PRO Trashman’s RB Handcuff Priority Tiers

These are the current handcuff situations for running backs going into week one. Situations where both backs offer consistent standalone value are not included.
Click here to access the shared spreadsheet

77 Comments

  1. ↓ Post By pattyboo

    i did a mock draft and I got freeman in the second round but later I was faced with the choice of Abdulla or T. Coleman. The players in between were taken already. I broke the rule and picked coleman , I didnt think he would be there the next time around

    1. ↓ Post By Alex Dunlap

      It’s OK to break the rules a little for handcuffs.

  2. ↓ Post By Dvjhnstn

    Epic ppr draft last night – secured David Johnson, but not Chris Johnson. Would need to drop C Michael or Buck Allen to pick him up (also have Lamar Miller and D Henry – total 5). In addition, was offered Bortles straight up for C Michael – I have Big Ben as #1. Thoughts? Fantasy Football problems I know….

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      How many rbs can you start?

      1. ↓ Post By Dvjhnstn

        Max 3 if I use one in flex.

    2. ↓ Post By Trashman

      wither way you look at it I think Michael is expendable. He will get some run, but it will be a headache deciding which weeks to play him and you don’t own Rawls so he’s not a handcuff.

  3. ↓ Post By wmcgrath

    I am in a 12 team full point ppr redraft league. We get 1 point per rushing attempt with 6 points per rushing and receiving TD. We start 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 TE, 1 DEF, and 1 K with 7 bench spots. I have DeMarco Murray but another owner was able to draft Derrick Henry before me. Would you try to trade with this owner to get Derrick Henry? If so, what would you offer? I have listed my roster and the other owner’s roster below.

    My Team:

    QB: Philip Rivers
    RB: CJ Anderson, DeMarco Murray, Devontae Booker, Javorius Allen, DeAndre Washington, Keith Marshall
    WR: AJ Green, Dez Bryant, Kelvin Benjamin, Julian Edelman, DeSean Jackson, Josh Gordon
    TE: Travis Kelce
    DEF: Eagles
    K: Chandler Catanzaro

    Other Owner’s Team

    QB: Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins
    RB: Eddie Lacy, Frank Gore, Melvin Gordon, Derrick Henry, Shane Vereen
    WR: Odell Beckham, Emmanuel Sanders, Tavon Austin, Will Fuller, Tyler Boyd
    TE: Delanie Walker, Martellus Bennett
    DEF: Patriots
    K: Adam Vinatieri

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      he might take buck allen in a ppr. i’m just worried you wouldn’t have enough startable depth behind anderson and murray. allen should catch quite a few passes.

    2. ↓ Post By Alex Dunlap

      jesus that team is sick.

  4. ↓ Post By Aksully

    Regarding the “Trashman’s RB Handcuff Priority Tiers, where’s the Oakland RB’s?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      Some of the guys believe there’s enough standalone value for Washington that he’s not a true handcuff.

    2. ↓ Post By Alex Dunlap

      Yes, I see that like a Hill/Gio deal, etc – not really handcuffs to eachother, it’s a complementary backfield.

  5. ↓ Post By rw-wq4HI67ps

    Hey guys…I have the pick at the turn position 10/11 this Sunday in a 10 team .5 PPR. I love the cheat sheet and have been using it in my recent mocks. a few questions though…1 I find Hopkins and Miller falling to me a lot how concerned would you guys be with drafting two studs from the same team? Should I break the rule here? 2 I love Bell but If I take him how far should I move D Williams up the cheat sheet for the cuff? Thanks guys….you have the best material bar none!

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      1. We’re not worried about picking teammates at different positions. 2. you may have to take him with your 5th pick to be safe. steep i know.

  6. ↓ Post By rw-wF9JhDROD

    Hey guys. Have loved the show for years, first time subscriber.

    I’m joining a 12 team ppr league with 6 pts for passing TDs

    While the conventional wisdom says wait on qbs, is it worth it to take QBs earlier in this format?

    I’m thinking Brees/Luck in the 3rd or 4th,

    But on the other hand, I’m thinking if everyone else takes the top ranked QBs, there will potentially be better RB/WR values in Rounds 3-5.

    Thoughts?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      QB is going to be one of the deepest groups we we’ve had in awhile. I would stick to the ppr cheat sheet.

