Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 3: Which Handcuffs Are Still Available?

Running back handcuffs can be more valuable in fantasy football that many think, especially in a day and age when backs are hurt more than ever and most teams give at least two backs a relevant amount of carries. 

If you still need one, here's a good list of guys who are still available:

Ben Tate, Texans (Owned in 82.4 percent of ESPN leagues)

Obviously, people have jumped on Tate's bandwagon in a hurry, as he's owned in nearly every league. But if you're in one of those 17.6 percent of leagues where Tate is still available, it's time to pounce. He's more than a handcuff at this point; he's the de facto starter until Arian Foster's hamstring heals. 

Deji Karim, Jaguars (Owned in 5.5 percent of ESPN leagues)

Karim has seen 20 carries over the first two games, which is a considerable number with Maurice Jones-Drew ahead of him. He's worth stashing on your bench. In a situation where MJD would go down, Karim would then get enough touches to be a starter possibility. 

Toby Gerhart, Vikings (Owned in 3.3 percent of ESPN leagues)

Adrian Peterson hasn't been one to share through two games this season, but Gerhart has produced in his limited touches. He has 52 yards on just four carries and also contributed a 42-yard gain on a screen pass last week. Gerhart might warrant more touches moving forward, but he'd be a really interesting fantasy player if AP went down. 

Roy Helu, Redskins (Owned in 17.6 percent of ESPN leagues)

The Redskins rode Helu in the second half against the Cardinals, and the rookie responded with 74 yards on 10 carries. He's also flashed some ability as a receiver. There's no guarantee that he'll get as many touches in Week 3, but there is some untapped potential here that is worth looking into.

Isaac Redman, Steelers (Owned in 1.7 percent of ESPN leagues)

Rashard Mendenhall is still the No. 1 back for Pittsburgh, but Redman gives the Steelers a nice changeup. He's solid on third downs and the Steelers have given him a series or two each game. Against the Seahawks, Redman gave the team 49 yards and a score. Keep an eye on whether or not the Steelers continue to give him short-yardage looks. 

Delone Carter, Colts (Owned in 3.0 percent of ESPN leagues)

He's slowly taking carries away from Joseph Addai, which could potentially make him more than a handcuff down the road. Addai also has a sketchy injury history. On 18 carries so far this season, Carter has 71 yards. 

Javon Ringer, Titans (Owned in 2.6 percent of ESPN leagues)

Chris Johnson will continue to take on a bigger load as he gets in game-shape, making Ringer less and less a factor. But if Johnson keeps struggling or goes down with an injury, Ringer is your man. He scored a touchdown last week and looked tough.