HOW'S THAT HANDCUFF STRATEGY WORKING OUT FOR YOU?

by Rupert, Ghosts of Wayne Fontes

Five weeks into the season, injuries are abound in the NFL. Backfields in particular are feeling the wrath across the league as one after another goes down after another. While this would seem to bode well for the old "handcuff" theory in fantasy sports, it is becoming evident yet again, that the theory pays off about as often as Halley comes. Well, I've said it once and I'll say it again, I hate this theory. Nevertheless, don't take it from me; see for yourself...

Michael Pittman - Unless you handcuffed your handcuff - a.k.a. bedposted - you came out of this one in bad shape. You could have picked up Earnest Graham as recently as last week. If you're playing in a league of morons, pick him up now. Pittman is out 2 months and Caddy is done. Graham is a serviceable starter from here on out.

Ladell Betts - Seemgly, Betts was a logical pickup going into the season. Nobody knew what to expect from Portis, but Betts has been worthless - 167 total yards, 6 catches, and 0 TDs to be exact. Betts is in the running for dud pick of the year.

Chester Taylor - Adrian Peterson is the real deal and the Vikes haven't looked back. The only chance you have of Taylor paying dividends this season is if he finishes the season in New Orleans.

Brandon Jackson - Clearly, it doesn't matter who is in the backfield in Green Bay; nobody is going to break out big games in this offense on a consistent basis. This should prove to be a classic argument against the handcuff theory. The surprise starter, DeShawn Wynn, is the only guy even remotely worth trading for Jerry Porter or the Lions defense and few fans had even heard of him coming into the season.

Tatum Bell - Ditto. Besides, Jones still seems to to be the guy if he can get healthy. Why, I don't know? He never has stayed healthy and he isn't very good anyway.

Deuce McAllister - You know the story here. Everybody doubted if Reggie Bush was ready to carry the load and expected another decent year out of Deuce. Nope. This year it took all of three weeks for this McCallister to go on the IR. Consequently, Reggie still isn't ready to shoulder the load.

Michael Bush - Well, you were right in handcuffing Lamont, but Bush is out and nobody picked Fargas to come up with the big games. Don't blow your load yet though, because this is just about to get confusing with Lamont on the mend and Dominic Rhodes is returning from his reckless driving suspension.

Mike Bell - While perennial injury threat Travis Henry seemed a gamble in Denver, Mike Bell is owned in a whopping 1.7% of Yahoo! leagues. I think it's safe to say he'll be available if and when Henry goes down.

I think I could keep going (feel free to add in the comments if you like), but you get the point. I'm hoping we can finally put this dumb "handcuffing" idea to bed once and for all this year. Sure it's worked a few times since the rise of fantasy football popularity, but it's rare. Just pay attention and you can find replacements when your horses get injured. In the meantime, do not waste a roster spot on a bench warmer. The odds of them paying off are not nearly worth having a guy you might actually need come the bye weeks.