Bills

Post Draft Report: Bills

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Post Draft Report: Bills

By Zach Owen

Draft Picks

  • Round 1, Pick No. 30: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
  • Round 2, Pick No. 61: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
  • Round 3, Pick No. 93: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
  • Round 5, Pick No. 161: Tommy Doyle, OT, Miami (Ohio)
  • Round 6, Pick No. 203: Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston
  • Round 6, Pick No. 212: Damar Hamlin, S, Pitt
  • Round 6, Pick No. 213: Rachad Wildgoose, CB, Wisconsin
  • Round 7, Pick No. 236: Jack Anderson, G, Texas Tech

Notable Free Agency Moves

  • Additions
    • Mitchell Trubisky, QB
    • Emmanuel Sanders, WR
    • Matt Brieda, RB
    • Jacob Hollister, TE
  • Losses
    • John Brown, WR
    • Tyler Kroft, TE
  • Re-Signed
    • Matt Milano, LB
    • Jon Feliciano, G
    • Daryl Williams, RT

As expected, the Bills did not invest very much in their skill positions during the draft. Marquez Stevenson in round 6 was the only skill position player they added and he looks to mostly serve as a depth piece behind their already strong receiving corps. There were discussions about drafting a RB but they seem happy with who they have, especially with Najee Harris and Travis Etienne coming off the board before their 1st round pick. With them also not making many big free agency signings on offense, it looks like the Bills are going to look pretty similar to last year. Can’t blame them though considering they were one game away from the Super Bowl.

Fantasy Highlights

The Bills have a solid RB group but the offense is going to run through Josh Allen, literally. For the RBs, it’s going to come down to who scores the TDs each game and your guess is as good as mine there. This is definitely going to be a RB by committee with four possible options so I wouldn’t be happy with any of them as my RB1 or even RB2. Any of Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Antonio Williams, or Matt Breida could end up running the show each week and that’s just risky from a fantasy perspective, though probably pretty good for the Bills themselves. They all have decent flex or bye week value though so they might be worth rostering if they’re cheap enough. 

For the wide receivers, Stefon Diggs is definitely the one to own. He had 166 targets in his first year with the Bills which was 1st overall in the NFL last year. They made mostly lateral moves in their receiving corps so again, I would expect something similar from Diggs and Allen in 2021. While Diggs is basically a lock for Fantasy production, the #2 on the team is in flux. Obviously Cole Beasly and Emmanuel Sanders have shown they can be serviceable WRs and they should continue to be this year. They are both pretty old though (32 and 34 respectively) so I don’t expect much in terms of dynasty value. Gabriel Davis on the other hand is a player I’d be looking to buy in dynasty. He performed pretty well last year for a rookie (4 games with 15+ .5PPR points) and I could see him jumping into the #2 role pretty soon, which on a high powered offense like the Bills means a lot of fantasy points.

Now the core of the team: Josh Allen. Like I said, the offense is going to run through Allen. He’s a playmaker with his legs and his arms. He stretches opposing defenses by himself and he has very good weapons to work with. With some improvements on the offensive line, though no major changes, Josh Allen should continue to produce at a high level. There are some concerns out there about Allen’s 2020 season being a fluke and expecting him to regress but I don’t buy it. The Bills have a great coaching staff and, to me, it looks like 2020 Josh Allen is the real Josh Allen. He definitely needed time to develop out of college but he has shown his ability to learn and get better. Plus he’s going to be hungry after missing out on the Super Bowl so I don’t expect him to slow down anytime soon.

Bob Miller’s 2021 NFL Mock Draft

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by Bob Miller

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB - Clemson)

Do I really need to give a reason? He's the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. Done.

2. NY Jets - Zach Wilson (QB - BYU)

Wilson's athletic ability, accuracy from the pocket and on the run, and leadership makes him a no brainer here for the Jets.

3. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Fields (QB - Ohio State)

The 49ers play Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray twice a year. They know what kind of a problem that type of quarterback is to defend. San Francisco decides that they need one of those QBs as well.

4. Denver Broncos - Trey Lance (QB - North Dakota State) Trade w/ Atlanta

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a trade! Atlanta trades the 4th pick to the Denver Broncos. After Denver failed to trade for Deshaun Watson, they decide that they won't fail again. They move up to get the their man, a mobile quarterback with a big arm for those cold games. Trey Lance fits that perfectly. Teddy Bridgewater is not their future, Trey Lance is.

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Ja’Marr Chase (WR - LSU)

Lots of mock drafts have Oregon LT Penei Sewell going here to the Bengals. Not mine. Ja'Marr Chase is the undisputed #1 wide receiver in this draft. Tackle is deeper is this draft than the past few years. They'll get one in the 2nd or 3rd. Cincinnati just can't pass on the opportunity to reunite Joe Burrow and his favorite WR. 

6. Miami Dolphins - Kyle Pitts (TE - Florida)

The Dolphins are thrilled to get Kyle Pitts. This once in a generation TE talent is just what they need to ensure that Tua Tagovailoa has every opportunity to succeed.

7. New England Patriots - Mac Jones (QB - Alabama) Trade w/ Detroit

We have our 2nd trade of the day! Detroit has been targeting WR Jaylen Waddle here for quite some time, but New England makes an offer that Detroit can't refuse. The Patriots get their guy! Jones needs the right situation to be successful in the NFL. What better situation to be in than being coached by Bill Belichick.

8. Carolina Panthers - Penei Sewell (LT - Oregon)

Sewell has dropped far enough. Carolina is in desperate need of a LT. Sewell starts day one and is the staple of their offensive line for the next decade.

9. Atlanta Falcons - Patrick Surtain II (CB - Alabama)

Defense is the priority for Atlanta. They traded back from pick #4 knowing that they were going to get one of the best corners available. They just happen to land the absolute best corner in this year's draft.

10. Dallas Cowboys - Jaycee Horn (CB - South Carolina)

Dallas fans are left disappointed after Patrick Surtain II gets sniped the pick before them. With cornerback being a major priority they take the best corner available. Horn is fast, physical, and will step in and start day one.

11. NY Giants - Jaelan Phillips (EDGE - Miami)

Phillips is arguably the most talented edge rusher in this class. He has had some injuries but is absolutely worth taking at pick #11. He will fill the void needed since Jason Pierre-Paul left years ago.

12. Philadelphia Eagles - Devonta Smith (WR - Alabama)

A dream come true for Philadelphia Eagles fans. They are in dire need for a WR, so what better than the unstoppable Heisman Trophy Winner. He is a bit undersized, but he's played that way his entire career. Congrats to Jaylen Hurts on getting a shiny new toy.

13. LA Chargers - Rashawn Slater (LT - Northwestern)

Los Angeles failed to land LT Orlando Brown Jr. from the Ravens. They didn't want to give what Baltimore was asking, because they knew they could land their franchise LT in this draft. Slater will be a very good left tackle in the NFL protecting Justin Herbert's blind side for years to come.

14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye (EDGE - Michigan)

Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick this year, so trading back is definitely a possibility. Adding a pass-rusher with this type of agility and strength opposite of Danielle Hunter may be just too hard to pass up.

15. Detroit Lions - Jaylen Waddle (WR - Alabama)

How about that. Detroit trades back with the hopes that Waddle would still be available, and he is. Waddle is a weapon that Detroit will use in many different ways. With the loss of Kenny Golladay via free agency, Waddle will targeted early and often.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley (CB - Virginia Tech)

With a glaring hole in the secondary left by Patrick Peterson, Arizona has to walk out of the first two rounds with a CB. Farley would have been a top-10 pick, but has fallen a bit due to the back injury concerns. Arizona believes that the reward outweighs the risk here.

