The fantasy football playoffs are coming up quick, and the last thing a contender needs is for a top option to go down with no backup option. This article will go over some options to make sure that isn’t the case this year.

Tank Bigsby

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Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (37) runs against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tank Bigsby has excelled when given the opportunity when Saquon Barkley takes a breather. He has solidified himself as the RB2 for the Philadelphia Eagles, and in the event Barkley goes down, Bigsby will have a huge role.

Barkley has not been the same player he was last season, so being hesitant to pick up his backup is completely understandable. The key here is the other options. Bigsby will be the best RB available on the waiver wire immediately if his role is elevated. Instead of letting it get to that point, stash him just in case.

Brian Robinson

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Nov 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. (3) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Brian Robinson has been rostered heavily throughout the fantasy season due to the frequent injuries suffered by Christian McCaffrey. Nothing has occurred yet, but the history is still concerning. If McCaffrey goes down, his owner will suffer a major loss in production no matter what. Why not lessen that blow and have his backup already stashed?

Robinson is a starting-caliber RB in the NFL, but the San Francisco 49ers acquired him for scenarios where McCaffrey misses time. With the high usage offense San Francisco runs, Robinson will be an RB1 in fantasy if he gets a start. With the weeks winding down, any open roster spot should be used on him.

Dylan Sampson

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Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (22) carries the ball on a 66-yard touchdown reception against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dylan Sampson is a less extreme case due to the potential competition with Jerome Ford at backup RB. Quinshon Judkins has made both backups non-factors in fantasy this season, but the receiving upside for Sampson is through the roof if the opportunity presents itself.

Sampson wouldn’t jump into the RB1 tier, but his value couldn’t go understated if Judkins goes down. A PPR league’s darling is just what Sampson would be if the opportunity comes. A perfect RB2 or flex play due to his receiving floor and rushing usage upside. The only concern here would be Ford taking some touches.

Blake Corum

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Nov 30, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Blake Corum has had success even when Kyren Williams is healthy. Some have claimed him to be the best backup RB in the league, and his receiving upside gives him that uptick in PPR leagues to confirm that statement.

If Williams misses any time at all, Corum will be elevated into the same tier as Robinson. An instant RB1 would hit the waiver wire for any competition to claim. The last thing any fantasy player would want is to have a top player get hurt and the backup starting for the opponent in the championship game.

End Of My Fantasy Rant

Running back injuries are a very common cause for fantasy football losses. If there is no backup plan and you’re lacking priority on the waiver wire, having these handcuff RBs will be key to withstanding contender status.