Handcuff. This simple noun is known worldwide from military equipment to adult erotic toys. It means something entirely different in the world of fantasy football. When I got into fantasy football, back in the mid-1990s, drafting a risky player with high draft capital meant you had to draft their backup as their “handcuff.” So, when that player got hurt, you could slide in their replacement without missing a beat. How the times have changed. What if in 2019 the term handcuff has changed? What if I told you that you don’t have to draft a high-risk player to stash handcuffs for depth on your bench? Here are five of my favorite handcuffs for the 2019 season that you don’t need to take a risk to reap the reward.
Ryquell Armstead (RB – JAX) The 5’11, 220-lb running back from Temple was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 5th round this season. The draft capital isn’t high enough to sound the horn, but it boils down to this question: Do you trust Leonard Fournette’s ankles? He has missed 11 games so far in his first two years in the league. This comes after missing six games in his final season at LSU. Alfred Blue is listed second in the depth chart, but when it comes to explosiveness, Armstead is faster and more athletic than Blue. With no T.J. Yeldon or Corry Grant in the mix, the backfield is not as cloudy as last year. Once Fournette goes down with his annual ligament injury, don’t be surprised when Armstead takes his opportunity and runs with it. Pun intended. Armstead’s current ADP is around the 18th round…………………
