The NFL fantasy football season is set to start on Thursday with the Broncos and the Ravens playing in Denver and with drafts still going on all over the place, many owners are wondering who the best running back handcuffs are for 2013 and two names that keep coming up include Christine Michael and Knile Davis for backs Marshawn Lynch and Jamaal Charles.
Both Charles and Lynch were in the top 10 in rushing yards last season with 1,590 yards for the Seahawks star and 1,509 for the Chiefs back and while they are expected to put up monster numbers again, they also will be spelled by other running backs at times and that is why Davis and Michael are crucial for Lynch and Charles fantasy owners this season. Ben Tate for Arian Foster is a prime example after the Texans star dealt with some injuries this offseason and now the two young players are expecting to be contributors in 2013.
Charles had an injury scare in the preseason and while it ended up just being that, all Charles fantasy owners started to look for possible handcuffs in case a disaster happens like two years ago when he missed the team and rookie Knile Davis appears to be the man. Davis went to Arkansas and comes into the NFL as a very speedy and strong running back and he also will be contributing to the team on special teams.
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Davis had some nice plays in the preseason and he had a 109 yard score against the Steelers in the preseason and that could get him more carries on the field behind Charles. The Chiefs like to use their running backs in the flat with Andy Reid and Davis could add production that way as well with his speed. Davis had some fumbling problems in the preseason, but Reid said it was not much of an issue and since he can also return kicks, he likely will get more chances on the field over Cyrus Gray behind Charles.
Charles is just a year off of ACL surgery and while he made it through last season, there is always a chance he could get hurt again and Reid will be aware of how much he is on the field after dealing with a foot issue in the preseason. Lynch has been one of the most consistent and productive backs over the past three years and he has been the goal line back for the Seahawks and Michael could come in and do some damage when Lynch is off the field or if he gets hurt.
Lynch is ranked second in the NFL in rushing over the past two seasons and he has been solid out of the backfield and even though he will get the bulk of carries for the Seahawks, Michael looks like a better handcuff option than Robert Turbin. Michael didn't put up great numbers in the preseason, but he rushed for 13 carries and had two catches in the preseason finale and his size will give him a chance to get into the game for Lynch.
Many see Michael as a future running back for Seattle and he could surprise this season if given enough chances, just like Davis. Michael was picked number 62 from Texas A&M in the second round and that came before a number of talented players in April. Turbin will still be in the mix for the Seahawks, but it looks like Michael will get more opportunities as the season wears on and he could be a sleeper after rushing fort 186 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. He had an athletic 40-yard score in the preseason and that type of play could get him on the field more consistently.
Other handcuffs include Tate for Foster, as well as Bernard Pierce for Ray Rice and Toby Gerhart for Adrian Peterson.