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Micah Parsons (LB - Penn State)

This just makes too much sense. The Raiders need major help at linebacker, and Parsons is the best LB in this draft. Character issues prevents Parsons from being taken in the top 10, but that's not a concern for GM Mike Mayock. Jon Gruden may hurt himself running to the phone to call in this pick.

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari (EDGE - Georgia)

Azeez Ojulari is an edge defender with incredible speed and explosiveness. His upside is just to good for Miami to pass up.

19.Washington - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB - Notre Dame)

Washington is very thin at LB. JOK is an extremely fast linebacker that can line up against slot receivers and deliver a big pop to outside runs. This combined with his leadership makes this a big get for the Football Team.

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darrisaw (LT - Virginia Tech)

Chicago considers going with WR Rashod Bateman here, but LT is a bigger need for the Bears. Darrisaw is a top tier OT, and is too good of a value here to pass up. Chicago can grab a WR in the next couple of rounds.

21. Indianapolis Colts - Alijah Vera-Tucker (OT – USC)

Left Tackle is by far the biggest need for the Colts, and Vera-Tucker is a versatile, athletic, and strong lineman that can line up anywhere. That won't matter as the Colts will plug him in at LT immediately.

22. Tennessee Titans - Rashod Bateman (WR - Minnesota)

The Titans "had" 2 major needs: Pass rush and wide receiver. They addressed the pass rushing need via free agency by signing Bud Dupree and Denico Autry. Now they need to replace the hole at WR with Corey Davis leaving for New York. They get a solid replacement in Rashod Bateman.

23. NY Jets - Greg Newsome (CB- Northwestern)

Cornerback is a major weakness for the Jets. Head Coach Robert Saleh is going to be thrilled that he lands a talent such as Newsome here.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gregory Rousseau (EDGE - Miami)

Pittsburgh has to replace EDGE with the loss of Bud Dupree. Rousseau is an absolute freak. He is 6'6/260 and has incredible reach. He has tremendous length for the position, and he's still building out his frame. He is still a little raw, but his upside is amazing.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevon Moehrig (S - TCU)

The best safety in this draft falls to the team that needs him the most. Jacksonville can use quite a bit of help on defense, and they get it here. Moehrig has great acceleration and closes on the ball quickly. He's a playmaker that Jacksonville desperately needs.

26. Cleveland Browns - Zaven Collins (LB - Tulsa)

Collins is a big, physical, and mobile linebacker that covers the middle of the field. He is fantastic against the run, which Cleveland will need to help them get over the hump against teams like Baltimore. He fills a need for Cleveland.

27. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Tryon (EDGE - Washington)

Baltimore has 3 holes to fill: EDGE, OT, and WR. Joe Tryon has elite upside as a pass rusher and will make an immediate impact for the Ravens. He opted out of the 2020 season, but his 2019 tape is fantastic. He has the potential to produce double digit sacks his rookie year in that Baltimore defense.

28. New Orleans Saints - Asante Samuel Jr. (CB - Florida State)

We all know about the Saints' salary cap situation. I wouldn't be surprised to see New Orleans trade back here, but their secondary is the top priority. They are in bad shape behind Marshon Lattimore, so drafting Samuel here makes all the sense in the world.

29. Green Bay Packers - Terrace Marshall (WR - LSU)

It's no secret that Green Bay needs help at WR behind Davante Adams. Marshall has size, speed, and great hands. He is a big target that is a mismatch for opposing corners. He will be a welcomed addition to the Packers offense.

30. Buffalo Bills - Joseph Ossai (EDGE - Texas)

I almost went with Najee Harris here, but EDGE is a bigger need for this team. They can get a RB in the next rounds. Ossai has a high motor and  high upside. He has great size and a very strong lower body. He is built for the NFL, and should be a solid EDGE defender that the Bills need.

