Who are the best RB handcuffs in fantasy football 2024? Top 5 stars ranked

Handcuff running backs are among the most valuable fantasy football players to target in the later rounds of drafts. They provide insurance in case a starter gets injured and the best ones also have a path to potentially providing standalone value. Here are the five that make for the best picks in 2024 fantasy drafts. None of them are currently starters, but still carry upside this year.

Best fantasy football RB handcuffs

Handcuff RBs

#5 - Jerome Ford

Jerome Ford is projected to open the 2024 NFL season as the Cleveland Browns' starting running back as Nick Chubb continues to recover from a knee injury. This gives Ford additional value in fantasy football with Chubb on the PUP list, so he will get at least four games of an elevated workload.

These types of knee injuries are particularly challenging to fully recover from, especially for a veteran running back. Ford provides excellent insurance for Chubb and even finished as the overall RB19 last year.

#4 - JK Dobbins

JK Dobbins has been plagued by injuries during his career, but he still remains a talented running back with upside. He is projected to start the year as a backup for Gus Edwards on the Los Angeles Chargers, but if he can stay healthy, he has a path to eventually becoming the starter.

Edwards has been a solid option, but Dobbins comes with a higher ceiling, especially in Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy offense. Dobbins could earn himself a larger role if he performs well, including potentially surpassing Edwards on their depth chart.

#3 - Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren enjoyed an increased workload for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season on his way to a solid RB30 finish in fantasy football. While Najee Harris is still their starter, their backfield workload distribution has been trending closer to a split.

It's possible that the Steelers distribute their backfield touches based on which of their running backs is more productive. This gives Warren an opportunity to earn a starter's workload during the 2024 season, though he is still the backup to open the year.

#2 - Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler was one of the most disappointing fantasy football running backs last season, which has plummeted his value ahead of the 2024 season. He also switched teams to the Washington Commanders, where he is expected to serve as their RB2 behind Brian Robinson Jr.

Upside has never been an issue for Ekeler, who has multiple top-five finishes in fantasy football and even an RB1 for his career-best. Workload could be his biggest obstacle this year. But if anything happens to Robinson, or if Ekeler outperforms him, he could be a huge steal in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.

#1 - David Montgomery

David Montgomery has been a consistently solid fantasy football running back during his career, finishing among the top 25 players in his position for each of his five seasons. This includes an impressive RB9 finish last year in his first season with the Detroit Lions.

Second-year rising star Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to serve as the Lions' starter in 2024, but both of their backs provided standalone fantasy value last year.

This makes Montgomery the best overall handcuff running back this season as he can be an asset on his own, but will instantly become an elite option if anything happens to Gibbs.