Who Should I Start? Calvin Ridley or Jerome Ford

Saturday, July 12, 1:52 PM

TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt writes that Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley appears to be re-energized in his second season with the team with the addition of rookie first-round quarterback Cam Ward. Ridley has taken the first overall pick under his wing this offseason, and they have both formed a strong bond both on the field and off. For Tennessee's offense to take a step forward in 2025, the Titans will need the chemistry between Ward and Ridley to pay off after Ridley went for 64 catches, 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in his first year with the team in 2024. The 30-year-old is the clear WR1 and should continue to have a high target share, but his fantasy value will be directly impacted by how quickly Ward can adapt to the speed in the NFL. Ridley is ranked at RotoBaller a the No. 32 fantasy wideout.

Wednesday, July 9, 3:20 PM

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Cleveland Browns veteran running back Jerome Ford is likely to open the 2025 season in the RB1 role. The team just selected former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins and former Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson in the first four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, so this backfield could be difficult to navigate for fantasy football purposes. However, Ford's familiarity with Kevin Stefanski and his pro experience could give him the early nod. The 25-year-old has flashed at times over the last two seasons, compiling 308 carries for 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns. However, the Browns' selecting two rookie running backs should tell us they are not all that satisfied with Ford as the unquestioned RB1. Even if he starts the season as the touch-leader in the backfield, this will likely be a fluid situation based on which Cleveland ball carrier performs well in the preseason and during the regular season. With the Nick Chubb era officially over, the Browns backfield is being reshaped, and one of Ford, Judkins, or Sampson could be a tremendous value pick.