Handcuffing in fantasy football is insurance for the RB position, rostered as both starter and backup from the same NFL team to cushion injury risk. It’s a cost-conscious, depth-building strategy that shines in deeper leagues and during mock drafts where you test slotting. The model highlights four tiers: 1A/1B platoons (Montgomery with Bigsby; Stevenson with Skattebo) and backups behind lead backs who could seize the job if injury hits (Allen, Charbonnet, White). It also notes late-round lotto options like Gordon II and the waivers path, while weighing the opportunity cost of bench space. A hybrid approach—handcuffing some backs and not others—often yields the best balance of safety and upside, especially when you leverage draft kits and mock simulations to optimize cost and value.

TreVeyon Henderson is pushing toward a Patriots lead-back role, challenging Rhamondre Stevenson as the New England backfield leans toward Henderson's explosiveness and versatility. A 100-yard kickoff return and sharp preseason bursts highlight his ability as a runner, receiver, and pass protector, signaling a potential early breakout if he wins the job.

The Patriots are likely to mix both backs, but Henderson’s dynamic skill set could tilt usage in his favor. If Henderson seizes the lead, Stevenson remains a reliable floor option in standard formats, while Henderson offers higher ceiling in PPR through targets and big plays.

Patriots cut down to 53 with a plan for a 16-man practice squad, setting up a fast, versatile 2025 lineup lead by Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs at QB. Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear workhorse in a backfield that also features TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson. Stefon Diggs anchors a wheeled, multi-weapon WR corps alongside DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and rookie talent, with Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper as a tight-end pairing. The line is solid with Morgan Moses, Will Campbell and Mike Onwenu, while a rising defense fronts with Christian Gonzalez, Khyiris Tonga and Anfernee Jennings.

Depth and flexibility mark the NE roster, hinting at a dynamic, play-action friendly attack. Maye’s ceiling hinges on development and in-season integration, Stevenson’s volume remains the backbone, and the WR/TE mix—led by Bourne and Douglas—offers weekly stream and DFS upside. Special teams and reserves add depth as NE navigates the early schedule.

The Patriots staged roster cuts with Terrell Jennings and Gee Scott Jr. released, signaling a three-man backfield behind Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and TreVeyon Henderson as final 53-man decisions loom. Jennings showed preseason buzz but lands on the waiver/practice squad path, while Scott Jr. impressed in camp but didn’t crack the initial roster. NE’s WR and TE depth remains fluid, with Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, and the TE duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in the mix, plus Dippre and Westover breathing down the floor as potential practice-squad options.

Fantasy implications point to Stevenson maintaining clear RB1 status, Gibson likely handling a sizeable role as a veteran back, and Henderson operating as a change-of-pace option. Henry and Hooper anchor the tight end group, with Dippre/Westover possible future contributors. The Pats still have eight moves to finalize before the 4 p.m. deadline, making watchlists essential for late adds and potential waiver-week drops.