  7. ↓ Post By fantasyguy1234

    With the 3rd pick in a 12 team, I already know my choice will come down to gurley and Julio, so who do I pick?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      if it’s a ppr, julio is the safe pick. if not, you really can go either way with players of this caliber. i prefer to watch and root for gurley, so he’d be my choice. if you think your league is going to go on an early run for either position, that can dictate your pick too.

  8. ↓ Post By rw-wq4HI67ps

    Thanks for the response. Freeman sure has looked good this preseason any thought on moving him up the board?

  9. ↓ Post By Bruce T

    Ok drafted today granted its a 10 teamer but I think I cleaned up with the ppr cheat sheet. Brady/Bortles. Ci Anderson/Lamar Miller Hopkins/cook/Benjamin/josh Gordon/k white/Corey Coleman/sterling sharpe/Michael Thomas. Z ertz Derrick Henry devonte booker. We have xtra flex ppr. I feel good about my team. Thanks for the help you guys got me a championship last year.

  10. ↓ Post By Karin

    Wondering what your thoughts are about the Oakland RBs. Deandre Washington looks like he might have stand-alone value. His performances in preseason games stood out to me. Or is he just the handcuff for Latavius Murray who looked good vs teams playing without all of their starters?

  11. ↓ Post By renourka

    12 Team Standard (9th pick)

    [1] QB: Bortles
    [2] RB: Miller, Rawls (Henry, T. Coleman)
    [2] WR: Hopkins, Watkins (D. Jackson, T. Austin)
    [1] TE: D. Walker (Ertz)
    [1] FLEX: K. Benjamin

    First draft in the books and another successful draft with the cheatsheet! Didn’t break any rules which even led to me drafting two TEs? Also should I be concerned about my RBs? Should I already be looking to flip a TE or some of my WR depth for another back?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      Your team looks great! Don’t go changing it yet. The season has yet to begin!

  12. ↓ Post By rw-ZYYL6pKtj

    I drafted last night and followed the PPR cheat sheet and had what I feel to be a very good draft. I ended up drafting
    RB Gurley, Bell, Anderson, James White, and Perkins
    WR K. Allen, Baldwin, Marvin Jones, Josh Gordan, and Boyd
    TE. Walker and Gates
    I can start 2RBs 2WRs and 1Flex in a 12 team PPR.
    Ive been offered a trade for Gates and Id receive DeAngelo Williams. 1). should I take the trade? and 2). Who should I play as flex for first three weeks?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      i would go for it, and i’d make williams the flex.

  13. ↓ Post By xraytakr

    I drafted from the 6 spot in a 10 team .5 point PPR league. My team is:
    AP, Allen Robinson, Mike Evans, Thomas Rawls, Langford, Cam Newton, Decker, D Walker, Lockett, TX Coleman, Kevin White, C Coleman, Crowell, CA Michael, Justin Tucker, and the Rams D.

    Would you drop any of those players for Buck Allen, Bilal Powell, Funchess, Kirk Cousins, Bolden, or Dotson?

    Also, I really wanted Josh Gordon, but he went right after I grabbed Rawls in the 4th round. Would you package any of these guys to try and trade for him? I feel like the price will only increase the closer he gets to being off of suspension. Thanks!

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      i think you should hang tight with those moves. your team looks great. as for gordon, yes his value may increase over time, but if his owner loses the first couple of weeks, he’s more likely to be willing to trade him. otherwise, i think his price may be too steep as whoever drafted him must value him highly if he took him that early. you could try pairing lockett and decker if you really want him now.

      1. ↓ Post By xraytakr

        Thanks Trash man! Another guy just offered me Ingram for Rawls and Langford…is that too much, or should I go for it?

        1. ↓ Post By Trashman

          too much imo. Rawls had the highest YPC last season. If he stays healthy he could beast. Langford isn’t sexy, but the Bears don’t have much else right now.

  14. ↓ Post By AbnerLofton

    Drafted over the weekend using cheat sheet .5 ppr, 2 keepers Leveon round 5 and DWill round 19

    Qb: Big Ben/Stafford
    Wr:Marshall
    Wr:Jarvis Landry
    RB:Freeman/ T Coleman
    RB:Bell/Dwill
    TE: Delanie Walker
    W/R: Lesean McCoy

    Bench Kevin White, Corey Coleman, Marvin Jones, Doctson(reached for on last pick before D and K) it’s a keeper league and he may have good value if he becomes healthy.

