Handcuffing Isn’t Just Insurance. It’s a Roster Decision.
Welcome to The Learning Curve. I don’t have all the answers…and that’s kind of the point.
I rarely handcuff my running backs. Now, before someone comes to revoke my fantasy football card, let me explain.
I understand the appeal. You spend an early pick on your RB1, grab his backup later, and BOOM, fantasy football insurance policy secured.
Except that insurance has a premium. It costs you a bench spot. And before I pay that premium, I want to know what I’m actually buying.
Does the Policy Actually Cover Me?
Let’s say my RB1 gets hurt. His backup may get more touches, but he doesn’t suddenly inherit the starter’s talent along with them. Maybe he takes over most of the workload. Maybe the team creates a committee. Maybe he gets 15 touches and doesn’t do much with them.
That’s why simply being next on the depth chart isn’t enough for me. I’m not trying to replace the name I lost. I’m trying to replace the production.
And sometimes the best way to do that has nothing to do with the injured player’s NFL team.
Maybe I’ve already built enough depth that another running back on my roster can step into the lineup. Maybe I can move someone into my FLEX. Maybe the waiver wire gives me another option.
Sometimes, my roster is the insurance.
So Why Pay the Premium?
That doesn’t mean I never handcuff. Different league settings, deeper benches, or a clear backup who would inherit a valuable workload can absolutely change the equation.
But I don’t automatically draft a backup simply because I roster the starter. Especially with a short bench.
I want those spots working for me. Maybe I’m holding upside. Maybe I’m building depth. Maybe I’m leaving myself enough flexibility to react when September inevitably introduces us to someone nobody cared about in August.
And if you’ve been following The Learning Curve, this probably sounds familiar. We’ve already talked about understanding what ADP is actually telling us and not expecting our mock drafts to predict what real people will do.
This is the next piece for me: Every roster spot should have a purpose. For me, handcuffing usually isn’t the best use of one. For you? Maybe it is.
Just know what you’re buying, what you’re paying for it, and whether your roster already gives you the protection you’re looking for.
Because insurance can make you feel safer. That doesn’t always mean it makes your team better. Trust your process. Have some fun. And remember, we’re all somewhere on the curve.
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