Jason Kamlowsky Argues Samaje Perine Is a Top Fantasy Football Handcuff

In a column published on fantasypros.com for Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season, featured writer Jason Kamlowsky analyzes running back handcuff rankings and roster strategy.

Samaje Perine Rises in Cincinnati Backfield

Kamlowsky identifies Samaje Perine as the biggest fantasy football riser of the week, noting that he may have earned a larger role in Cincinnati. Chase Brown has struggled recently and lost a fumble on Sunday while the Bengals were driving for a score. Kamlowsky reports that Perine handled 14 carries compared to Brown's 13 on Sunday. Because the Bengals are on a bye week, Perine might not emerge as an immediate hot pickup, making him an ideal roster stash.

Tier One Roster Stashes Led by Braelon Allen

The column divides running back handcuffs into three distinct tiers for fantasy managers. In Tier One, Kamlowsky ranks Braelon Allen of the New York Jets first after he rushed for 116 yards and the game-winning touchdown on Sunday, filling in effectively for Breece Hall. Kyle Monangai ranks second, though turf toe will likely hamper him for the remainder of the season after missing Week 5. Emmett Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs takes the third spot as a valuable option in Andy Reid's offense, where running backs historically thrive regardless of the player.

Woody Marks of the Houston Texans sits fourth on the Tier One list. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans described David Montgomery as week-to-week, giving Marks streaming appeal. Kaelon Black of the San Francisco 49ers ranks fifth as a solid handcuff despite limited involvement in the passing game. Blake Corum of the Los Angeles Rams occupies the seventh spot ahead of a Monday night appearance, while Tyler Allgeier of the Arizona Cardinals ranks eighth following a difficult loss.

Cleveland Backfield Shuffled After Injuries

Kamlowsky addresses a shifting situation in Cleveland following Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. Quinshon Judkins was reportedly spotted in a boot after the game, and his backup, Raheim Sanders, exited with an apparent hip injury. Those setbacks leave Jaleel McLaughlin as the potential primary ball-carrier heading into a difficult matchup against Baltimore.

Rounding out Tier One, Brian Robinson Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons is recommended as an addition due to a favorable second-half schedule. Chris Rodriguez Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars takes the final spot in Tier One, with Kamlowsky projecting that Rodriguez would absorb roughly 70 percent of the backfield usage if Bhayshul Tuten were to miss time.

Lower Tiers and Waiver Targets

Kamlowsky notes that Dylan Laube handled more carries than Washington on Sunday, creating some uncertainty in the Raiders' backfield.

For Thursday Night Football roster moves, Kamlowsky designates Kimani Vidal as his preferred stash ahead of a potential waiver wire surge, while also pointing toward RJ Harvey on the Denver side.