  15. ↓ Post By AbnerLofton

    Just did another draft with cheat sheet. 12 team standard ppr 1 keeper. Took your advice and kept Rawls 16th round

    Qb: Newton
    Wr: K Allen
    Wr:Edelman
    Rb: AP
    RB: Demarco Murray
    TE:Kelce
    Flex: Rawls

    Bench: C Coleman, T Coleman,C Michael, D Washington, T Austin, J Doctson

    What are your thoughts? Any moves you might make? Or players you’d target prior to season starting?

    I missed out on Henry, unfortunately.

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      Looks great! I would sit tight for now. the only thing i could see you maybe doing is going after henry.

  16. ↓ Post By rw-wq4HI67ps

    Hey Trash man,

    I just completed my draft using the cheat sheet and appreciate the quality. 10 team (.5 PPR) league and here is my roster…

    QB – Cousins/Rivers
    RB – Miller/Foster/Henry/Ajayi/Crowell/ B Allen/Booker
    WR – Hopkins/Marshall/Cooper/Maclin/D Jax/Lockett
    TE – Reed

    I used the cheat and took the best player available…..RB’s were flying off the board which is why I made out so good at WR.

    Question 1 – Which RB on my current roster do you think has the greatest chance of breaking out?
    Question 2 – Should I look to deal Maclin or D Jax for an RB or just wait until injuries strike and scour the waiver wire?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      1. definitely Miller. I think he could end up RB1 this season. Houston has been a league leader in rushing attempts, and he has no competition in his backfield.
      2. don’t go selling yet. we’ll have waiver options on a weekly basis, should you need them.

  17. ↓ Post By jbr822@gmail.com

    Guys, keeper question. I am in a 10 man ppr with 3 wr, 2 rbs, te, kr, D and 2 flex. I can keep 4 guys. Thus far I am keeping Benjamin in the 6th, Freeman in the 9th and with the other 2 picks I can keep Moncrief in the 13th Duke Johnson in the 14th, Coleman in the 12th, Decker in the 3rd or Eifert in the 7th?

    Thoughts on this mess?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      i’d keep Moncrief and Eifert. you can probably still draft coleman.

  18. ↓ Post By chef_fresh44

    12 Team .5 PPR had 2nd pick overall. Should I be worried about my RB situation. Or and other position.

    Qb: Eli
    Wr: Julio
    Wr: Watkins
    Rb: Eddie Lacy
    Rb: Foster
    Flex: Dougie Baldwin
    Flex: DeSean Jackson
    Te: Julius Thomas
    Def: KC
    Kicker: Aguayo
    Bench: Henry, Torrey Smith, Tyler Boyd, Christian Michael, DeAndre Washington, Clive Walford

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      I wouldn’t worry about anything yet Chef. A team’s strength or weakness isn’t predicated on any one position.

  19. ↓ Post By rw-RwfVVJ29X

    Can you explain a little bit on what is meant by high priority, low priority? I understand that priotity means important, urgent, so on.. Just missing how they r ranked from left to right

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      sure, high priority indicates that it’s a necessity to draft the handcuff, and you might need to reach for him. Moderate indicates that it’s not imperative you take the handcuff, but either the main back is an injury risk or the handcuff is capable of yielding high production if he were to move up, so it’s a good idea to take him. Low indicates that either the handcuff isn’t likely to be very productive if they move into the starting position, be it a lack of talent or bad offensive line, or he’s going undrafted in enough leagues that he can be had easily off of waivers.

  20. ↓ Post By slamwise

    Love the insight, won my league last year using all of the tools. In a 10 team .5pt PPR Ryan Mathews fell to me, and Smallwood and Barner are both still on waivers. League is 2 RB, 3 WR, W/R Flex.

    WR: Cooper, Maclin, Marshall, Austin, Kevin White
    RB: Mathews, AP, Derrick Henry, Devontae Booker
    TE: Walker, Eifert, Julius Thomas

    Thinking of dropping Booker to pick up either Barner or Smallwood – seems like Barner would be the next in line if (when) Mathews gets hurt? Assuming the TE’s that fell to me are too solid to drop? Thanks!

  21. ↓ Post By renourka

    12 Team .5 PPR

    [1] QB: Bortles
    [3] WR: K. Allen, Maclin, K. Benjamin (D. Jackson)
    [2] RB: Gurley, McCoy (Henry, D. Washington, Morris)
    [1] TE: J. Thomas (Z. Miller)
    [1] FLEX: Matt Jones
    Bench total: (6)
    [IR]: Eifert

    Drafted this squad this past week and now after slotting Eifert to IR I should probably pick up one of the WRs listed below since I seem to be lacking depth there? I mean the next pick from the cheatsheet would have been Chris Johnson but I think I have plenty of RBs? So who should I grab out of: Treadwell, K. Wright, LaFell, Doctson, or Perriman?

