Raise your hand if you knew Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams would be the fantasy RB3 through two weeks. Okay, now put your hand down, you liar. Williams going bonkers for the Cowboys as a reclamation project has been one of the biggest fantasy storylines to date. What’s also surprising about this Cowboys backfield is that Miles Sanders, another reclamation, has cemented himself as the true handcuff in Dallas over rookie Jaydon Blue.
It’s essential to keep your proper handcuffs up to date. As it becomes clear that the Dallas lead-back position carries significant fantasy value, knowing who is first in line for touches is crucial. Let’s get into why Sanders has moved into position ahead of Blue.
Is Miles Sanders the handcuff in Dallas?
Many fantasy drafters, myself included, pegged Blue as a great late-round redraft target. A homegrown Texas product playing for the Cowboys, and all he has to do is beat out two washed veterans? Sign me up! However, it turns out those veterans aren’t so washed up. Williams is taking the lion’s share of carries, rushing 33 times for 151 yards and three scores through two games. Sanders has backed him up with nine carries for 68 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Blue has been a healthy scratch for both games to date.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: a coach wants more from his rookie running back as a pass protector. That’s precisely what Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has demanded from Blue. In the midst of praising his talent and playmaking ability, he notes that Blue has a ways to go learning the playbook and protecting his quarterback. It would sure explain why Williams and Sanders, two veterans with pass-pro chops, have soaked up all of the snaps through two weeks.
The verdict
Unless you are in a very deep redraft league, it’s best to drop Blue. He’d need a season-long injury to Williams to have a chance at significant touches, and even then, Sanders is the clear RB1 in Javonte’s absence.
Sanders is the add here. Especially if you roster Williams, he makes for a great handcuff option to secure that backfield. Even if you don’t roster the starter, Sanders is still worth adding in case something happens to Williams. You might get lucky and end up with an RB2/FLEX for free.