31. Baltimore Ravens - Teven Jenkins (OT - Oklahoma State)

The Ravens were really hoping that Rashod Bateman or Terrace Marshall would fall to them here, but unfortunately that doesn't happen.  Rumor is the Ravens are shopping this pick. I'm 50/50 on the them trading back, because they already have 9 picks. With that being said they draft Teven Jenkins, a big, nasty RT with incredible size and strength. He's an elite pass protector and a fantastic run blocker. He fits right in where Orlando Brown left off.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jayson Oweh (EDGE - Penn State)

Jason Pierre-Paul isn't getting any younger, and Oweh will be a great replacement when the time comes. He has a ton of talent but has a bit to learn. He lands in the perfect situation in Tampa. He can be a situational player for now and learn from two great pass rushers in JPP and Shaq Barrett.

 

I want to give a special thanks to @McManusDesigns, @SwapKingdom, @SchapDesign, @Golden.GRFX, @SnaggyGFX, and @DesignedbyFranco for the awesome jersey swaps!

You can follow me on twitter at @BaltimoreBobFF

 

 

AFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

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AFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

By Steve Uetz

We begin our journey through the AFC with the AFC East. This is a very intriguing division for both real life and for fantasy football. Before we start, here is a reminder of what the team breakdowns are all about!

The team breakdowns will contain an overarching theme for each team or more specifically each offensive core. The offensive cores will be organized into four categories: FADE, NEUTRAL, BUY, and BIG BUY! ADP and auction values will somewhat reflect this but I will be adding some personal perspective with keeping some rules of thumb in mind.

Rule of Thumb #1: Each offensive core may have specific player exceptions.

Rule of Thumb #2: Every player has value at the right price.

The breakdowns will include the players to target from each team, the players’ ideal positional count for your roster, target cost for auction budget % and round #, league type preferences, along with optional blurbs from yours truly. Throughout the team breakdowns be sure to keep your eyes wide open looking for the players with coveted “Ladder Pick” label. The “Ladder Pick” players are who I have identified as those who will help you climb the ladder of fantasy football success for the 2020 season.

I have 6 teams whose offensive core make up the BIG BUY category, 8 teams in the BUY category, 12 teams in the NEUTRAL category, and the remaining 6 teams will generally be considered as a FADE. Just so we are on the same page…BIG BUY=offensive cores to target aggressively; BUY=offensive cores that are reach worthy; NEUTRAL=offensive cores (with some players exceptions both positive and negative) to be drafted at value – not to be reached for nor to be shied away from; FADE=offensive cores to pass on at consensus ranking, players to be drafted weighing risk, or players to be drafted only if at a value, larger the discount the better; always!

New York Jets

HC Adam Gase’s mannerisms at his introduction press conference from a couple years ago still haunt me; this isn’t the reason why the Jets are a FADE. The reason is because he is the coach. Big Weirdo. Bad Coach. That press conference...I just can’t even...

QB Sam Darnold: QB2, priory FA for injury or matchup dependent bye week replacement, certainly has upside but it is a capped for the incompetence of the HC. He is a franchise QB to build around which I’m confident Joe Douglas will do. Dynasty buy!!

RB Le’Veon Bell: RB2, 14-15% auction, round 4, he’s not the Bell that we feel in love with in Pittsburgh but talent and high volume is rare, intriguing but with caution. Game scripts aren’t likely to be in Bell’s favor. Also the inconvenient truth is in town, the eternal Frank Gore.

WR Jamison Crowder: “Ladder Pick” WR3 (if robust RB with elite TE, ideal WR4, 4-5% auction, round 10, he will be a target monster on a team that is likely to be often playing from behind.

Crowder is one of my most drafted players so far this year. Jets WR1 that will get volume with (likely) game script help that is being drafted in the late rounds? YES PLEASE!

WR Breshad Perriman: WR5-6, 1-2% auction, round 14, as the end of your bench WR, Perriman’s late season breakout last year landed him a prime role in this offense. Plenty of upside, not much to lose at cost.

