Handcuffing is a common strategy in fantasy sports, particularly in fantasy football, where a manager secures the backup to one of their star players. This approach is often used for positions with high injury risks, such as running backs. By handcuffing, a manager ensures they have a ready replacement if their star player gets injured, thus protecting their team from a significant drop in performance.
This strategy can be particularly effective in scenarios where the backup player is capable of producing at a similar level to the starter in the event of an injury. While handcuffing uses up a roster spot that could be utilized for another player, the security it provides, especially for high-value players, can be invaluable during a long fantasy season.