What is the “handcuff” strategy for Fantasy Football?
October 5th, 2006 | by Michael |
DugoutStories asked:
This is my first year to make the sport of fantasy, and I heard a lot about the strategy of the handle. What is it? How you do it? I don 't understand what it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The only thing I really know is that it deals with Runningbacks. Could you explain to me? Moreover, this strategy should I use? Thanks again and 11 point to more detailed / have thought out the answer …
This is my first year to make the sport of fantasy, and I heard a lot about the strategy of the handle. What is it? How you do it? I don 't understand what it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The only thing I really know is that it deals with Runningbacks. Could you explain to me? Moreover, this strategy should I use? Thanks again and 11 point to more detailed / have thought out the answer …
5 Responses to “What is the “handcuff” strategy for Fantasy Football?”
By RSM on Oct 8, 2006 | Reply
It is when you take a player and his backup incase he gets injured. An example would be taking Tomlinson and then taking his backup, Turner, later in the draft. That way, if Tomlinson gets hurt, you don’t have to scramble for a back. Just make sure you don’t do this too much. Good Luck!
By Freak Too on Oct 11, 2006 | Reply
Don’t worry about it. It usually just means you’re wasting a pick on a backup that may not even see the field. Use your picks on guys that are actually playing and don’t worry about if your stud RB gets hurt. Every year, people pick Turner thinking Tomlinson is going to get hurt, and every year people have Turner on their bench the whole year.
By Bill F on Oct 11, 2006 | Reply
The handcuff strategy that is used by many people in Fantasy Football. You might have read an article on it on Yahoo.
In this strategy you pick up a top tier running back, and then, in case of injury, you also pick up their back up. Two examples of this would be LT and Turner and Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. The idea behind it is that with the main guy injured the replacement will get his carries.
In your draft, assuming its a live one, you simply pick your top tier back, and later in the draft you pick the backup. Now if your featured back gets injured you don’t have to desperatly look for a trade or deep into the free agent pool for a new one.
I don’t find this strategy completely needed.
1.) In a smaller league with fewer teams most backups are likely to end up in the free agent pool anyway, and thus should be easily available for you to pick up in case of injury.
2.) It is more likely that a player will not be injured then that they will be injured.
3.) I just find it kind of morbid to handcuff players because then you’re basically rooting for an injury.
4.) It’s a spot you could instead fill with another decent back to use come bye week.
Now if you have LT I wouldn’t bother getting Turney cause LT isn’t taking snaps this preseason. The Chargers are gonna protect him like crazy, and he probably won’t get injured this year.
However, if you really want Cliton Portis I would make sure to pick up Ladell Betts. It doesn’t look like Clinton’s knee is going to hold up.
Therefore the choice is really up to you whether or not to use it, but I for one don’t plan on doing so.
By tdub2991 on Oct 14, 2006 | Reply
When you draft a starting running back and then also draft his backup. People do this in case the starter gets injured. Also, this strategy is only effective with a star running back and his backup (example: LT and michael turner). You should stay away from platoon running backs.
This strategy is a very good one if you know how and when to do it. only for the advanced.
By lsutigerfan123 on Oct 16, 2006 | Reply
Pretty much just pick a stud RB and his back up. (Like LT and Turner) It’s obvious I won’t get a best answer on this question, so whatever. Good luck.