WR Denzel Mims: priority FA, this steal in the 2020 NFL draft could make a great pair with Darnold. He got banged up early in training camp...we apparently just can’t have nice things in 2020. Keep him on your radar!

TE Chris Herndon: TE2 with TE1 upside, $1, round 13. Can I call Chris Herndon the DeVante Parker of TEs? So much upside, so much promise, but little to show for outside of inconsistent flashes of greatness. I’m afraid we will forever say “this is the year” with him as with Parker.

Parker, of course finally broke out last year, same could happen with Herndon! We need him on field though! TE is very deep, so other options remain but certainly juicy upside. Not much to risk if he is your TE2 in a deep league. Could be delicious trade bait!

New England Patriots

The new look Patriots are a NEUTRAL offensive core, with looks of player worth targeting, none of them are worth reaching for. An intriguing offense year in and year out, that remains, but it isn’t business as usual this season. The GOAT is now in Tampa and in comes a former MVP, because of course.

QB Tom Br... Jarrett Sti...Cam Newton: Low-QB1, 3% auction, round 12, Cam could be an absolute steal at his ADP. This feels a little bit like Lamar Jackson last year, hopefully Cam is actually healthy now. Plenty of upside, going late…

The NFL is more fun with Cam on the field. Inherent rushing upside could be exponential with some uncertainty in the RB group!

RB James White: RB3 6-7% auction, round 7-8, this zeroRB legend has more upside for PPR, and is seriously an ideal weapon for Cam. With concerns regarding Sony Michel and Lamar Miller, White could become a lot more than just a PPR floor play.

RB Damien Harris: RB4 (robust WR with elite TE), ideal RB5, 2-3% auction, round 12, opportunity in a good offense is a key to great fantasy late round value, you’ll have nothing to lose and everything to gain with Harris. Keep an eye out for Rex Burkehead if any RBs are to miss extended time.

WR Julian Edelman: Low-WR3 (robust RB), ideal WR4, 7-8% auction, round 8, Edelman is another ideal target for Cam. Edelman can help Cam’s passing efficiency. I’m going to target Edelman aggressively. PPR target.

WR N’Keal Harry: WR5, 1-2% auction, round 14, Harry disappointed as a rookie primarily due to struggling with injuries. He has nowhere to go but up! Could be a steal in the late rounds!

TEs Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are interesting dynasty prospects. Would it be something if the Patriots trade for disgruntled Cleveland TE David Njoku mid-season…would love to see it!

Miami Dolphins

The ADP of the offensive core is a clear representation of why this offense is a FADE, BUT the Dolphins have interesting upside as they look to build off of the semi-surprising success they showed last season.

QBs - Ryan Fitzpatrick/Tua Tagovailoa - Miami landed Tua without the full blown “tank”, he is an incredibly intriguing prospect to me. He is the QB they will build around. *Russell Wilson vibes*

Fitzpatrick is still the lovable bearded gun-slinger, but undraftable in standard roster 12 team leagues. dId YoU kNoW hE wEnT tO hArVaRd?! *Yawn*

RBs Jordan Howard: Low-RB3, ideal RB4, 5-6%, round 10, he is Rodney Dangerfield, he gets no respect despite consistently producing 1000 yard rushing seasons. Power back who is able to catch, under-utilized in that regard.

RB Matt Breida: RB4, 4-5%, round 10-11, Brieda has the speed and pass catching upside but is a little frustrating to roster with injury concerns. Good player with good opportunity. Not going to reach for him, looking for value!

Howard and Breida compliment each other well and should work well together in the offense. Hard to predict week to week usage but I am targeting them as a value in drafts.

WR DeVante Parker: WR3, 6-7% auction, round 7, the Parker breakout *finally* happened and it was indeed glorious to see him ball out. I’ve been down the road of hoping for upside too many times so I will only be drafting him at a value this year.

