Fantasy Football: Handcuff Me or Beware

In recent years NFL teams have started using a two back system driving fantasy owners crazy. I remember owning Tiki Barber in 2006 watching him rush for over 1,600 yards, and being taken out for bruiser Brandon Jacobs once the Giants were in the red zone. Barber finished that season with five touchdowns while Jacobs finished with nine, teaching me the importance of the handcuff.  I learned my lesson the tough way, and since then have picked up my starters handcuff, even if that means drafting a player a little too early. Here is a pair of running backs that are number two on the depth chart, who are sure to steal some carries, while playing an important part of the upcoming fantasy season.

Thomas Jones - When Thomas Jones was cut by the New York Jets it was expected because of his upcoming 2 million dollar signing bonus. When Jones signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, fans of Jamal Charles scratched their head because they thought it was the Charles show from here on out. Charles fans need to remember that this is the new NFL and one back is not enough. Jones not only brings a veteran presence to a young Chiefs team but is a proven NFL featured back unlike Charles. Jones was third in rushing last season with over 1400 yards and in 2008 ran for over 1300 yards.  So how valuable will Jones be in 2010 as a complementary back?

I think combining Jones with Charles was an excellent move by General Manager Scott Pioli.  Jones is a one cut runner, who bursts through holes and has a great eye for the end zone (14 touchdowns in 2009), while Charles gets around the edge very quickly and in open space is as deadly as they come.  All fantasy players are aware that Charles will be the feature back, but Charles getting 20 plus carries a game will not be in the cards. The Chiefs are going to be a run first team, so Jones will close in on 700 yards on 180 carries. Knowing that Jones was fourth in the league in redone carries last season, he should finish with at least 10 touchdowns and score more than Charles. Jones will be an excellent flex play all season long, and ruin the hopes of Charles being the dominant running back you saw the second half of the season.

Tim Hightower - Many have written off Tim Hightower coming into the 2010 season, as Beanie Wells is a top the depth charts in the Arizona backfield. I fully support that decision, as Beanie is a powerful back who is very agile, a rare combo, giving him the opportunity to take his game to the next level. There is no question Wells will score 10 plus touchdowns, while carrying the ball 200 times, and becoming worthy of a third round selection.

Knowing this, I urge you to not sleep on Hightower in what will be a new Arizona offense with Matt Leinart leading the way. With Leinart lining up behind center, the Cardinals will run the ball more often, which will lead to Hightower getting more carries then had the previous two seasons. Hightower interestingly enough ran the ball 143 times in 2008 and in 2009, but last season ran for 199 more yards, which shows he is a developing as a running back. Mostly used on third down and near the goal line, Hightower is an excellent change of pace back, showing excellent vision in his two year career. What separates Hightower from Wells, is his ability to catch the ball, making Hightower a great flex or third running back in PPR leagues. The Cardinals offense will rely on the ground game more than ever in 2010, so even with Beanie becoming the featured back, from a fantasy perspective Hightower will be relevant all season long. With 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons, Hightower has a knack for finding the end zone so 2010 should be no different.  Hightower should score nine times this season, while rushing for 650 yards, to go along with 60 receptions.