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In the world of fantasy football, the handcuffing strategy has become increasingly popular among players. The concept revolves around selecting the starting running back (RB) from a particular team in the early rounds of the draft, and later grabbing his backup as insurance. This strategy ensures that if the starter gets injured or underperforms, the substitute is already waiting on the bench. While some fantasy experts prefer to draft multiple RBs to minimize the impact of injuries, there are times when handcuffing makes sense. However, certain criteria must be met for a successful handcuff strategy.

The first criterion is that the primary running back must be a strong performer who justifies a starting position in any given week. Additionally, the backup RB must be easily identifiable, ensuring that the investment in a handcuff is worthwhile. It is also crucial that the team has a productive ground game, as relying on one RB in a weak running offense is not advisable.

Let's take a closer look at the potential handcuff scenarios for each NFL team:

San Francisco 49ers - Raheem Mostert-De'Von Achane: The handcuff status for these two is viable, as the 49ers' running game was productive last season. Despite expectations of a timeshare, Mostert's affordability compensates for the higher draft cost of Achane.

Washington Football Team - Antonio Gibson-Rhamondre Stevenson: It is not recommended to handcuff Gibson, as there are doubts surrounding his performance, and the team's offense does not inspire confidence in fantasy production.

Tennessee Titans - Derrick Henry-Keaton Mitchell: Handcuffing Henry is not worth it, as it is unlikely that any RB behind him will receive significant usage, especially at the goal line. However, Keaton Mitchell shows potential for explosive plays later in the season.

Buffalo Bills - Zack Moss-Devin Singletary: Handcuffing Moss and Singletary is a definite strategy. Moss's injury history and Singletary's potential independent value make them viable options.

Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Mixon-Chris Evans: Handcuffing Mixon is not recommended due to concerns about the overall offense and Mixon's performance. Chris Evans' disappointing previous season adds further doubt.

Kansas City Chiefs - Clyde Edwards-Helaire-Duke Pacheco: Handcuffing Edwards-Helaire is not worth it, as there are uncertainties about the team's running game and the actual workload of the backup RB.

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh Jacobs-Chris Tyree: Handcuffing Jacobs is not advisable, as he outperforms the available options. The team's running game does not inspire enough confidence for a handcuff strategy.

As fantasy football enthusiasts debate the pros and cons of handcuffing RBs, it is essential to carefully assess each team's situation before making a decision. The primary RB's performance, the backup's potential workload, and the overall offensive capability all come into play. While handcuffing can provide a safety net, it is crucial to prioritize value and consider the specific dynamics of each team. Ultimately, the success of a fantasy team lies in striking the right balance between taking calculated risks and making informed decisions.