WR Preston Williams: WR5, 1-2% auction, round 14, really exciting rookie season ended abruptly from injury breaking the hearts of the fantasy world. I’d expect a slow start but certainly targeting him as my end of bench WR!

TE Mike Gesicki: “Ladder Pick” Low-TE1, 2-3% auction, round 12, Gesicki was an athletic standout at the combine 2 years ago, the fruit of his athleticism translated on the field last year.

The pass catching TE who is practically a WR has lots of opportunity in an offense that will likely feature have favorable matchups and game scripts. I’m a Pavlovian dog and Gesicki is the bell!

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are known for their passionate fans, but fortunately for the Bills Mafia, the Bills are on the rise! This revamped offensive core is given the NEUTRAL label from me. I’m targeting, but not reaching for, this improved group!

QB Josh Allen: Low-QB1, 3% auction, round 10, massive arm and rushing upside makes him a very intriguing player. New weapon, Stefon Diggs should contribute to his passing efficiency increasing. Big upside!

RBs Devin Singletary: (low-RB2, ideal RB3, 11-12% auction, round 6) and Zack Moss (RB4, 4% auction, round 9) are a nice hound duo is an offense that is trending up. Good defensive play is typical so there should be plenty of opportunity for touches.

I see Singletary as more of the volume play, with Moss getting the pass catching and potentially the goal line role. Upside can be capped by Allen rushing ability. Both are very talented, it will be very interesting to see how this situation plays out.

WR Stefon Diggs: Low-WR2 (robust RB with elite TE), high WR3, 9-10% auction, round 7, Diggs finds a new home in Buffalo. I think Diggs is a tremendous addition to this offense, he could be an amazing value! Bills paid a big price for him as they build around their franchise QB.

WR John Brown: “Ladder Pick” WR5, 3-4% auction, round 12, the Diggs-Brown duo is an underrated one! Diggs will attract the tougher defensive matchup which will help make life easier on John Brown. Everything to gain and nothing with a player at his value! Perfect sleeper!

WR Cole Beasley: priority FA, PPR target, in the mood of Julian Edelman, this scrappy WR is incredibly underrated and often forgotten about. He should be rostered in all leagues if Diggs or Brown were to miss time!

TE Dawson Knox: Low-TE2, priority FA, TE is so deep this year that he undraftable in standard rule 12 team leagues. This breakout candidate could benefit from Stefon Diggs presence the most! Add him to your watch list!

Ed Oliver: IDP Grab and Stash

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Ed Oliver: IDP Grab and Stash

By Tommy Harvey

Drafted with the 9th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Ed Oliver had drawn comparisons to All-Pro DT/DE Aaron Donald.  While at the University of Houston, Oliver garnered All-American honors, exhibiting dominant skills and abilities.  His rookie season did not do much to dissuade those notions.

In 2019, Oliver only played 54% of the defensive snaps for the Bills, but still managed to accumulate 5.0 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.  His 557 total snaps ranked him 73rd amongst all defensive lineman.  His snaps will undoubtedly rise in 2020, as he moves into a full time starter role with the departure of Jordan Phillips.

Oliver did run into some legal trouble in the offseason, however.  In May, he was arrested for DWI and unlawfully carrying a weapon.  Those charges were ultimately dropped in July, just in time for training camp.

He is a breakout candidate heading into his second season, and will be a major part of the Bills defense this upcoming season.  If his usage can jump from 54% in 2019 to around 72%+ in 2020, Oliver could see himself in the Pro Bowl and you could have yourself a stud defensive lineman on your fantasy team.  He is a top-end, high-caliber DL moving forward in dynasty leagues.

 

Follow me on   @dynastyprostom

Top-10 Running Back Handcuffs

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Top-10 Running Back Handcuffs

Handcuffs can be defined in different ways.  The traditional way is to say the handcuff is a backup who would take over the starting duties if/when the starting RB is injured.  However, with the way many NFL teams have gone to using multiple backs, a newer way to define a handcuff is a RB whose usage would increase in the event of an injury to his backfield teammate.

