Handcuff Report, Week 7: Handcuffs To The Handcuffs

In what has become a seemingly weekly occurrence the most interesting handcuff in the land happens to be playing in the Thursday Night Game. I think this happens just to spite me. It’s as if the Football Gods force injuries and ineffectiveness on starters the week before they play on the thirstiest of all days. This week’s example of my curse is, of course, former (?) third stringer Brandon Bolden. The man who I had pegged to be taking over the Stevan Ridley “Big Back” role in New England. I figured if Bolden failed, then James White was probably next in line. But of course Bill Belichick did the most Belichickian thing ever and activated Jonas Gray from the practice squad, gave him a few carries, and leaned heavy on Shane Vereen. It looks like Bolden is more valuable to the Pats as a special teamer than a runner, and I have no idea what James White‘s issue is. I was shocked that he was inactive and you have to figure he’s deep in Belichick’s doghouse at this point. It’s really surprising considering how good he looked in pre-season and camp. The only ownable back in this scenario is Vereen.

In last week’s HCR I focused on the committees in flux, and there were quite a few. To sum it all up, Andre Williams wasn’t as nearly as effective as I thought against the Eagles. Then again the Giants were a flaming bag of poo, on the front porch, that could only be stomped out with your new boots.  So you really can’t blame him for his poor showing, then again Peyton Hillis out scored him (barely) despite seeing 7 less touches/looks. Going forward I would expect Williams to get the carries and the goal line work, with Hillis involved in the passing game and handling third down duties. It looks like Rashad Jennings probably won’t be back until after the week 8 bye. It wouldn’t shock me if it was longer though. These MCL’s are a tricky injury.

I also touched on Branden Oliver and Ronnie Hillman. Both backs were amongst the leaders in touches for week 6, as they each saw 30-ish. I’d expect Oliver’s workload to stay heavy until Ryan Mathews returns, well IF he returns. As Oliver thus far has shown to be the answer to San Diego’s early season woes in the running game. Hillman on the other hand is a completely different story. Color me cynical but I’m still not buying in. 1. I doubt he sees 27 touches again this year. Last week was a strange game for the Broncos as the Jets kept it close and dared Denver to run. Hillman did a great job making the most of his opportunity gaining 100 yards on 24 carries. Hey it’s still a crap-ton more than we’ve gotten from Monte Ball. 2. We’ve seen Hillman flash promise before and totally tank. Who knows maybe this is his Renaissance but I’m still very skeptical.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best draft strategy this year was avoiding running backs all together until after the 5th round. Every week this season we lose another starter and find ourselves using our FAAB dollars and wavier priority to chase the next man up. This is no way to live, this can’t be life? In the last two weeks we’ve chased handcuffs and third stringers vaulted into the starters role in New England, Denver, San Diego, New York, Carolina, and more than likely St. Louis. Oh Zac Stacy how I loathe the, let me count the ways…..The bottom line is Running Back is a volatile position, and I’m sure there are many more to drop before the dust settles on this most turbulent of fantasy seasons.

Here’s a few quick hits on committee developments, handcuffs to watch, and other running backie things.

Lamar Miller – Not to toot my own horn, but to totally toot my own horn. I called this in the preseason, the Moreno injury, the improved line, and the opportunity. Now if only Tim Wright and Cam Newton could get it going. Miller is a boarder line RB1 from here on out. With that said, I’ll bet anyone $100 and 5 lbs of steak tips he gets hurt in the next two weeks. Any takers? Don’t worry all my meat comes from Costco!

Jonathan Stewart – He’s here and he’s going to be healthy for at least the first five seconds of the game on Sunday. That’s more than you can say about every other running back employed by Carolina. He also gets the league’s worst run defense in Green Bay. If he’s available in your league go get him. Due to J-Stew being more fragile than Kanye West’s ego I’d tell you to go get his handcuff too, but there are none. Well unless you consider Chris Ogbonnaya a running back.

Tre Mason – As soon as I dismiss a running back as irrelevant, he becomes relevant. Such is the way of Tre, Son of Maseo. It makes me feel old that rappers I listened to are old enough to have grandchildren. Whatev’s….Rant aside Tre Son of Maseo looked like the best of what the Rams rushing attack had to offer Monday Night against the Niners. Zac Stacy is a running back the same way plain oatmeal is food, barely. Zac Stacy is so bad that Tavon Austin looks like a better back. I think he’s droppable all over, I cut bait with him in a few leagues this week. As for Benny Cunningham, I think his workload stays the same.

Carlos Hyde – As the season progresses I wouldn’t be shocked if the Niners decided to rest Frank Gore. I can’t tell you if this is going to happen anytime soon, but when it does you’re going to want Hyde. I wouldn’t be shocked if he was a difference maker the last 3-4 weeks of the fantasy season. At the present he’s seeing about 10-12 touches a game, and not doing anything to make Gore worry about job security.

Fuzzy Handcuffs 

These guys are fun, fun, fun! Not for everyday use but good to own, and a blast when they’re in the mix. We may wish for a bit more run but have to accept that they’re splitting time and getting the most of their opportunities. Most of these handsome devils could probably be studs if given the chance.

Standard Issue Police

Whether you’re in the back of a squad car or sitting on the corner while the Po-Po search your whip, you’re going nowhere. Do you know why? Because those things are locked on your wrists with a death grip. Much like those cuffs, these running backs are firmly locked into their positions. Not for a lack of ability, but because the starters are firmly entrenched in their roles. These backs could have value on any given week but more than likely you’ll need an injury to make these guys startable.

Duct Tape Cuffs

These are of the homemade variety, you’ll use them in a pinch (i.e the starting stud goes down) but they’re always in your drawer (wavier wire) ready to step in and do their job. It may be to the bare minimum degree but they can buy you sometime.

Thanks for reading and Happy Handcuffing!

Don’t forget to send me all your Running Back Questions on twitter @ralphlifshitzbb.