A handcuff is the backup running back who would inherit the starting job if the starter got hurt, and handcuffing means drafting that backup, ideally the one behind your own workhorse RB. Because running backs get injured so often, the right handcuff can turn into a league-winning starter overnight, which makes late-round handcuffs some of the highest-upside picks in any draft.
Target backups in clear, high-volume backfields, teams that funnel one back most of the carries and goal-line work. The backup to a true workhorse is far more valuable than a backup in a committee, because he would step into a genuine bell-cow role. See the full list in our handcuff tool.
If you spent an early pick on a workhorse RB, drafting his backup protects that investment, if your starter goes down, you keep the job's production instead of losing it to another manager. This is the safest, highest-leverage way to use handcuffs.
Beyond your own roster, stash the backups to other elite RBs late in your draft or off waivers. You are buying a cheap lottery ticket on a season-changing injury, and you can flip a suddenly-starting handcuff in a trade if you do not need him.
Yes, especially the backup to your own workhorse running back. Handcuffs are cheap insurance that can become weekly starters given how often RBs get hurt.
Handcuffs are usually late-round picks. Prioritize the handcuff to your own star RB, then add speculative handcuffs to other elite backs in the final rounds.