With that being said, we at dynastyprosfootball.com have put together a list of the best “handcuffs” to have...regardless of stand alone value.

Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns

In the offseason, the Browns placed a second round tender on Kareem Hunt. This shows how much he means to the organization.  The talk out of Cleveland recently is Hunt has been working with the receivers and has a shot to play in the slot quite a bit. All signs point to Hunt having a solid role in this offense in 2020. He very well could prove to be a thorn in the side of the Nick Chubb owner this season. This gives Hunt flex value in PPR leagues without requiring Chubb to miss time. If Chubb were to miss time, Hunt slides instantly into a 3 down role and fantasy points galore.The Browns largest deficit last season was the offensive line, which they addressed in multiple ways through free agency and the draft. Adding a first round Tackle in Jedrick Wills, and signing Right Tackle Jack Conklin, who helped Derrick Henry win the rushing title in 2019. It’s also easy to forget that Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing when he came into the NFL as a rookie. He is still an excellent talent and will be playing to prove to the league he deserves another contract. Look for Hunt to provide flex value with Chubb healthy, and top-12 value should Chubb miss any time. -Alex French

Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings

Early this summer, when Dalvin Cook was reportedly holding out, people were treating Alexander Mattison like he was a fantasy starter. He isn’t, yet. What he is, is a talented player who averaged 8.6 touches per game and 4.6 yards per rush last year even when Dalvin Cook was getting most of the snaps/touches in that backfield. If Cook goes down with an injury, which he has in the past, expect Mattison to inherit all of Cook’s 22 touches-per-game as the starter. Backup running backs that stand to inherit that kind of workload as a starter are always worth a roster spot in all formats. Mattison isn’t quite as explosive or effective in the passing game as Cook, but all Cook owners should jump on Mattison if he falls outside the top-100 picks. -Chris Gregory

JK Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens

In his last season at Ohio State, the diminutive JK Dobbins proved himself a workhorse capable of toting the ball 21.5 times per game to the tune of 2,003 total rushing yards. While he won’t get that kind of volume in a crowded Baltimore backfield next year, he should see at least half of the 191 touches that the Ravens gave to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill last season. Dobbins could also benefit in the passing game if Lamar Jackson sticks to his promise to run less, and dump the ball off more. Dobbins’ quick feet, reliable hands, and terrific acceleration could make RPO’s with Jackson virtually impossible for defenses to defend. As a result, Dobbins should net at least 110 rushes and 25 targets if Mark Ingram stays healthy. If Ingram were to go down, expect Dobbins to top 16 touches per game and exceed Ingram’s 1,265 total yards from last season. -Chris Gregory

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have arguably the best offensive line in the entire league. In the NFL draft, they took one of the best running back prospects in Jonathan Taylor. Not only did they draft Taylor, but also traded up in the second round to do so. These signs point to Taylor taking the starting role, while pushing Marlon Mack into a secondary role. With how dominant the Colts offensive line is, that makes Mack an excellent handcuff. In 12 games in 2018, Mack ran for 908 yards, which is a 1200 yard pace. Last season, Mack ran for 1091 yards in 14 games...an almost identical pace. One part of Mack’s game that is often overlooked is his pass catching ability. Throughout his college career, Mack caught 65 passes. This offseason, the Colts brought in Philip Rivers from the Chargers. Rivers threw 178 passes to his backs last year. Should Mack have the primary role at any point this season, he is poised for fantasy success. Also in a contract year, he will be playing to prove he deserves another contract. -Alex French

Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos

All Phillip Lindsay has done in his two years in Denver is run for 2,048 yards on just 416 carries and catch 70 passes.  In the offseason, the Broncos felt the need to bring in Melvin Gordon to take over the lead running back role.  So, Lindsay will move into the RB2 role and battle for touches.  Gordon has been known to miss time throughout his career with the Chargers, leaving hope for Lindsay to provide fantasy value as one of the best handcuffs.  -Tommy Harvey

