In fantasy football leagues, selecting backup running backs may not seem thrilling, yet making the right choices among these players can play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a championship run. This task can prove challenging, particularly as the lines between starter and backup become increasingly blurred, partly due to the platoon strategies employed by many teams in today’s NFL. Additionally, the landscape can shift rapidly due to injuries and performance issues, leading to changes in depth charts that significantly impact fantasy outcomes. This analysis provides a ranked overview of each NFL team's handcuff running back, accounting for factors like standalone value and potential upside if elevated to a starter role. These assessments are informed by training camp reports, snap count data, and usage trends from prior seasons.

For instance, Kendre Miller was once viewed as a promising backup option in fantasy drafts. Currently, however, the enthusiasm surrounding the 2023 third-rounder has faded. The New Orleans Saints retain Miller in hopes he will fulfill expectations, yet he is not advised for roster inclusion outside of the deepest league formats. Since declaring his intent to compete with Alvin Kamara for a starting position, Miller has struggled, accumulating only 454 yards and two touchdowns on 95 touches across 14 career games—a testament to his challenges in becoming a reliable NFL performer. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals appear to have unearthed a potential diamond in sixth-round rookie Chase Brown, who is favored to dominate their backfield in 2025 after competition for the backup role intensified following Zack Moss' recent release.

The Green Bay Packers' running back Tyler Lloyd, despite being a Day 2 pick last year, participated in only one game as a rookie and posted a meager 18 scrimmage yards from seven touches in that outing. Injuries marred his debut season, and a recent abductor injury further complicates his outlook for 2025. Lloyd is unlikely to surpass star Josh Jacobs in this backfield anytime soon, particularly with Jacobs demonstrating elite production. Other intriguing scenarios exist across the league, such as Saquon Barkley's impactful initial season with the Philadelphia Eagles, leading them to a Lombardi Trophy while minimizing the relevance of backups like Will Shipley and signifying a new era in the Eagles' running game.