    1. ↓ Post By renourka

      Update: Treadwell has been claimed so I’m still patiently waiting for your advice!

    2. ↓ Post By Trashman

      i’d say LaFell right now.

  22. ↓ Post By dankc2

    Drafted Arian Foster in 12 team standard, he is my 3rd RB. Should i p/u Ajayl, iwould have to drop Corey Coleman or Kevin White.

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      initially i would say no, but it really depends on who you other receivers are.

      1. ↓ Post By dankc2

        My Team:
        QB – Rivers, Marriota
        RB – D. Johnson, Murray, Foster, Blounte, C. Johnson
        WR – Robinson, Cooper, K. Allen, White, Coleman
        TE – Miller

        Someone else has Ajayi, so i would have to make a deal.

  23. ↓ Post By Deagsdan

    Team name: Zeke virus
    10 team 2 qb .5ppr 2 keeper 1 redshirt

    Was able to handcuff zeke w Morris but kept Devonta in the 12th and someone red shirted tevin from last year. I’ve been offered tevin for a 10th next year. My other backs are: Duke Johnson and Derrick Henry
    A) should I carry 2 handcuffs?
    B) if I should pull the trigger is it worth dropping breshad Perriman (my lowest ranked receiver but w nice upside in my opinion) for a second handcuff?

    Keep it trashy
    Thanks Deagsdan

    1. ↓ Post By Deagsdan

      I know you guys are busy but this potential trade is losing traction, would love your thoughts.
      Thanks Deagsdan

    2. ↓ Post By Trashman

      a. in a 10 teamer, 2 cuffs aren’t usually imperative, but with those two backs i probably would, at least as long as i could.
      b. i wouldn’t pull the trigger

      1. ↓ Post By Deagsdan

        Thanks Trashman, looking forward to the garbage grabs for my dfs lineups this year.

  24. ↓ Post By Mickey

    With Forsett being cut, would you rather own J. Allen or T. West?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      West in standard, and Allen in ppr right now.

      1. ↓ Post By Mickey

        Thanks. It is standard scoring. I have Allen now, so will drop for West. Or, should I drop Allen and pick up R. Kelley as a handcuff for Matt Jones instead of West.

        1. ↓ Post By Trashman

          That might be more prudent. it’s hard to tell who is going to end up on top in b-more right now.

  25. ↓ Post By rw-RwfVVJ29X

    Thanks!

  26. ↓ Post By born2beast

    Ertz and Bennett gonna be ok rotating at TE every week?

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      You may not even need to get Ertz out, save his bye week, but yes.

  27. ↓ Post By Will

    I have M. Ingram, R. Matthews, A Foster and CJ Proise. All the handcuffs are available along with all Baltimore RBS. Should I drop Proise for a handcuff or a Baltimore RBS? Thanks you.

    1. ↓ Post By Will

      Sorry, forgot to mention. .5 ppr, 12 team

  28. ↓ Post By renourka

    Finished my big money keeper league draft the other night using V5.2 of the PPR cheatsheet and didn’t break any rules… well I had to guesstimate where Gordon was getting bumped up too but made sure I got him! However I also drafted two QBs and TEs which I’m not sure was the best idea for this 10 man league?

    1. Am I lacking in RB depth because I only have 3 backs? Henry got picked literally right before I could get him in the 10th round so I ended up getting Brees there. Also late in the draft, the cheatsheet had me grabbing Coleman with my last offensive position pick but maybe I should have grabbed DeAndre Washington who the highest RB at the time (but obviously he was still below Coleman on the sheet)? So should I be looking to add one of the available RBs below who I ranked according to your current site PPR rankings?

    2. Also should be looking to trade one of my QBs or TEs for a back? Any targets you can think of roughly? Should I look for guys close to those Brees/Bortles/Kelce/Walker on the cheatsheet?

