens — Improve if Mark Ingram II is out.
Edwards was on this place one yr in the past however struggled for fantasy worth resulting from a scarcity of labor on the objective line and 0 work as a receiver. He could be on the fantasy radar on this situation, however rookie Justice Hill and maybe Kenneth Dixon would even be elements. Edwards is extra interesting in non-PPR leagues.
24. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Payments — Improve if LeSean McCoy is out.
This will likely appear low, however Singletary is a tough one, as Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon are additionally at the moment on the roster. This already has the makings of a committee and that would not change if McCoy went down. Nonetheless, Singletary has extra upside than any of his counterparts and would thus be probably the most intriguing add to your bench.
25. Doug Martin, Oakland Raiders — Improve if Josh Jacobs is out.
Martin is in the identical state of affairs he was one yr in the past. When Marshawn Lynch went down final season, Martin dealt with a bulk of the group’s carries, with Jalen Richard dealing with receiving duties. We should always anticipate an analogous dynamic if the rookie Jacobs misses time in 2019. Martin would max out as a flex.
26. C.J. Anderson, Detroit Lions — Improve if Kerryon Johnson is out.
Anderson was terrific whereas changing Gurley final season, however his position could be restricted if Johnson have been to go down in Detroit. Anderson would defer passing-down work to Theo Riddick and would additionally must fend off the likes of rookie Ty Johnson and veteran Zach Zenner for snaps. Anderson has extra enchantment in deeper non-PPR leagues.
27. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys — Improve if Ezekiel Elliott is out.
Pollard is predicted to be utilized as extra of an offensive weapon than a pure tailback, however there is no doubt he would see a considerable enhance in touches on this situation. Fellow rookie Mike Weber would additionally profit and positively may very well be the higher fantasy asset. Each would must be on rosters.
28. Ryquell Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars — Improve if Leonard Fournette is out.
Just like the state of affairs in Buffalo, Armstead would want to cope with the presence of journeymen Alfred Blue and Benny Cunningham as he competes to interchange an injured Fournette. The fifth-round rookie has probably the most upside, in comparison with the 2 profession backups, so he’d be probably the most intriguing addition to your roster.
29. Wayne Gallman, New York Giants — Improve if Saquon Barkley is out.
Gallman dealt with backup duties behind Barkley most of final season, however he’ll face extra competitors for the gig from Paul Perkins and newcomer Rod Smith in 2019. This is able to have the makings of a committee in a low-scoring offense, so it is a state of affairs greatest prevented.
30. Cameron Artis-Payne, Carolina Panthers — Improve if Christian McCaffrey is out.
Artis-Payne returns as a depth again for Carolina, although rookies Jordan Scarlett and Elijah Holyfield provide competitors for No. 2 duties behind workhorse McCaffrey. A committee could be possible right here, although Artis-Payne would determine to get first shot at 1A duties.
31. Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts — Improve if Marlon Mack is out.
Wilkins, a 2018 fifth-round choose, had a stable rookie marketing campaign following a sluggish begin, and would have probably the most upside within the occasion of a Mack damage. Nyheim Hines and Spencer Ware would additionally think about, nonetheless, which might restrict Wilkins’ fantasy enchantment.
32. Ty Montgomery, New York Jets — Improve if Le’Veon Bell is out.
Montgomery is predicted to work as a change-of-pace again behind Bell, nevertheless it’s a protracted shot that he would deal with feature-back duties within the occasion of a Bell damage. The likes of Elijah McGuire, Bilal Powell and/or Trenton Cannon would even be within the combine. Montgomery is unlikely to be a powerful maintain for these with Bell on their roster.
Handcuffs to know at different positions
You might have forgotten about Robert Griffin III, however he may effectively make a distinction in fantasy this season. Picture by Frank Mattia/Icon Sportswire
Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman — With Tyreek Hill dealing with a attainable suspension, the proficient second-round rookie may very well be vaulted into a serious offensive position to start his professional profession. That’d instantly put him within the flex dialogue.
Rams WR Josh Reynolds — Reynolds averaged 7.zero targets per recreation and was a top-40 fantasy wideout whereas filling in for Cooper Kupp from Week 11 on final season. He is the first handcuff for all three beginning Rams huge receivers.
Eagles WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside — The second-round rookie’s short-term fantasy outlook is not fairly, however he is an damage to Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson or Nelson Agholor away from an enormous promotion in Philadelphia’s extremely productive offense.
Steelers WR James Washington — Washington is predicted to start his second NFL season behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and newcomer Donte Moncrief, however one damage above him on the depth chart would all however lock the 2018 second-round choose into a large position in one of many league’s pass-heaviest and highest-scoring offenses.
Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith — Just like Washington, Smith is a 2018 Day 2 draft choose who seems more likely to open his second season third on the depth chart. Ought to Michael Thomas or 33-year-old Ted Ginn Jr. go down, Smith could be a must-add in fantasy.
Titans WR A.J. Brown — Tennessee’s conservative, run-heavy offense will restrict all of its receivers, nevertheless it will not be a shock if Brown — maybe the perfect prospect within the 2019 rookie huge receiver class — emerges right into a pressure if referred to as upon to interchange Corey Davis or Adam Humphries.
Redskins WR Terry McLaurin — The third-rounder out of Ohio State is an efficient wager for main enjoying time as a rookie when you think about the sturdiness considerations surrounding Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson and, to some extent, Trey Quinn.
Eagles TE Dallas Goedert — Stories from these protecting the Eagles recommend Goedert is on the verge of a breakout, however the 2018 second-round choose’s fantasy influence might be severely restricted so long as Zach Ertz is within the image. After all, if Ertz have been to overlook time, Goedert would skyrocket into the highest 10.
Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox — If goal-line pressure Eric Ebron goes down, it can possible be Alie-Cox — not Jack Doyle — who takes on a bulk of his touches (Doyle will already be busy, and his position would not determine to alter a lot). Alie-Cox would possibly wrestle for constant targets, however the third-year huge man’s landing upside would put him on the fantasy radar, particularly in non-PPR.
Browns TE Demetrius Harris — The long-time Travis Kelce backup heads to Cleveland, the place he’ll work behind David Njoku. If you happen to’re shopping for into Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ offense, Harris is a participant you would possibly like as a fringe TE1 within the occasion of an Njoku damage.
49ers QB Nick Mullens — Mullens was QB17 whereas filling in for Jimmy Garoppolo through the second half of the 2018 season. Undrafted in 2017, Mullens seemed the half in his first prolonged work within the professionals and could be within the QB2 combine if oft-injured Garoppolo goes down once more.
Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor — Taylor’s passing effectivity has been inconsistent, however he is been a sneaky fantasy asset previously because of terrific speeding quantity and minimal interceptions. Injecting the veteran into a superb Chargers offense would put him again on the fantasy radar.
Ravens QB Robert Griffin III — The mix of Lamar Jackson’s comparatively small body (6-foot-2, 216 kilos) and speeding quantity (he set the single-season QB document for carries as a rookie) raises severe considerations about his means to carry up for a whole season. If he goes down, “RGIII” might be again within the beginning lineup.
Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater — Bridgewater re-signed with New Orleans and may very well be the group’s plan on the place as soon as Drew Brees retires. Ought to 40-year-old Brees miss time, Bridgewater could be an intriguing speculative add within the Saints’ high-scoring offense.
Rams QB Blake Bortles — Say what you need about Bortles, however the former Jaguar posted fantasy finishes of fourth, eighth and 13th through the 2015-17 seasons in Jacksonville. It is going to be intriguing to see what Sean McVay can get out of Bortles if the quarterback is named on to interchange Jared Goff.