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys

Tony Pollard is a must have handcuff for any Zeke dynasty owners, especially this year. With all the COVID-19 risk to go along with the usual injury risk, if Zeke misses any time, Pollard will get all the work that is up for grabs. He is a proven back out of Memphis, who also flashed as a receiver. He was able to carry the ball 86 times last year with an average of 5.3 per carry. His versatility could also lead to him lining up as a receiver and getting on the field more, much like Mike McCarthy used Ty Montgomery in Green Bay. -Jake Miller

Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills

Zach Moss steps into a great situation with a team that likes to establish the run and has 166 vacated carries up for grabs with Frank Gore’s departure.  He will almost certainly be the goal line back. While at Utah, he was #1 in the Pac 12 in rushing yards (1416), yards from scrimmage (1804), rushing TDs (15) and total TDs (17).  He is the only player in Utah history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.  According to PFF, Moss has the 3rd highest broken tackles per carry rate over the last 6 seasons and he had 16 plays in 2019 that went for 25 yards or more. You don’t need to be a Devin Singletary owner to draft Zack Moss, but if you are, this is one handcuff you don’t want to miss out on. -Levi Ellis

Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals

Last season, the Cardinals planned on relying heavily on RB David Johnson.  However, Johnson suffered through injury and ineffective play, forcing Arizona to make a move with Miami for Kenyan Drake.  Throughout the 2019 season, Chase Edmonds was forced into action and performed admirably when given the opportunity.  Edmonds’ biggest game came against the New York Giants, when he rushed for 126 yards and 3 TDs on 27 carries.  Heading into 2020, Edmonds will again be the RB2 in the desert.  If Drake were to be forced to miss time due to injury or Covid-19, or be ineffective, Edmonds would be the next RB in line for touches. -Tommy Harvey

Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints

While Latavius Murray doesn’t pack the same one-two punch that Mark Ingram provided to Alvin Kamara, he does present himself as a good ‘break glass in case of emergency’ option. Murray heads into his age 30 season behind a presumably, fully healthy Kamara. While Murray technically started multiple games last season, his two biggest games came when Kamara was held out of action. Murray tallied 221 rushing yards on 48 carries and added three rushing scores. He also managed to collect 14 receptions and added another touchdown reception. Other than these two contests, Murray only saw double digit rush attempts in two other contests, one being a pretty meaningless week 17 matchup. He likely won’t provide weekly flex worthy numbers, unless he hits paydirt.  I wouldn’t necessarily seek Murray out if you don’t have Alvin Kamara as your RB1, but he’s an absolute must stash if AK is on your squad. -Matt Kelley

Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles

Say it with me, ‘Miles Sanders is not Christian McCaffrey’. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite consistent speculation, have not added depth to their backfield over the offseason in the form of a veteran running back (yet). While that is a possibility, I’m betting on the Eagles pursuing their 2020 quest with Sanders and Boston Scott as their go to backs. Doug Pederson has notably been a RBBC coach in his tenure. Is Sanders the best RB he’s had since being in Philly? Probably. The good news here is that both Sanders and Scott can see enough volume to coexist. Scott will have weekly PPR flex upside. He isn’t likely to overwhelm as a rusher... think of him more as Austin Ekeler lite. He has great hands out of the backfield and can make guys miss. Scott racked up 23 catches over the final four weeks for 199 yards.  He displayed a nose for the end zone as well putting up four scores on the ground. Should Sanders miss extended time, Scott will be the primary backfield weapon, and at the point he will provide solid RB2 value. I’m drafting Scott with or without Sanders in PPR formats. You should too. -Matt Kelley

Other handcuffs to target:

Gio Bernard (CIN), Joshua Kelley (LAC), Tevin Coleman (SF), AJ Dillon (GB), Carlos Hyde (SEA)