    10 Team PPR (2 Keeper)

    [1] QB: Brees (Bortles)
    [3] WR: Hopkins, Cooper, Evans (Gordon, Diggs, Coleman)
    [2] RB: Gurley, C.J. Anderson
    [1] TE: Kelce (D. Walker)
    [1] FLEX: Matt Jones
    Bench total : (5)
    [1] IR: n/a

    Available:

    RB: Crowell, Prosise, D. Washington, T. Coleman, T. West, C. Michael, Ware

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      good looking team friend. the good thing about 10 teamers is that there are always options on the bench. i think a good idea might be to trade a couple of your wrs for a stud rb, rather than drop one, if that’s your plan. i really don’t think you need to make any moves yet though. if i was going to add someone from that group right now it would be crowell.

      1. ↓ Post By renourka

        Thanks Trashman, appreciate the advice as always and yeah I’ll probably sit tight for now! I didn’t want to drop anyone right now and I don’t know who would actually trade me a stud RB for two of my WRs right now? Which two do you think would get me the best return? Any ideas on who you would target?

        1. ↓ Post By Trashman

          probably hopkins and evans. i might target the charles owner. he might be willing to part with him for considerably cheap right now. i wouldn’t give those guys up for him though.

  29. ↓ Post By rw-NCxVtF0Up

    Just had my 12 team .5 point PPR league draft with a flex. Used the draft cheat sheet, and I am hoping for the return. Go ahead and give me a draft grade, and comments please!

    Blake Bortles Jax
    Odell Beckham Jr. NYG
    Amari Cooper Oak
    LeSean McCoy Buf
    DeMarco Murray Ten
    Delanie Walker Ten
    Julian Edelman NE
    Isaiah Crowell Cle
    Tyler Lockett Sea
    Tavon Austin LA
    Tevin Coleman Atl
    Devontae Booker Den
    Jameis Winston TB
    Mason Crosby
    Rams-Def.

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      Nice draft friend! I’d give it an A. The only thing keeping it from an A+ is the lack of Henry behind Murray, but you did a great job. Your WR corps is incredible!

      1. ↓ Post By rw-NCxVtF0Up

        well thank you…..someone has a man crush on Henry in our league and took him way to early. Trying to make a trade for him and Josh Gordon for Edleman? Thoughts?

        1. ↓ Post By Trashman

          it’s a great plan if he’ll bite.

  30. ↓ Post By rw-z0u1lfQ4Y

    Start sit decisions for week 1

    10 team standard scoring. Need 3 players 2 WR and 1 RB/WR flex

    Brandon Marshall, TY Hilton, Keenan Allen, Donte Moncrief
    Rashad Jennings Jeremy Hill, Spencer Ware

    12 team 1/2 point PPR. Need 2 players 1 RB and 1WR/RB flex

    Rashad Jennings, Spencer Ware, Charles Sims, Jordan Mathews, Kamar Aiken, Corey Coleman,

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      hang tight until the matchup tool comes out this week. if you still have questions, get back to us.

  31. ↓ Post By KCash

    Hi. Had our first ever auction draft last night. (Took Stafford over Marriota at the end. Marriotta still avail) $200. 1 point PPR 12 team. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.
    Stafford

    David Johnson
    A. Foster
    G. Bernard
    Crowell
    C. Johnson

    J. Jones
    Landry
    Moncrief
    J. Gordon
    Wheaton
    Michael Thomas

    C. Walford

    McManus
    Eagle D

    1. ↓ Post By Trashman

      great looking team friend! i think you can afford to pick up another TE in case Walford starts slowly.

  32. ↓ Post By Toolbox88

    Loving the site! I’m in a 10 team 1pt PPR league with QB, WRx2, RBx2, TEx1, W/R/Tx1, DEFx1, Kx1 and 6 BN. drafted this team with the 8th pick in a snake draft.
    QB: Blake Bortles
    WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, Allen Hurns, DeSean Jackson
    RB: Ezekiel Elliott, DeMarco Murray, DeAngelo Williams, DeAndre Washington
    TE: Gary Barnidge
    DEF: New England
    K: Brandon McManus

    Note: This is a casual league with a lot of newbies in New England where Gronk was drafted first overall.

    1. How did I do?
    2. How hard should I be gunning for Derrick Henry trade? The person who has him drafted four tight ends for some reason.

    1. ↓ Post By Toolbox88

      Update: The owner with Derrick Henry accepted a trade of Allen Hurns for Henry. Hoping no one in the league protests.

      1. ↓ Post By Toolbox88

        Update: No one protested and I got Henry. However, my life continues to be sad and meaningless. 1 out of 2 is not terrible.

        1. ↓ Post By Trashman

          kudos friend. have you thought about volunteering?

          1. Post By Toolbox88

            Thanks! It’s certainly worth a shot.

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